MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner hosted Southern States Athletic Conference newcomer in a crucial league matchup Friday evening at Tine W. Davis Gymnasium. A win would give Faulkner a leg up in the post season race, while a loss would put a tournament appearance all but out of reach. Coastal Georgia's methodical play and relentless effort dealt a tough blow to the home team as it secured the victory in straight sets 25-12, 25-21, 30-28.

Set one served as a wakeup call for the Lady Eagles. The Mariners strung 10 unanswered points at the 4-1 mark and Faulkner never recovered.

Set two ushered in a fresh pace for the home team. Neither side led by more than four points and the two teams traded the lead four times. Even after falling behind late in the contest, the Lady Eagles managed to tie the event four times, but couldn't maintain control for long.

Set three was virtually the inverse of the opening set early on. Faulkner struck for six straight points out of the gate and extended the lead to 13-4 before Costal started to rally.

Faulkner allowed eight consecutive bullets at the 20-14 mark that allowed the visitors to slingshot into two point lead lead.

A back and forth battle ensued with both sides serving set point three times before the Mariners made good on their final effort.

Coastal's top two hitters, Lindsay Herman and Holly Hammer, combined for as many kills as the entire Faulkner roster. Herman led the way with 18 kills and Hammer followed with 14, hitting .333.

The Mariner defense was on point and out-dug the Lady Eagles 65 to 47.

Elissa Cargile led the offense for Faulkner with 10 kills, hitting .292. The freshman added four digs.

Brittnay Renfroe followed closely with eight kills, hitting and impressive .400, and added pair of blocks.

Morgan Wilson and Sarah Ford split the assist column in half with 14 each. Ford had four kills and ranked second on defense with eight digs. Wilson had seven digs.

Anna DeRamus took over the libero jersey in set two and led the back line with nine digs.

Faulkner dropped to 8-14 overall and 2-9 in the SSAC. Faulkner will travel to No. 5 Lee on Tuesday. The match is set for 6 p.m.