Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 by Ryan Bartels
MARIETTA, Ga. - After splitting a pair of matches on Day 1 of the Running Eagle Classic hosted by Life University here yesterday, the Lady Eagles (5-3) were perfect today blanking Breanu University (Ga.) 25-18, 25-20, 25-20 and Bluefield College (Va.) 25-17, 25-17, 25-20 to close out the event on a hight note.
"We found the energy after a very long day to get the job done," head coach Tori Bartels said. "We had to dig deep late against Bluefield, but that really taught us a lot about what we can do if we focus and work for every point. The girls did some good things this weekend and I think we learned a great deal, but we still need to strive for consistency across the rotation if we want to be successful as conference play approaches."
Outside hitter Cassie Bailie led the front row assault with 16 kills which included 10 against Bluefield while hitting .348 as part of her double-double effort where she tagged on 13 digs. The lone senior had 21 total digs and three blocks assists on the day.
Utility player Krystalynn Leomiti remains a dominant presence on both sides of the ball for the Lady Eagles. The junior had seven kills in each match and hit an impressive .438 in the nightcap. She also added eight digs and five total blocks to her statistical printout for the afternoon.
Freshman Kortney Barnes continues to impress up front as well. The middle had 11 kills on the day which included a seven-kill effort against Brenau while hitting .462. She contributed five digs and four blocks assists to boot.
Katie Musser had 31 assists over six sets while fellow setter Ariana Vannoy added 24 more.
Libero Julianne Wilkes led the team in digs with 30, but Ashley Ingwersen was close on her heels with 23.
Faulkner will next travel to Lake Whales, Florida, for a pair of rematches. The Lady Eagles will tangle with Webber International, a team that clipped Faulkner in straight sets in the Invitational last weekend, on September 8. at 6 p.m. central. Ave Maria, a squad the Lady Eagles defeated 3-0 yesterday, awaits on September 9 at 4 p.m.
