ERIE, Pa. — Fairmont State University faced Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the first round of the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional. The Falcons fell to the Crimson Hawks in straight sets, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20, at the Highmark Events Center on Thursday.

The first set commenced with Fairmont State and the Crimson Hawks trading points early. The Falcons faced a service error from Joey Borelle but quickly rebounded with a kill from Josie Nobbe, assisted by Natalie Zemba, leveling the score at 1-1. The Falcons then gained momentum with a series of offensive plays, including a pivotal kill by Chloe McDaniel, bringing the score to 7-6 in favor of Fairmont State.

As the set progressed, the Falcons capitalized on the Crimson Hawks' errors, extending their lead to 8-6. However, Indiana responded with multiple successful attacks, eventually tying the set at 16-16. Despite Fairmont State's efforts, including a block by Alexa Martin and McDaniel, Indiana regained control. The set remained tight, with the Falcons drawing level at 22-22 following a kill by Borelle. Ultimately, the Crimson Hawks pulled ahead, closing the set at 25-22.

The second set began with the Crimson Hawks taking early control, opening with a 4-0 lead. Fairmont State quickly responded, narrowing the gap with a series of kills by Borelle, Cayden Anschutz, and Zemba, bringing the score to 4-3. Despite a strong push from the Falcons, including a block by Nobbe and Martin, Indiana (PA) maintained their advantage, extending the lead to 9-5.

Fairmont State fought back with critical plays from Borelle and Zemba, cutting the deficit to 10-9. However, the Crimson Hawks capitalized on a service ace and continued to build their lead. Although the Falcons showcased resilience with kills from McDaniel and Borelle, Indiana closed the set with a strong finish, securing a 25-19 victory. The set concluded with the Crimson Hawks leading the match.

The third set began with a significant exchange of points, as the Falcons initially took a 1-0 lead with a kill by McDaniel, assisted by Belle DeVall. However, the Crimson Hawks quickly responded, capitalizing on a few strategic plays to edge ahead. Fairmont State's Nobbe and Anschutz contributed key kills, keeping the score tight.

Midway through the set, the Falcons kept the pressure on with a service ace from DeVall to level the score at 11-11. Despite a resilient effort with additional points from Borelle and McDaniel, the Crimson Hawks maintained a slight advantage.

In the closing moments, the Falcons fought back with a late surge, narrowing the gap to 24-20 with a block by Martin and McDaniel. Ultimately, Indiana secured the set at 25-20, concluding the match with a decisive kill.

Borelle led the Falcons with 13 kills and added a service ace, contributing to a total of 14 points. McDaniel recorded eight kills and was effective defensively with four block assists. Martin played a strong role at the net, tallying six block assists. DeVall facilitated the offensive plays with 17 assists and contributed with a service ace.

Fairmont State finishes the season with an overall record of 23-11 while going 10-4 in conference play.