FAIRMONT, W.Va. - The Fairmont State University softball team opened its home schedule against West Virginia University Tech. Aggressive base running and timely hits, the Falcons took down the Golden Bears, 9-4 and 4-2.

Game 1: Fairmont State 9, West Virginia Tech 4

West Virginia Tech opened the game with an RBI single in the first. Fairmont State quickly responded as Bella Hess scored on a throwing error.

The Falcons shut down the visitors in the second while looking to add to their lead. In the bottom half of the inning, the home side scored six runs including a three-run home run by Emily Riggs. Later in the inning, Elizabeth Waszkiewicz doubled to left field to make it a 7-1 game.

Following a scoreless third, the Golden Bears added a run in the fourth. During its next at-bat, FSU answered with a solo shot by Courtney Moyer to center field.

The score remained 8-2 until the bottom of the sixth when Delaney Haller drew a walk with the bases loaded. West Virginia Tech tried to come from behind with a two-run home run in the top of the seventh but Grace Sobeck made a diving play at second to secure the win.

Haller pitched all seven innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits with eight strikeouts. Hess went 3-4 from the plate, scoring two runs.

Game 2: Fairmont State 4, West Virginia Tech 2

Unlike game one, it was the Falcons to get on the board first as Riggs singled to center to bring home Hess. As Kamilla Slayton drew a walk, the pitch got away from the catcher and thus Hannah Workman scored. Following a pitching change, Moyer hit a sacrifice fly to right as Riggs tagged up from third. The final run was scored when Slayton crossed home on a ground ball produced by Isabella Yelle.

The score remained in favor the home side by four until the top of the fourth when the Golden Bears were able to score. West Virginia Tech replicated this feat in the fifth with an RBI double.

Fairmont State maintained the 4-2 edge until the top of the seventh when the Golden Bears looked to strike. The visitors had runners on the corners as Jordan Popowski came in, looking to close out the game. After a runner advanced to second, Popowski forced a fly ball to center to end the game.

Allyson Nordling picked up the win for the Falcons, pitching 6.2 innings, giving up the two runs (all earned) on five hits and three walks. Popowski earned her first save of the season.

Fairmont State (5-1) is set to face Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the Sue Morris Complex Classic in Glenville, W.Va. on Saturday, February 24. First pitch is set for 10:30 a.m.