MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Coastal Georgia's early assault ultimately anchored the 3-1 decision over Faulkner in tonight's Southern States Athletic Conference match here at Tine Davis Gymnasium. The Mariners hammered home 55 kills while holding the Lady Eagles to 28 in the 25-18,17-25, 25-9, 25-20 victory.

Coastal's (14-5, 7-1 SSAC) high-tempo offense proved too much for the Faulkner (9-11, 5-3 SSAC) defense in the opening event. Of the home team's 18 points, they earned only nine.

Set 2 was a completely different affair, however, with the Lady Eagles in rapid-fire mode while the Mariners struggled with consistency and ever-piling errors. Faulkner's fire quickly gained oxygen and by the close of the second bout that energy level had escalated into an outright inferno. 

The fuel for that blaze soon became scarce, however, as the home team shifted to defend the north side of the court, which had become somewhat of a wasteland for both teams through three sets. The visitors easily catapulted back into the 2-1 lead anchored by a heavily lopsided win.

Set 4 was the most evenly keeled battle of the night with the score remaining in a tight race deep in the point tally. Coastal did finally string together a handful of well-executed plays late and went on to take the set and match.

Tonight was one of the few times this year that the Lady Eagles were on the lower end of the error spectrum. The Mariners booked 45 blunders while Faulkner logged 34.

The visitors out-hit the birds .146 to .079, but the blocks were even at seven total for each side. Other mismatched stats included aces which fell in favor of Costal 11 to three.

Alysa Klassen led on both sides of the net up front for the Lady Eagles with eight kills and four total blocks through four sets.

Daijah Washington had six kills and 11 digs.

Ashley Ingwersen and Kiki Coombs each tallied five kills and had 12 digs and a pair of block assists, respectively.

Libero Julianne Wilkes dominated the court with 24 digs and Cassie Bailie added 10 more.

Setter Katie Musser had 24 assists and six digs.

Noticeably absent was Krystalynn Leomiti who usually anchors the front row side of the setting duo. Leomiti missed the contest due to illness.

Faulkner will next host SSAC newcomer Middle Georgia State tomorrow evening at 7 p.m.