WHEELING, W.Va. — Fairmont State University defeated Wheeling University 3-1 on Tuesday at Alma Grace McDonough Center. Fairmont State claimed the first two sets 25-20 and 25-18 before dropping the third set 15-25. The team secured the victory with a 25-21 win in the fourth set. It is the first win for the Falcons over the Cardinals since February 16, 2021.

Fairmont State opened the first set with impactful plays, capitalizing on an early attack error by Wheeling to gain momentum. Joey Borelle and Alexa Martin were instrumental in establishing an early presence, with Borelle's block contributing to Fairmont State's initial point. The set saw a series of exchanges, with Fairmont State maintaining composure and responding with kills from Martin and Cayden Anschutz.

Momentum shifted in the Falcons' favor midway through the set, highlighted by Joey Borelle's back-to-back kills and a service ace by Josie Nobbe, building a 7-4 lead. The team continued to apply pressure, with Natalie Zemba and Alexa Martin adding crucial points to extend the lead. Despite Wheeling's intermittent responses, Fairmont State's consistent attacks, including a late kill by Nobbe, secured the set with a 25-20 finish, closing the first set with a confident lead.

In the second set, Fairmont State established early momentum with a series of key plays, including a service ace by Josie Nobbe and a succession of kills by Chloe McDaniel and Joey Borelle. A crucial block by Natalie Zemba and Chloe McDaniel turned the tide, allowing Fairmont State to maintain control despite Wheeling's attempts to close the gap.

Joey Borelle and Josie Nobbe continued to contribute offensively, with both players securing pivotal points. As the set progressed, the Falcons capitalized on multiple attack errors by the Cardinals to extend their lead. The set concluded with Fairmont State securing a 25-18 victory, maintaining a strong position in the match.

Leading 2-0 in the match, the Falcons looked to carry the momentum into the third. Joey Borelle contributed significantly with a kill from Zoe Ringer, followed by a kill from Cayden Anschutz, giving Fairmont State a 2-0 start. Despite these early points, Wheeling countered with a series of kills and capitalized on Fairmont State's attack errors to take an 8-4 lead.

The middle of the set saw Fairmont State attempting to close the gap with key plays from Borelle and Anschutz, reducing Wheeling's lead to 13-11. However, a string of errors by the Falcons allowed the Cardinals to pull away, extending their lead once again. As the set drew to a close, Wheeling capitalized on Fairmont State's missteps and secured a 25-15 victory in the third set.

Fairmont State opened the fourth set with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by blocks from Josie Nobbe and Natalie Zemba, which contributed to an early 3-1 lead. The team extended their advantage through a series of successful plays, including kills by Natalie Zemba and Josie Nobbe, pushing the score to 7-2.

Their momentum continued with consistent contributions from Chloe McDaniel and Joey Borelle, effectively widening the gap to 11-3. Despite a brief response from Wheeling, Fairmont State maintained their lead with key plays from Cayden Anschutz and a service ace by Josie Nobbe, culminating in a 16-9 scoreline.

As the set progressed, Fairmont State withstood Wheeling's attempts to close the gap, with McDaniel and Borelle adding crucial points. Anschutz's and Nobbe's late kills secured the set, and Fairmont State concluded the set with a decisive 25-21 victory.

Joey Borelle tallied 15 kills over four sets, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output. Josie Skinn excelled defensively, collecting 25 digs to lead the team in this category. Natalie Zemba was effective at the net, recording five total blocks to bolster the team's defensive efforts. Both Zoe Ringer and Belle DeVall reached over 20 assists with 24 and 21, respectively.

Fairmont State (18-9, 6-4) welcomes Concord University to town on Thursday, October 30 at East Fairmont High School. Start time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.