FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State fell to Charleston, 25-21, 25-23, 32-30 on Saturday evening. Fairmont State recorded 39 assists and four service aces, with the final set extending into extra points.

The first set began with Fairmont State establishing early momentum through effective offensive plays. Josie Nobbe and McKenzi Martin delivered key kills, both assisted by Zoe Ringer, helping Fairmont State to a 4-1 lead. Despite some service errors, the Falcons maintained a slight edge until the middle of the set, with contributions from Alexa Martin and consistent play by Nobbe.

Charleston responded strongly, leveling the score at 13-13 with a series of blocks and kills, shifting the momentum in their favor. The Falcons managed to regain the lead momentarily with a kill from Joey Borelle, but the Golden Eagles capitalized on several attack errors to pull ahead. The set concluded with Charleston extending their lead, finishing at 25-21.

Fairmont State initiated the second set with a series of effective plays, including a kill by Adella Rodriguez and a sequence of kills from Alexa Martin and Borelle. Fairmont St. established an early lead at 5-1. Despite a brief scoring run from the Golden Eagles, the Falcons held a slim 8-7 advantage.

Midway through the set, Charleston rallied, overcoming Fairmont State's lead to tie the score at 13-13. The Falcons responded with contributions from Rodriguez and McDaniel, regaining momentum to take a 19-14 lead, bolstered by a service ace from Grace Devall.

As the set progressed, the Golden Eagles mounted a comeback, closing the gap and eventually tying the score at 23-23. Charleston secured the final two points, ending the set with a narrow 25-23 victory over the Falcons.

Fairmont State started the third set with a strong offensive push. Chloe McDaniel and Belle DeVall combined for early kills to overcome Charleston's initial lead, tying the score at 2-2. Fairmont State then went on a productive run, capitalizing on multiple errors from Charleston to build a 7-3 lead. Josie Skinn contributed a service ace to extend the momentum.

Charleston responded by narrowing the gap through a series of kills, tying the game at 11-11. Fairmont State regained control with key plays from Rodriguez and Borelle, but Charleston continued to apply pressure, leading to a tense back-and-forth. Late in the set, Natalie Zemba's kill tied the score 24-24, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

In the final moments, both teams traded points, reaching ties at 28-28 and 30-30. However, Charleston managed to secure the last two points, edging out Fairmont State 32-30 to close the set.

Josie Skinn led the defensive effort with 26 digs, including her 2,000-career dig in the first set.. Borelle contributed significantly on offense, recording 12 kills with a hitting percentage of .286. Belle DeVall facilitated the attack with 22 assists. Alexa Martin was effective at the net, posting three total blocks, including two solo efforts.

Fairmont State (15-8) has a non-conference game on Tuesday, October 21 against Shepherd University. The match will take place at East Fairmont High School with a 7:00 p.m. start time.