MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner's volleyball team opened the home season in style this evening when it toppled former Southern States Athletic Conference titan Spring Hill in five sets 25-22, 21-25, 25-11, 15-25, 15-13. The victory marked the Lady Eagles' first over the Badgers since October of 2009.

The teams traded close battles early on and then dominating decisions in sets three and four to push the match to a full five rounds. The back-and-forth battle finally swung in Faulkner's favor at 13-13.

Sarah Dubberley was nothing short of explosive for the Lady Eagle offense. The junior outside connected for 16 kills to lead the floor and hit and impressive .500 on the night.

Hanna Shanley proved crucial as well with 12 kills hitting .333. Brittnay Renfroe followed with 11 kills while hitting .364 and added three total blocks.

On defense, middle Alysa Klassen dominated at the net with 10 total blocks. The sophomore also had five kills.

Leading the back row was libero Lindsey Ortner with 18 digs followed closely by Delricka Anthony with 16 and Cassie Bailie with 12.

Jordan Jones had 21 assists and Morgan Wilson and KK Lo added 18 and 13 respectively. 

Savannah Becnel hit .458 with 14 kills for Spring Hill and Megan Haber and Hannah Masoner added another 13 each.

"This was a huge win for us," said head volleyball coach Tori Bartels. "Spring Hill is always a very tough opponent and Peggy Martin is a superb coach and a good friend. It was nice to finally get a W against such a potent program. We played dominant and strong early, but then faltered when they thought Spring Hill was going to just go away. They learned quickly that great teams fight until the end. Our girls had to push back in the face of defeat and that's an experience that I'll embrace almost as much as the win itself."

Faulkner (5-2) will host its annual Invitational this weekend. The eight-team event begins Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. The Lady Eagles open with Milligan (Tenn.) at 3 p.m. and follow with Southeastern (Fla.) at 7.