MONTGOMERY, Ala. - After splitting on day one of the twelfth annual Faulkner Invitational, the Lady Eagles were looking to open the second round on a high note with a victory over Martin Methodist. After struggling to find composure in the opening set, Faulkner fought back to even the event at a set each, but the RedHawks proved dominant and secured the win 25-20, 18-25, 25-20, 25-22.

Set one was a struggle for the home team, but a fresh lineup and more aggressive play at the net carried the Lady Eagles to a convincing win in set two.

Feeling primed and confident, Faulkner bolted out to a 5-0 start in the third set. Then, the tempo shifted. Martin Methodist sparked a 9-1 run and never lost the lead.

The final set was a back and forth battle, with both sides climbing out of minor ruts throughout. Ya Zhao proved the deciding factor for the RedHawks, however. The junior outside hitter connected for a pair of service aces half way through the set and hammered down seven kills to lead the attack.

The final two points of the contest were also service aces.

Zhao logged 23 kills, hitting .625 for the visitors. Flavia Costa followed with 10, hitting .280.

Taylor Dollison led the way for Faulkner with 18 kills, hitting .615, and had a pair of blocks.

Kelsey Bell followed with seven kills, hitting .235, and added eight digs.

Morgan Wilson had 28 assists for Faulkner and Anna DeRamus had 20 digs.

Faulkner (2-4) will take on former conference rival Reinhardt in the final showdown of the tournament. The match is slated for 5 p.m.