SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Fairmont State University volleyball team opened the Rattler Invitational against the fourth-ranked Central Oklahoma Bronchos. Central Oklahoma swept Fairmont State 25-19, 25-14, 25-15 on Friday at Bill Greehey Arena.

In the first set, Fairmont State started strong with Kelsie Dangerfield leading the charge, setting up multiple kills, including two from Joey Borelle. The teams traded points early, with the Falcons managing to tie the score at 4-4 with a kill by McKenzi Martin. However, Central Oklahoma responded with a series of consecutive points, pulling ahead to a 13-7 lead thanks to a string of kills from Kedron Burk and Kamryn Glover. Despite a late push by the Falcons, which included a service ace by Kelsea Vandine, the Bronchos secured the set, 25-19.

Fairmont State faced a challenging second set as the Bronchos capitalized on a strong start, taking an early 7-1 lead with kills from Kamryn Glover and Kedron Burk. Despite the deficit, the Falcons' Joey Borelle and McKenzi Martin managed to narrow the gap to 7-5 with consecutive kills, aided by Kelsie Dangerfield's precise setting. However, a late surge by Central Oklahoma, highlighted by Riley Roberts' service ace and a series of attack errors by the Falcons, allowed the Bronchos to secure the set with a 25-14 victory.

The third set featured a tightly contested opening with Fairmont State battling to keep pace with Central Oklahoma. Joey Borelle and Natalie Zemba each contributed key kills early on, helping the Falcons stay within striking distance at 8-5. Despite a mid-set surge from Central Oklahoma, which included a service ace and multiple blocks, Fairmont State's defense, led by Alexa Martin and Josie Nobbe, managed to break their opponent's momentum briefly, narrowing the gap to 14-10. However, the Bronchos capitalized on a series of errors from the Falcons later in the set, ultimately securing a 25-15 victory despite late efforts from Borelle and McKenzi Martin.

Joey Borelle led the Falcons with 10 kills and 10 digs, contributing a total of 11.5 points. Alexa Martin excelled defensively with five total blocks, topping the team in that category. Kelsie Dangerfield provided 12 assists and added seven digs. Josie Nobbe contributed with five kills and three total blocks.

Fairmont State (5-1) will now face Florida Southern College at the Rattler Invitational later on Friday, September 12. Start time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST/2:30 p.m. CST.