In the highly-anticipated rematch of last season's SSAC Volleyball Championship Finals, Martin Methodist edged out Faulkner 25-23, 25-23, 25-19 Saturday afternoon in Tine Davis Gymnasium. 

The first set went back and forth with the lead changing four times. The 12th tie came at 23-23, the Lady Eagles watched a free ball hit the ground to gift set point to the RedHawks as part of a three point RedHawk run to close the set. 

Faulkner trailed 24-20 in set two when Ashley Ingwersen (SR/Huntsville, Ala.) went back to serve following a kill from Kortney Barnes (JR/Mobile, Ala.). The senior from Huntsville struck two straight aces, providing hope for the comeback. Martin Methodist's attack error following a timeout but a visitor's kill the next point halted the comeback chances. 

The RedHawks used an 8-3 run after a 4-4 tie to set the tone for the final frame and the Lady Eagles could not close the gap.

Barnes led the team with nine kills. Alyssa Stagner (SO/Sneads, Fla.) dished out 33 assists and completed her double-double with 12 digs. Julianne Wilkes (SR/Deatsville, Ala.) dug 17 attacks.

Faulkner will head to Hattiesburg, Miss. to take on William Carey Friday Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.