MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner displayed tremendous tenacity and fire early in its three-set bout against Cumberland (Tenn.), but ultimately succumbed to a host of mental and physical errors while also staring down the barrel of an aggressive Phoenix attack in the 25-23, 25-22, 25-13 loss. The Lady Eagles traded blows in their ensuing showdown against Bryan (Tenn.), but pervasive errors and erratic energy proved insurmountable in the difficult 25-21, 21-25, 25-23, 14-25, 15-12 loss.

The home team tallied a whopping 65 errors over the eight sets. Hitting errors are expected by a young team, especially early in the year, but serving and defensive blunders at the net proved incredibly costly. All things being equal, 65 errors on a day that included a total loss margin of just 26 points is a real eye-opener for the youthful Lady Eagles.

Though team errors where higher per set in the opener, it was actually low efficiency that kept Faulkner from ever overcoming it's opponent. The home team hit just .020 as a unit while the Phoenix dialed in a .208, which was anchored heavily by Maci Lerno who dominated the court with 15 kills while hitting an impressive .583.    

The opposite was true against the Lions. The birds boasted a .235 hitting percentage while holding Bryan to .167. Faulkner also doubled the stops up front with 10 team blocks to the visitors' five. At the close of play, however, it was untimely mistakes paired with inconsistency rather than inefficiency that did Faulkner in.

The Lady Eagles did bolt out of an eight-point pit half way through set three against the Lions to creep within striking distance late and that surge carried over to the fourth set where Faulkner collected an 11-point victory.

But as quickly as the the furry arrived, it departed. Bryan was electric out of the gate in the do-or-die fifth and despite a few point runs by the home team it was the Lions' energy that won the day.    

Daijah Washington offered up 25 digs, 21 kills, six block assists and three service aces on the evening.

Krystalynn Leomiti had 21 kills and digs and added three block assists. 

Alysa Klassen also tallied 21 kills and nine total blocks.

Katie Musser loaded the weaponry with 80 assists over the two games and pulverized the receive with six aces.

Libero Julianne Wilkes led the back row with 32 digs while fellow defensive specialist Cassie Bailie contributed 13.

Faulkner (0-2) will face Southeastern (Fla.) tomorrow at noon and will close out the Invitational against Webber International (Fla.) at 4 p.m.

Gallery coming Saturday afternoon...