FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Virginia State University defeated Fairmont State University in four sets, 25-23, 25-18, 21-25, 25-19, on Friday evening. The Falcons tallied 96 digs and 14 total blocks, showcasing a strong defensive effort.

Fairmont State began the first set trying to overcome an early deficit against the Yellow Jackets, trailing 6-1 after a series of successful plays from the visitors. The Falcons responded with a 4-0 run featuring kills from Joey Borelle and Cayden Anschutz, narrowing the gap to 6-5. Midway through the set, Josie Nobbe contributed significantly, recording several kills and helping the team stay competitive. A late push saw the Falcons tie the score at 23-23, aided by a block from Borelle and Natalie Zemba. However, the Yellow Jackets secured the set 25-23 after a late kill.

Fairmont State opened the second set with a burst of momentum as Borelle delivered back-to-back kills, followed by consecutive blocks from Zemba and Nobbe that pushed the score to 4-0. Despite this strong start, the Yellow Jackets responded with a series of points, including a service ace and multiple kills, to level the score at 8-8. The Yellow Jackets then took control, capitalizing on attack errors from Fairmont State and a series of successful plays to create a significant lead. Although Borelle continued to contribute offensively, the Falcons couldn't close the gap as West Virginia State maintained their advantage. The set concluded with the Yellow Jackets securing a 25-18 victory, ending the set with a kill by Nicole Gartner Custodio.

The third set commenced with Fairmont State making an immediate impact, as Borelle and McKenzi Martin secured early points, giving the home team a 2-0 start. After a brief tie at 2-2, the Falcons regained control with a series of successful plays, including a critical block by Zemba and Nobbe, leading to a 6-3 advantage. The Falcons continued to build momentum with Belle DeVall serving up an ace and Martin adding consecutive kills, extending the lead to 8-3. Despite the Yellow Jackets narrowing the gap to 9-6, the Falcons responded promptly with strong offensive plays from Borelle and Martin, maintaining a steady lead. As the set progressed, Fairmont St. fended off the Yellow Jackets' attempts to close in, with Nobbe and Zoe Ringer contributing key points. The home team maintained their composure, and a final push with a kill by Ringer, assisted by Nobbe, secured a 25-21 victory for Fairmont State in the third set.

Fairmont State opened the fourth set with substitutions, bringing in Olivia Perkins, DeVall, and Anschutz. The Yellow Jackets quickly gained momentum, taking an early 4-0 lead with strong offensive plays. The Falcons responded with a kill by Nobbe to get on the scoreboard. Despite the Falcons' efforts, including multiple kills by Nobbe and Borelle, the Yellow Jackets maintained their lead. Fairmont State managed to keep the game competitive, with Alexa Martin and McKenzi Martin contributing key defensive plays. The set saw the Falcons closing the gap to 18-15 after a series of errors by the Yellow Jackets. As the set progressed, the Yellow Jackets capitalized on the Falcons' errors and strong plays by Carmen Perez and Custodio, extending their lead. Despite the Falcons' late efforts, including blocks by Zemba and Nobbe, the Yellow Jackets closed the set with a final score of 25-19, securing the set victory.

Borelle led the Falcons with 21 kills and added 15 digs over four sets, accumulating 22.0 points. Josie Skinn contributed significantly on defense, recording 40 digs. Ringer facilitated the offense with 25 assists while maintaining a perfect hitting percentage. Nobbe was a strong presence at the net with seven blocks, also contributing 12 kills.

Fairmont State (15-7, 3-3) hosts the University of Charleston on Saturday, October 18 at East Fairmont High School. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m.