MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Five Eagles recorded their first start of the season as Faulkner fell 3-0 to NCAA DII side West Alabama Thursday night at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex.

Several starters rested in this non conference match to allow for some playing time for some rotation players and to try some new looks against a talented Gulf South Conference side. Nic Fischer made his Faulkner debut in goal. Alvin Gibson, Isaac Murray, David Cha and Juan Grieben also made their first starts of the season. Simphiwe Bhembe subbed in the second half marking his debut.

The Tigers struck first on a diving header from Ethan Acton from Hugo Courchinoux's set piece delivery in the 11th minute and doubled the advantage with a Peter Oyetunji goal in the Vince Stans finished the scoring in the 85th with a header off a Lucas Hart free kick.

West Alabama outshot Faulkner 10-3 and allowed just two shots on target. Fischer made one save in the loss. 

The Eagles return to conference play March 11 against Mobile in a rescheduled game from a rainout on Feb. 18. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.