by Ryan Bartels

MOBILE, Ala. - Despite a close second set, lackluster offense plagued Faulkner (15-10, 7-7 SSAC) in tonight's straight-sets loss against Southern States Athletic Conference regular season champion Mobile (32-3, 14-0 SSAC) in the regular season finale.

The opening bout was pretty much a dead heat until the Lady Eagle offense all but stalled out at the 15-point marker while the Rams finished the set on an 8-1 run.

Faulkner sparked in the second game while trailing 8-4, slingshotting into a 10-9 lead which it held until 16-all. The two teams were tangled in a close fight through the remainder of the outing, but Mobile managed to inch away late.

The final showdown was heavily lopsided in the home team's favor throughout.

The Lady Eagles hit just .038 on the night while the Rams registered in at .258.

Krystalynn Leomiti hit .233 with 11 kills and rounded out a double-double night with 13 digs. She also had two block assists.

Tori Marchant led the defense up front with four total blocks while adding as many kills.

Libero Julianne Wilkes had a court-high 20 digs and setter Katie Musser had 16 assists and six digs.

Faulkner will next enter the SSAC tournament at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex downtown next week. The Lady Eagles open with pool play beginning on Thursday. Opponents have yet to be determined.