FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State triumphed over Walsh in four sets on Tuesday at Joe Retton Arena, taking the match 3-1 with scores of 33-31, 27-25, 23-25, 25-20. Fairmont State capitalized on a strong serving performance, tallying eight aces to Walsh's three. Despite the close sets, Fairmont State secured the win, highlighted by a crucial first-set victory that set the tone for the match.

The opening set between Fairmont State and Walsh was marked by a series of scoring streaks and intense back-and-forth action. Walsh took an early 3-0 lead, with Kameron Stover contributing multiple kills, but Fairmont State responded with a service ace by Joey Borelle, tying the score at 3-3. Midway through the set, Walsh's Stover continued her strong play, pushing the visitors to a 7-4 advantage. Fairmont State, however, mounted a comeback, with a decisive run that included several attack errors by Walsh's Izzy Shank, leveling the score at 18-18. The set remained tightly contested, with neither team able to secure a decisive lead. Ultimately, Fairmont State clinched the set 33-31, as McKenzi Martin and Borelle delivered key kills, supported by Kelsie Dangerfield's assists, to edge out Walsh in a tense finish.

The second set of the match between Fairmont State and Walsh showcased a series of momentum shifts, ultimately culminating in a dramatic finish. Fairmont State opened with a 2-0 lead, but Walsh quickly responded with an impressive 7-0 run, highlighted by two service aces from Maggie Rolwing, pushing the score to 8-3 in Walsh's favor. The Falcons countered with a significant comeback, leveling the score at 15-15, with Dangerfield setting up multiple successful attacks, including a critical kill by Josie Nobbe. With the score tied at 24-24, Fairmont State regained composure, and Martin delivered consecutive kills, assisted by Dangerfield, to clinch the set 27-25.

In the third set, Walsh began with a strong 3-0 lead, highlighted by two consecutive kills from Stover. Fairmont State then found momentum, tying the score at 4-4 with a series of effective plays, including a block by Martin and Natalie Zemba. Despite Fairmont State pulling ahead to 11-7 thanks to a service ace from Zemba, Walsh responded with a 4-0 run to knot the score at 16-16, fueled by a kill from Sammie DiBease and a block from Rolwing. The teams traded points until Walsh secured the set with a decisive 3-0 run, ending with a service ace from Stover, clinching the set 25-23.

Fairmont State began the fourth set with a strong start, securing an early lead with consecutive kills from Nobbe, assisted by Dangerfield, to make it 2-0. Despite a brief Walsh comeback that tied the score at 3-3, Fairmont State responded with a series of kills from Borelle, who was consistently assisted by Belle DeVall. Midway through the set, Walsh gained momentum with a 6-0 run, capitalizing on Fairmont State's attack errors and taking a 9-7 lead. However, Fairmont State reclaimed control with a decisive 6-0 run, highlighted by multiple kills from Alexa Martin and Borelle, ultimately closing the set 25-20.

Borelle played a key role for Fairmont State, posting 22 kills and adding 16 digs over four sets. Dangerfield contributed significantly with 23 assists and maintained a perfect attack percentage. Josie Skinn led the team's defensive efforts by collecting 22 digs. Martin also made an impact, tallying 21 kills and totaling 22 points.

Fairmont State (5-0) heads to San Antonio, Texas for Rattler Invitational starting on Friday, September 12 against No. 4 Central Oklahoma. First serve is set for 10:30 a.m. EST/9:30 a.m. CST.