SALEM, W.Va. — Fairmont State University defeated Salem University in four sets, 25-19, 22-25, 25-14, 25-17, on Tuesday at T. Edward Davis Gymnasium. Fairmont State capitalized on their strong blocking, recording 11 solo blocks, which contributed to a decisive win. The visiting team also outperformed Salem in attacks, achieving a .221 hitting percentage against Salem's .037.

Fairmont State initiated the first set with a robust performance, securing a 5-0 lead, highlighted by two consecutive kills from Natalie Zemba assisted by Zoe Ringer. The team maintained their momentum as Adella Rodriguez and Joey Borelle contributed additional kills, pushing the score to 10-5. Defensive pressure from the Falcons forced several attack errors from the Tigers, extending the lead further.

Midway through the set, the Falcons capitalized on Salem's missteps, including a series of attack and setting errors, to widen their advantage to 16-8. Cayden Anschutz and Belle DeVall added to the score with strategic plays, maintaining the Falcons' upper hand. Despite a brief rally by the Tigers cutting the gap, the Falcons reasserted control, closing the set at 25-19 with decisive kills from Anschutz.

The Falcons began the second set with strong momentum, quickly gaining a 4-0 advantage with effective kills from Adella Rodriguez and Zemba, and capitalizing on a Salem attack error. Borelle's kill extended the lead, but a service error allowed Salem to score.

The Falcons maintained their edge with a series of points, including a service ace by Josie Skinn and a kill by Josie Nobbe, bringing the score to 9-2. However, Salem responded with a series of points, narrowing the gap to 11-9 with a combination of kills and Falcons errors.

Despite Salem's rally, the Falcons continued to score, with Anschutz and Rodriguez delivering key kills. The set remained tight, with Salem tying the score at 20-20. The set concluded with Salem edging ahead, taking the set 25-22 after a run of Falcons errors and a decisive service ace by Valentina Poti.

Fairmont State opened the third set with a commanding performance, quickly establishing momentum through a series of plays initiated by Zoe Ringer. Borelle and Nobbe delivered key kills, contributing to a 10-0 run that saw the Tigers struggle to respond. Salem briefly disrupted the streak, but the Falcons maintained pressure with effective blocks from Zemba and continued offensive plays.

Midway through the set, the Falcons extended their lead with contributions from Anschutz and Alexa Martin, effectively capitalizing on Salem's errors. Despite a brief rally from the Tigers, the Falcons responded efficiently, with Ashton Henrich securing the final point. The set concluded with Fairmont State holding a decisive 25-14 advantage over Salem.

The Falcons seized momentum in the fourth set with a strategic start, as Nobbe and Ringer connected for an opening kill. The team quickly built a lead with Martin's block and Henrich's kill, pushing the score to 6-2. DeVall contributed significantly with two consecutive service aces, extending the advantage to 8-2.

Continuing to press, the Falcons capitalized on Salem's errors and strong offensive plays from Zemba and Anschutz, widening the gap to 19-12. Despite a brief Salem surge, the Falcons maintained control with additional kills from Martin and Borelle, eventually reaching a 23-14 lead.

The Falcons closed the set confidently, with Gabi Smith securing a kill to bring the team to match point. An attack error by Salem's Alexandra Vigneron sealed the set and match for the Falcons at 25-17, concluding the game with a decisive set victory.

Borelle contributed significantly on defense with 21 digs across four sets. Anschutz led the attack with 11 kills and a .364 hitting percentage. Zemba was efficient at the net, achieving a .636 hitting percentage with seven kills and adding three blocks. DeVall excelled in playmaking, delivering 19 assists and two service aces.

Fairmont State (13-6, 1-2) returns to Mountain East Conference play on Friday, October 10 at Point Park University. Start time from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is set for 7:00 p.m.