story by Tripp Reynolds

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner (2-0) outscored Life University (1-2) in the first three periods of play then withstood a spirited comeback effort to secure the 88-70 win on Day 2 of the Jimmy Faulkner Classic here at Tine Davis Gymnasium this evening. 

The Lady Eagles led 19-15 at the end of the first quarter, paced by senior forward Faith LeGate's five points, and stretched the margin to 40-29 by the break anchored in part by nine points from junior guard Kayla Tillman.

Life put up a valiant effort in the fourth quarter and the Lady Eagles had no answer for Jacky Jones, who led all scorers with 19 points. 

Faulkner weathered the storm, however, and closed out the Classic with a 2-0 record.

LeGate was again the home team's leading scorer with 16 points and she added six rebounds.

Senior guard China Leary chipped in 14 points and led the offense with four assists. She was the only other Lady Eagle in double-digit scoring.

"We feel good about tonight," head coach Reed Sutton said after the game. "It wasn't always perfect, but it was a step forward from our first game, and that's what we're looking for.  I thought we got a great effort from China Leary at the point. She handled pressure well, made her free throws and led the team well.  Faith was Faith.  Always solid, always finishing and always leading.  I want to give a lot of credit to Life for being a really scrappy team in their first year as a program.  They're setting a solid foundation for the future."

The Lady Eagles return to action next Saturday when they take on the Huntingdon College in an exhibition contest at Tine Davis Gymnasium.  The game is set to tip off at 7:00 p.m.