PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Fairmont State University swept Point Park University 25-10, 30-28, 26-24 on Friday at Student Center Gym. The Falcons recorded 13 total blocks, effectively stifling the Pioneers' attack, which struggled with a hitting percentage of .007.

Fairmont State opened the first set with a commanding performance, quickly establishing a 7-1 lead. Key contributions came from Josie Nobbe and Zoe Ringer, with Nobbe registering kills and Ringer providing crucial assists. The Falcons capitalized on the Pioneers' errors and extended their lead through effective serving, including a service ace from Josie Skinn.

Cayden Anschutz and Belle DeVall entered as substitutes to maintain momentum, as Anschutz added to the lead with a kill. Fairmont State's defensive efforts, highlighted by blocks from Natalie Zemba and McKenzi Martin, thwarted the Pioneers' offensive attempts. The set concluded with the Falcons securing a 25-10 victory, showcasing a well-rounded team effort.

Fairmont State opened the second set with momentum as Joey Borelle delivered back-to-back service aces, propelling the team to a 4-1 lead. The advantage was supported by a solid block from McKenzi Martin and Zemba, allowing Fairmont State to maintain early control. Despite the Pioneers' efforts to equalize, the Falcons continued to respond with key kills from Alexa Martin and McKenzi Martin, keeping the score tight.

As the set intensified, both teams exchanged leads, with notable contributions from Nobbe and Borelle. A critical block by Zemba on Alex Koontz and a closing kill by M. Martin secured the set for the Falcons, concluding a closely contested set at 30-28.

The third set began with Fairmont State capitalizing on key offensive plays, including a kill by Borelle, assisted by Zemba, establishing an initial lead. Despite the Pioneers' defensive efforts, Fairmont State maintained pressure, with Nobbe and Alexa Martin contributing crucial points to keep the score tight.

As the set progressed, the Pioneers seized momentum with a series of successful plays, highlighted by Avery Budrys Rini's kills. However, the Falcons responded effectively with kills from Borelle and Nobbe, narrowing the scoring gap.

In a tense conclusion, the Falcons showcased resilience, as Borelle delivered a pivotal kill, followed by Anschutz securing a critical point from a DeVall assist. Alexa Martin and Anschutz combined for a decisive block, sealing the set with a 26-24 victory for Fairmont State.

Borelle led the Falcons' offense with 12 kills and added two service aces, finishing with a team-high 15.5 points. Skinn was pivotal defensively, recording 19 digs across three sets. Zemba contributed significantly at the net with six total blocks, while Ringer facilitated the attack with 16 assists and added 10 digs.

Fairmont State (14-6, 2-2) visits Frostburg State University on Tuesday, October 14. The match from Frostburg, Maryland is set to start at 7:00 p.m.