BRUNSWICK, GA. — Faulkner (1-1) splits five set contests on the opening day of its season in the Mariner Invitational here at the College of Coastal Georgia falling to West Virginia Tech this afternoon (1-1) 32-30, 22-25, 25-23, 19-25, 15-12 before bouncing back with a 25-23, 25-12, 25-27, 13-25, 16-14 win over Life (0-2) in the nightcap.

The first ever meeting between Faulkner and West Virginia Tech was hotly contested. The Lady Eagles came out strong, jumping out to a 11-5 lead in the first set, but were unable to finish the set as the Golden Bears finally broke the extra points stalemate to clinch the first set.

Faulkner answered right back to take the second set and even the match.

Ten Lady Eagle errors proved costly in the third set, allowing West Virginia Tech to take a 2-1 lead.

The fourth set was Faulkner's turn to come back from a deficit. After trailing 16-11, the birds won 14 of the next 17 points to force the decisive fifth.

The Golden Bears returned the favor in the last frame, coming back from an 11-4 deficit to win the match.

Tori Marchant recorded a double-double with 12 kills and 10 blocks, pacing the team in each category in the first match. Daijah Washington and Mallory Black also had double-digit kills.

"Inexperience and lack of killer instict in the first match hurt us," said Tori Bartels. "We made our own errors allowing WVU Tech to steal the momentum and run with it... as long as we learn from this loss it will be worth the pain.

Just a few hours later, the ladies had another chance to find their first win of the season. After winning a tight first set, the Lady Eagles soared to take the second set, hitting .385 as a team in the frame.

Faulkner had a chance to close out the match in the third set, but Life was able to find two timely kills to extend it.

Attack errors in the fourth allowed the Running Eagles to hold serve for nearly 75 percent and carry momentum into the decisive set.

Faulkner dug deep and battled through a fifth set that saw nine ties and three lead changes to seal their first victory of the 2018 campaign.

Two freshmen especially shined in their first day of collegiate competition. Alysa Vinson collected 16 kills and 30 digs. Black ended the day with 20 kills.

Julianne Wilkes tallied 53 digs.

Katie Musser chambered 58 assists.

"I am proud of the team tonight for finding the fire to fight after going up 2-0 and losing the next two," said Bartels. "They made a decision to win and pushed as a team to accomplish it. We have some things that need work, but as a whole, I am pleased with our defense and serving. We're looking forward to another productive day tomorrow."

The Mariner Invitational will continue tomorrow with the Lady Eagles squaring off with Mayville State and Point at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively.