Faulkner University

Montgomery, Ala. -The Faulkner University athletics department has experienced numerous firsts this year with the advent of new programs and facilities. The junior varsity volleyball team is among the new programs and the department and school were excited to host the first ever JV volleyball tournament over the weekend.

Five visiting teams from throughout the state gathered in the Tine Davis Gymnasium on Friday and Saturday to compete in the first annual Faulkner Classic. The teams included Bevill State Community College, Central Alabama Community College, Jefferson Davis Community College, Judson College and Lawson State Community College. Faulkner competed in four games in the tournament and though the team was unable to pull out a victory the players showed vast improvement and incredible determination.

“One of the referees who called our fist match of the season was with us during the tournament,” head coach Lexie Emerson said. “She commented on how much the girls had improved in only three matches.”  Bevill State’s head coach, Sandra Holliman, also mentioned how much the team had improved. The Eagles competed against Bevill State in a pre-season scrimmage match.

“Overall the girls have improved tremendously,” Emerson added. “It’s impossible to single out any one player because they all work so hard and each of them has a great attitude and genuinely loves the game.”

The varsity and JV coaching staff have always reiterated the importance of improvement over wins. “Wins will come,” said varsity head coach Tori Bartels. “Right now they are doing everything they can and it’s exciting to see the program improve so much in just a few short weeks.”

The junior varsity team is currently 0-6 on the season. Their next game will be against Pensacola Junior College at home on Friday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m.