MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Faulkner grabbed a program high 72 rebounds Tuesday afternoon in a 79-40 romp over Pensacola Christian. In front of a crowd of excited elementary school students, the Lady Eagles took control from the outset and scarcely ever let up. Faulkner hung 23 points in the first quarter and 20 more in the second on the way to a 43-19 halftime lead.
"We are really excited to get the win in Elementary Day today. We are so grateful for the energy that the kids brought to the gym. They were the MVP for sure," Faulkner Head Coach
Reed Sutton said.
By the end of the contest, Pensacola Christian had managed to make just 19.7 percent of its shots from the floor while Faulkner shot 35 percent. Sutton's squad took the rebound battle 72-31, topping the previous program high of 67, a feat that came against Trinity Baptist Nov. 19, 2017. Included among the total for Faulkner Tuesday was an astounding 28 offensive rebounds, a mark that fell one shy of the program record achieved against Trinity Baptist in 2017.
"Rebounding has been an emphasis of ours after losing
Angela Grant to graduation. She covered a lot of missed block-out sins over her career," Sutton said. "I thought our kids really gave great effort on the glass on both ends today. It gave us enough possessions so even though we didn't shoot it great we were able to score well."
Morgan Holland consisted created opportunities for herself and her teammates throughout the contest, leading the way with 14 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists.
Ruthie Smith added 13 points, 11 rebounds and six blocked shots.
Neely Johns had 13 points and 11 boards in the contest.
Kinlee Varnell had nine points and nine rebounds.
Evaiah Burrows finished with eight points and eight rebounds.
Dee Guinn had seven points and seven rebounds. Faulkner also got significant contributions from its bench unit including three assists from
Ella Jane Connell in just 18 minutes.
"I was really happy with the playmaking of Morgan today. I think Ruthie is really off to a great start this season," Sutton said. "Off the bench I was really pleased with the efficiency of Ella Jane and Dee. Ella Jane is seeing the floor really well. She is playing with grit. Dee did great point guard things today. No turnovers. Defended and rebounded her position well. Communicated and led verbally well and she made her open shots and free throws. She has been a great addition for us."
The game also featured the return of
Olivia Chadwell, who had been out since Nov. 5, 2022 with a significant knee injury.
"It was so great to not only see
Olivia Chadwell back on the floor, but to see her play well, rebound well, and get a bucket. She inspires our whole team every day and we were all excited to see her back out there," Sutton said.
Faulkner (1-1) has two more contests this week as it takes on Southeastern and Florida Memorial in the SSAC-Sun Challenge. Both games will take place at Tine Davis Gymnasium. Faulkner faces Southeastern Thursday at 1 and Florida Memorial Friday at 11 a.m.
