CALIFORNIA, Pa. – The Fairmont State volleyball team opened the 2015 Cal Vulcan Invitational by dropping a pair of hard-fought four-set matches against California (PA) and Truman State on Friday afternoon.

California (PA) 3, Fairmont State 1 (25-23, 25-22, 19-25, 25-21)
In the first match of the day, the Falcons were led by Mackenzie Harrison with 18 kills but were only to win one set in the match. After falling behind, 2-0, after two sets, the Falcons fought to an impressive 25-19 win in the third set to stay alive. However, Cal responded and wrapped up the win with a 25-21 advantage in the fourth set.

Erin Harwood was one kill from a double-double, recorded nine kills and a team-high 22 digs against the Vulcans. Setter Jessica Furda chipped in both offensively and defensively for FSU, recording 35 assists and 17 digs for her first career double-double. McKinley Romp also added 20 digs and three aces against Cal.

Truman 3, Fairmont State 1 (25-13, 18-25, 25-23, 25-23)
In the second match of the day against Truman State, the Falcons were led by seniors Erin Harwood and Courtney Kress with 11 and 10 kills respectively. Harrison chipped in eight kills and 15 digs while Romp had a team-best 20 digs in the second match of the afternoon. Furda recorded her second double-double of the day and of her career against TSU with 32 assists and 13 digs.

After falling in the first set by a large margin (25-13), the Falcons recovered with a 25-18 win in the second set to even the score at 1-set apiece. Truman edged FSU, 25-23, in the third and fourth sets. TSU recorded a .214 attacking percentage compared to .144 for the Falcons.

The Falcons will wrap up play at the Vulcan Invitational on Saturday with a match against Bridgeport (CT) at 1 p.m. and Clarion at 4 p.m.