Reinhardt redeemed in rematch
Oct. 19, 2007
Montgomery, Ala. – On Sept. 28, Faulkner took Reinhardt College to five games and held off match point for 7 straight points to clinch the event. Today, Reinhardt returned the favor. The Reinhardt Lady Eagles took Faulkner to five games and pulled out the match 30-28, 23-30, 20-30, 31-29, 16-14.
The Eagles got a bit rattled early in match and though they fought well toward the close of game one, they came up short 28-30. Games two and three were virtually no contests. Faulkner blistered Reinhardt by 7 points in game two and by 10 points in game three. The match looked all but over in game for, but a late rally by the Lady Eagles forced the home team to falter and Reinhardt struck back 31-29.
Game five was a point swapping battle until the switch when Reinhardt was able to connect a series of points taking a marginal lead over the Eagles. Faulkner trailed by three when match point came for Reinhardt. With the cowed at its feet the Eagles stuck three straight points, tying the match 14-14.
Fans were recalling the tremendous stand that Faulkner made at Reinhardt in September and felt confident that they were in for a similar ending. But Reinhardt had different plans and took the lead 15-14 after a big bock at mid net. With the match on the line yet again, the teams entered into a long volley with exceptional defense keeping the ball alive. Faulkner was able to put up a superb dig, but the Lady Eagles were able to find the back corner on a deep push and pulled out the match.
Faulkner’s offense was led by Kimber Holt who had an impressive 21 kills and 4 blocks. Brittany Harden followed with 20 kills and Libero Carrie Butler contributed a season high 41 digs.
With conference leader Lee University still unbeaten in the SSAC and Berry College having only lost to the top seed, Faulkner and Reinhardt have been battling for third position. After defeating the Lady Eagles in September, Faulkner secured third in the standings. Reinhardt has held tight at the fourth spot and though the teams have split victories, Reinhardt has a one game lead in conference play. After today’s match the Lady Eagles crept into the third spot. If Faulkner is able to eliminate Southern Wesleyan tomorrow afternoon they should leap Reinhardt and regain third position.
Faulkner will still face Huntingdon College and Loyola University later today. The Eagles look to redeem the early loss this afternoon by clinching the cross-town matchup with the Hawks and knocking off region rival Loyola.
