FROSTBURG, Md. — Fairmont State University defeated Frostburg State University 3-1 on Tuesday at Bobcat Arena. After dropping the first set 23-25, Fairmont State rallied to take the next three sets, 25-20, 25-17, 25-19. The Falcons recorded 51 kills and 12 total blocks, showcasing strong defensive play.

Fairmont State opened the first set with a competitive edge, quickly responding to an early point by Frostburg State with a kill from Joey Borelle. Despite trading points, the Bobcats managed to pull ahead due to several attack errors from the Falcons, extending their lead to 9-3. Fairmont State rallied midway through the set with a series of successful plays, including kills by Borelle and McKenzi Martin, reducing the deficit to 18-16. The team continued to apply pressure, tying the score at 21-21 through a balanced offensive effort led by Josie Nobbe. However, Frostburg State managed to regain momentum late, closing out the set 25-23.

The Falcons initiated the second set with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by Joey Borelle participating in multiple blocks, causing Frostburg State's attackers to commit errors. This series of defensive plays helped Fairmont State secure an early 7-2 lead. Martin contributed with a key kill, further extending the advantage. As the set progressed, the Falcons maintained their momentum with contributions from Nobbe and Ava Strange, who each recorded kills to keep their team ahead. Despite a brief rally from the Bobcats, Fairmont State capitalized on several service errors from its opponent to maintain the edge. Borelle's final series of plays, including a kill and a forced attack error, sealed the set for the Falcons with a 25-20 score, concluding the set with a decisive advantage.

Fairmont State began the third set with a decisive momentum shift, capitalizing on an early attack error by Frostburg State to take a 1-0 lead. Chloe McDaniel contributed a strong block, setting the tone for the Falcons as they quickly established a 3-1 advantage with a kill from McDaniel. After a brief exchange of points, Fairmont State extended their lead with a series of kills from Borelle and Natalie Zemba, pushing the score to 10-6. Midway through the set, Fairmont State maintained its momentum with a 9-0 run, highlighted by several attack errors from the Bobcats, which were effectively capitalized on by the Falcons' defense. Kills from Martin and Alexa Martin further widened the gap to 19-8. Despite a brief rally from Frostburg State, Fairmont State continued to control the set, with Borelle securing crucial points late in the set. Fairmont State closed the set confidently, with a final kill from Borelle sealing a 25-17 victory.

In the fourth set, Fairmont State quickly gained momentum with a series of successful plays. Alexa Martin and Belle DeVall's early connection resulted in a kill that set the tone. Fairmont State capitalized on the Bobcats' errors, including a service ace by Martin and subsequent attack errors by Maya Johnson, building an initial 4-1 lead. Frostburg State momentarily closed the gap, but Fairmont State responded with key kills from Borelle and Nobbe, supported by Zoe Ringer's sets. Despite Frostburg State tying the score at 7-7, Fairmont State remained resilient, regaining the lead at 12-11 through consecutive attack errors forced by the defensive efforts of Alexa Martin and Nobbe. Fairmont State maintained control in the latter stages, with Martin and Cayden Anschutz contributing crucial blocks. A service ace from the team extended the lead to 21-16. Nobbe and Martin closed out strong with decisive kills, securing a 25-19 victory in the set.

Borelle led the team with 18 kills and added 12 digs, contributing 19.5 points overall. Josie Skinn recorded a team-high 21 digs, anchoring the defense across four sets. Nobbe was effective at the net, finishing with 11 kills and 5 total blocks. Ringer facilitated the offense with 24 assists while also serving one ace.

Fairmont State (15-6, 3-2) returns home to Fairmont for the first time in over two weeks to face West Virginia State University on Friday, October 17. The match will take place at East Fairmont High School with a start time of 7:00 p.m.