MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner dug itself out of a set one loss to burn Bethel with three consecutive wins 18-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-22 in the opening round of the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament here at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex this afternoon.

Faulkner entered the match holding a grudge. The Wildcats managed to dispatch the Lady Eagles in both regular season showdowns and the birds were determined not to close the season in similar fashion.

Bethel fought out of an early rut to put the first win in the books, but a tired Faulkner club dug deep and clipped the Wildcats in three close battles.

"The girls entered the match almost completely gassed," said head coach Tori Bartels. "We worked really hard against Spring Hill and as much as I think that performance ultimately helped us mentally against Bethel, it exhausted us physically. To watch the girls put it all on the line made me incredibly proud as a coach. All I've ever wanted from them is their best, their everything, regardless of outcome. Today, that's what they brought to the table and they were rewarded."

Sarah Stout dominated for Faulkner with 14 kills and 15 digs.

Brittnay Renfroe followed with eight kills and had four total blocks.

Alysa Klassen had six kills and three touches a the net. Kelsey Bell also contributed six kills.

Ariel Riley stepped up her game as well and contributed five kills, while hitting an impressive .444, and had a block.

Shelby Woods led the defense at the net with six total blocks and had four kills.

Morgan Wilson and Sarah Ford split setting duties and had 21 and 13 assists respectively. Ford added 10 digs and Wilson had five.

The back row leader for the birds was Lindsey Ortner who logged 16 digs.

Faulkner advances to the quarterfinals Friday at 5 p.m. and will take on the winner of the Coastal Georgia and Southern Wesleyan match.