PEPPER PIKE, Ohio — Fairmont State University swept Ursuline College 25-22, 25-12, 25-11 on Saturday at Sister Diana Stano Athletic Center. The Falcons capitalized on a strong offensive performance with 37 kills and a .300 hitting percentage while limiting the Arrows to a .057 hitting percentage. The victory was bolstered by the Falcons' six service aces and nine total blocks, overpowering the Arrows' single ace and three blocks.

Fairmont State began the first set with a strong start, as Joey Borelle secured the opening point with a kill assisted by Kelsie Dangerfield. However, Ursuline responded with a series of points, establishing an early 5-1 lead. The Falcons countered with a kill from Alexa Martin and a service ace by Grace DeVall, narrowing the gap to 12-8.

Midway through the set, Fairmont State capitalized on opponent errors and critical kills by Borelle and Adella Rodriguez to level the score at 17-17. A subsequent block by Josie Nobbe and Martin propelled the Falcons to take the lead. The team maintained momentum, with Rodriguez and Borelle delivering crucial kills in the final stretch, ultimately securing the first set 25-22.

Fairmont State initiated the second set by quickly establishing momentum with an opening kill from Nobbe, assisted by Dangerfield, putting them on the scoreboard first. After trading points early, the Falcons gained control with key contributions from Rodriguez and Natalie Zemba, each blocking and scoring effectively to maintain a lead.

Midway through the set, the Falcons extended their advantage with a series of successful plays, including a service ace by Borelle and a block by Cayden Anschutz and Martin, increasing their lead to 10-7. The team continued to capitalize on Ursuline's errors while Borelle and Rodriguez combined for critical kills, pushing the lead further.

Closing out the set, the Falcons showcased strong defensive and offensive coordination, as Dangerfield and Borelle executed multiple scoring plays. The Falcons closed the set decisively at 25-12, extending their match advantage.

Fairmont State opened the third set with a commanding 5-0 run, initiated by Dangerfield's effective setting, which led to kills by Borelle and Nobbe. The Arrows momentarily halted the momentum with back-to-back points, but the Falcons quickly capitalized on service and attack errors by Ursuline to extend their lead to 8-2.

The Falcons continued to control the set as Rodriguez and Borelle added key kills, supported by Belle DeVall's precise assists. Ursuline managed to narrow the gap briefly, but Fairmont responded with a decisive 7-0 run, powered by a service ace from Grace DeVall and a series of attack errors by the Arrows.

As the set neared conclusion, the Falcons maintained pressure with additional points from another Borelle kill, closing the set 25-11 in favor of Fairmont State, securing a confident victory in the third set.

Borelle led the Falcons with 15 kills, a .500 hitting percentage, and contributed 18 total points. Dangerfield added 15 assists and delivered one ace. Zemba was strong at the net, recording five total blocks and scoring six points. Josie Skinn bolstered the defense with 14 digs.

Fairmont State (12-6) will make the short trip to Salem, West Virginia to face the Tigers of Salem University on Tuesday, October 7. First serve is slated for 7:00 p.m.