BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Fairmont State fell to West Virginia State in four sets 25-23, 25-21, 17-25, 25-22 on Thursday at Rockefeller Center. The Falcons recorded 61 kills and 89 digs, with their attack led by a .228 hitting percentage.

The first set began with Fairmont State initially falling behind, as West Virginia State built an early 5-1 lead. Joey Borelle's kill from Zoe Ringer started a response, but a series of successful plays from the Yellow Jackets kept them ahead. The Falcons found momentum with a series of plays, highlighted by kills from Josie Nobbe and Belle DeVall, allowing them to tie the score at 7-7. Borelle's contributions were significant, adding multiple kills that helped Fairmont State edge slightly ahead at 10-8.

The set continued with back-and-forth scoring, with Fairmont State maintaining competitive pressure through the contributions of Gabi Smith and Alexa Martin. However, the Yellow Jackets managed to capitalize on late errors, securing the final points to take the first set 25-23.

Fairmont State opened the second set with a kill from Cayden Anschutz, setting an early competitive tone. Following this, Joey Borelle and Josie Nobbe contributed significant kills, helping to keep the score close throughout the early exchanges. The Yellow Jackets managed to push ahead with a series of successful plays.

Despite a series of defensive stops and blocks by Alexa Martin and Gabi Smith, the Falcons faced challenges regaining momentum. Borelle continued to fight back with consistent scoring, but the Yellow Jackets maintained a slight edge. The set concluded with the Yellow Jackets securing the final point, closing the second set with a 25-21 scoreline in their favor.

The third set began with Fairmont State capitalizing on early opportunities against the Yellow Jackets. Alexa Martin and McKenzi Martin delivered key kills, supported by Zoe Ringer's assists, helping Fairmont State to take an early lead. A service ace by Borelle extended the advantage to 3-1.

The Falcons continued to build momentum with effective blocks by Natalie Zemba and Nobbe, forcing errors from the Yellow Jackets. Kills from Nobbe, McKenzi Martin, and another ace from Belle DeVall contributed to a 17-11 lead. Despite a brief push from the Yellow Jackets, the Falcons effectively closed the set with consecutive scoring plays, including kills by Borelle and Ringer, securing a 25-17 victory in the set.

The fourth set began with the Yellow Jackets taking an early lead, as Alyssa Hill registered consecutive kills. The Falcons responded with Nobbe and Zemba contributing crucial points to keep the score close. Borelle showcased her effectiveness at the net, helping the Falcons briefly take a 5-4 lead.

As the set progressed, both teams traded points, with the Falcons maintaining a narrow edge through timely kills from Alexa Martin and Anschutz. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Yellow Jackets capitalized on the Falcons' errors to level the score at 13-13.

In the closing stages, Fairmont State faced a series of attack errors that allowed West Virginia State to pull ahead. Although Martin and Zemba managed late kills to reduce the deficit, the Yellow Jackets secured the set with a 25-22 victory, concluding the match after a final kill by Nicole Gartner Custodio.

Borelle posted 19 kills on 44 swings, hitting at a .409 clip, while also recording 18 digs. Josie Skinn contributed defensively with 19 digs. With her 19 digs, Skinn became the all-time leader in career digs at Fairmont State.

Fairmont State will now await the NCAA Division II Tournament selection show to see if its season will continue. The selection show happens on Monday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. Fans can watch the show by clicking HERE.