BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - Faulkner took on a very potent St. Thomas (Fla.) squad in this afternoon's opening contest here in the first annual NAIA Southeastern Challenge hosted by Union College. The undefeated Bobcats (8-0) blistered the Lady Eagles (0-5) in the opening set and held on for the 25-14, 25-21, 25-19 victory.

Faulkner produced the fewest offensive errors of any match so far this season, which is a big plus for a team that had compiled well over 100 in its opening weekend. On the flip side, however, the usually dominant Lady Eagle block was virtually nonexistent in the outing. The team tallied just two team blocks, the fewest so far this year.

Faulkner's offense was heaviest on the outside followed by the middle. Senior Jordan Linder spearheaded the attack at the far side of the system with six kills hitting a team best .267.

Fellow outside hitter Daijah Washington also had six kills.

Tor Marchant added five kills, hitting .250 out of the center of the court and Alysa Klassen offered up five as well. Both middles had a pair of blocks.

Katie Musser finished the game with 24 assists while defensive specialists Julianne Wilkes and Cassie Bailie logged eight and seven digs, respectively.

Faulkner will next take on Bryan college in the Challenge at 3 p.m. today. The Lions clipped the Lady Eagles in five sets in last weekend's Invitational.