WHEELING, W.Va. — Fairmont State University swept both #22 Gannon University and Shippensburg University in a dominant display at the Alma Grace McDonough Center. 

In their match against Gannon University, Fairmont State continued their winning streak, sweeping the Golden Knights 25-19, 25-19, 25-18. The Falcons dominated with a .234 hitting percentage and recorded 10 total team blocks, while Gannon struggled offensively, hitting just .084 with 25 errors. Fairmont State's defensive effort was highlighted by 50 digs.

The Falcons opened the first set against Gannon with a service ace from Kelsie Dangerfield, setting the tone for a competitive match. Despite Gannon taking an early 5-2 lead, the Falcons responded with strategic plays, including a key block by Alexa Martin and Josie Nobbe. Late in the set, Borelle's kill at 23-17 helped secure a 25-19 win, capped by a decisive kill from Cayden Anschutz.

In the second set, Fairmont State surged ahead with an impressive 8-0 run, fueled by Borelle's pressure and Dangerfield's effective setups. Despite a brief rally from the Golden Knights, Zemba's decisive kill at 20-11 maintained the Falcons' lead, allowing them to close out the set 25-19 following a Gannon service error.

The third set saw Gannon initially take the lead, but Fairmont State quickly responded with strategic plays orchestrated by Dangerfield. A key block by Zemba and Nobbe contributed to the Falcons' momentum, allowing them to pull ahead. Anschutz sealed the set at 25-18 with a kill from a Belle DeVall assist, showcasing the team's coordination and effort.

The Falcons overpowered Shippensburg 25-19, 25-15, 25-22, recording 48 kills with a .263 hitting percentage, while the Raiders managed 33 kills and a .104 hitting percentage. Fairmont State also excelled at the net, tallying 8 total blocks compared to Shippensburg's 4.

Fairmont State opened the first set against Shippensburg with strategic offensive plays, highlighted by Kelsie Dangerfield's consistent setting, contributing to multiple kills by McKenzi Martin. A pivotal moment occurred when the Falcons built momentum with a 4-0 run, extending their lead to 15-10. Joey Borelle and Martin continued to apply pressure, leading to a decisive 25-19 set victory for Fairmont State.

The second set against Shippensburg was marked by an early surge from the Falcons, as Natalie Zemba and Dangerfield combined for two consecutive points. Alexa Martin contributed crucial kills, maintaining their advantage, while Borelle added a pair of decisive kills to extend the lead to 11-5. Chloe McDaniel capitalized on the momentum with back-to-back kills, pushing the home team towards a commanding 25-15 set victory, capped by a service error from Shippensburg.

In the third set, Fairmont State claimed an early lead, highlighted by Borelle's kill assisted by Dangerfield. A significant moment occurred with a service ace from Josie Skinn, pushing the score to 2-4 in favor of the Falcons. Despite a brief rally by the Raiders, Fairmont State responded decisively, clinching the set at 25-22 with Borelle's kill, assisted by Belle DeVall. Borelle led the defensive effort with 17 digs and contributed 13 kills. Skinn added 20 digs, while Alexa Martin recorded five total blocks and seven kills on a .500 hitting percentage. McKenzi Martin matched Borelle's offensive output with 13 kills and seven digs.

Borelle led the Falcons against Gannon with 13 kills on 27 attempts, adding 13 digs to her performance. Dangerfield recorded 18 assists and contributed two service aces, while Zemba and Martin both stood out defensively with five total blocks each. Nobbe added seven kills and four block assists, rounding out a strong showing for Fairmont State.

Fairmont State (9-2) wraps up the Atlantic Region Crossover on Saturday, September 20. The Falcons will face Clarion University at 1:00 p.m. before taking on the Vulcans of California University (Pa.) at 4:00 p.m.