Wichita, KS - The Lady Falcons headed to the Columbia tournament on Friday, hoping to get a good start on the 2010 season.

In the first game of the year, Friends faced off against Columbia College, the 7^th ranked team in the country.

The team fought hard, but went down in three games: 11-25, 16-25, and 14-25. Friends put up a very good showing against such a strong team. Head coach

Martin Ayin gave his thoughts after the match. "Since it was our first game, we all had the nerves flowing, but it is exciting to get the season started. We had a very positive showing against the #7 team in the nation."

Friends will play three more games at the tournament, hoping to notch a couple wins before the home opener on September 14^th.