WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The Fairmont State University volleyball team hit the road to face West Liberty University. The Falcons fell to the Hilltoppers in straight sets, 25-23, 25-16, 25-12, on Friday evening at the ASRC.

The first set opened with both teams exchanging early points, as Fairmont State capitalized on a series of errors by West Liberty to keep the score tight. Kelsie Dangerfield set up Josie Nobbe for an early kill to tie the score at 3-3. The Falcons then gained momentum with a run that featured kills by Cayden Anschutz and Joey Borelle, pushing the score to 12-9 in their favor.

As the set progressed, the Hilltoppers responded with a series of service aces and kills to level the score at 20-20. Despite Fairmont State's efforts to regain the lead, including another key kill by Borelle, West Liberty edged ahead. The set concluded with the Hilltoppers capitalizing on attack errors from the Falcons to close it at 25-23.

In the second set, Fairmont State initially struggled to find momentum, with West Liberty taking an early lead. However, the Falcons responded with a series of scoring plays, highlighted by key kills from Nobbe and Borelle, which momentarily tied the score at 5-5 and again at 8-8. A service ace by the team helped the Falcons briefly take the lead.

Despite this strong effort, the Hilltoppers regained control, capitalizing on a run of points that included several kills by Kyia White. The Falcons continued to battle, with additional kills from Borelle and Anschutz, but West Liberty's consistent attack saw them pull away. The set concluded with a final score of 25-16 in favor of the Hilltoppers.

West Liberty took control early in the third set, capitalizing on attack errors by the Falcons to build a 10-3 lead. Despite a kill from Alexa Martin and a block by Chloe McDaniel that briefly halted the Hilltoppers' momentum, the home team extended their advantage with contributions from White and Adrienne Staib.

The Falcons sought to narrow the gap with kills from Borelle and Nobbe, but service errors and consistent offensive pressure from the Hilltoppers widened the deficit. As the set advanced, West Liberty maintained their lead, reaching a 20-11 advantage with decisive plays from Erin Blackston and Grace Hill.

Although the Falcons managed a late kill from Nobbe, it was not enough to overcome West Liberty's momentum, which culminated with a final kill by Ashley Cudnik. The set concluded with the Hilltoppers securing a 25-12 win.

Borelle contributed significantly with 12 kills and added nine digs over three sets, leading to a total of 13 points. Josie Skinn showcased her defensive skills by recording 21 digs, while also providing two assists. Belle DeVall was active in setting, accumulating 13 assists. McKenzi Martin added depth to the Falcons' performance with five kills and seven digs, also serving one ace.

Fairmont State (11-6, 1-2) continues its road trip on Saturday, October 4 against Ursuline College. Start time is set for 2:00 p.m.