by Ryan Bartels

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner (14-8, 6-5 SSAC) overcame its mid-match lull to rip Southern States Athletic Conference foe Brewton-Parker (4-20, 0-11 SSAC) 25-10, 25-12, 25-16 here in the regular season home finale at Tine Davis Gymnasium this afternoon.

After a dominating opening set, Faulkner floundered a bit early in the second. Carelessness by the home team coupled with heads-up execution by the Barons allowed the visitors to gain a slight advantage.

A well-positioned timeout seemed to jostle the Lady Eagles back into rhythm and Faulkner cruised to another lopsided win.

The arena took on new life in the final installment when senior Cassie Bailie's number was called for front row action.

The all-conference outside hitter has been pinned on the back line all season as a result of an nagging hip injury, and her transition to hitter in the final game brought the crowd to its feet.

The lone senior wasted little time making the most of the welcome change by hammering her first three attempts into the floorboards for kills.

Bailie went on to hit .222 overall with four kills while adding three digs and a service at to her match totals.

The front row was led by middle Tori Marchant who hit .357 with seven kills. She also added as many digs and had a court-high seven total blocks as part of Faulkner's outstanding 12-block effort.

Kirsten Carter followed with six kills, hitting .500, while Kortney Barnes had five total blocks and four kills.

Katie Musser offered up 26 assists and had eight digs on the day.

Libero Julianne Wilkes delivered a floor-best 12 digs and had two aces.

Faulkner kicks off a crucial road SSAC weekend on Friday when it will look to even the season against Bethel. That match is set for 7 p.m. in McKenzie, Tennessee.

Senior Cassie Bailie (front center) surrounded by her team after the Senior Day ceremony