Contributed
(August 28, 2010)

BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - The Faulkner men’s soccer team secured an opening round victory in the Union College tournament Friday after knocking off the host team, 1-0.

"We played well today," said head coach Brett Mitchell. "I would like to have seen a little more come in the last 30 minutes, but it’s a good win and we’re into the championship match tomorrow evening, which is nice."

Mitchell was referring to the final 25 minutes of play when a Union player was ejected after receiving his second yellow card of the contest. Mitchell said his team did a nice job defensively being a man up, but felt that the offensive attack could have been stronger.

The Eagles struck for the lone goal in the first period off a penalty kick by Igor Popovich, and the score held through regulation.

The Eagles (2-0-1) will take on the winner of Friday’s matchup between Cumberland (Tenn.) University and Emmanuel College in the championship game Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m.

Volleyball sweeps in tourney

LEBANON, Tenn. - After going winless in the Cumberland University volleyball tournament last year, Faulkner entered the opening round of this year’s competition looking for a spark. The Lady Eagles got just that when they blanked Mountain State University 25-13, 25-20, 25-18 before taking on Pikeville College in the nightcap. Faulkner fell behind early, but pulled out the win in five sets 23-25, 25-16, 19-25, 25-16, 15-7.

Neysa Hernandez was an impressive offensive weapon in both matches. The junior outside hitter had 12 kills hitting an impressive .308 in the opener and added 19 kills (.275) in game two to wrap up the day.

Senior right side Wendy Riley was again on fire for the Lady Eagles knocking down nine kills hitting .533 against State before adding six more against Pikeville.

Freshamn outside Kelsey Bell had 16 kills over two games and had five service aces.

Lerin Hoback anchored the offense with 74 assists on the afternoon, while Maddie Brinkley’s defensive efforts produced 23 total digs and five aces.

Junior middle Jessica Long had nine kills hitting .412 in game two and junior Abbie Melvin had eight kills and 11 digs.

“The whole team was impressive today,” said head coach Tori Bartels. “There was great energy on the floor and on the sidelines. That’s something we really missed last year. If we can keep this type of mentality and heart, this could be a great season.”

Faulkner (3-0) kicks off day two of the tournament Saturday against formal conference rival Reinhardt College at 9 a.m. The team will follow with a match against Cumberland at 11 a.m.