COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Fairmont State University volleyball team hit the road to face Ohio Dominican University. The Panthers swept the Falcons 25-19, 25-18, 25-13.

Fairmont State opened the first set with a balanced attack, as Natalie Zemba secured the initial point with a kill. Despite early exchanges, the Falcons experienced a brief setback with a service error and a bad set, allowing Ohio Dominican to edge ahead. A block by Alexa Martin and Josie Nobbe and timely kills from Joey Borelle and McKenzi Martin kept the Falcons close as the set progressed. Midway through the set, the Falcons tightened the match with an ace by Belle DeVall and a kill from McKenzi Martin, narrowing the gap to 13-12. However, the Panthers responded with consistent play from Saige Avery and Grace Zinchuk, extending their lead to 20-14. The Falcons rallied with service aces from Kelsie Dangerfield, but the Panthers maintained control, closing the set with a 25-19 advantage.

The Panthers initiated the second set with a quick succession of points, building an early 4-2 lead. The Falcons responded with an ace by Borelle and a kill from McKenzi Martin, but the Panthers continued to apply pressure, extending their advantage to 7-3. Gabi Smith's kill and another ace from Zemba kept the Falcons within reach at 9-7. Midway through, Borelle added back-to-back kills, narrowing the deficit to 16-12. Despite this effort, the Panthers capitalized on service errors and attack errors, increasing their lead to 21-12. The Falcons mounted a late rally with kills from Borelle and Cayden Anschutz, closing the gap to 24-18. However, the Panthers secured the set with a final kill by Zinchuk, closing the period at 25-18.

The Panthers opened the third set with a strong offensive push, capitalizing on Falcons' errors to build an early 7-2 lead. The Falcons responded with a series of kills from Borelle and Ava Strange, narrowing the gap to 12-6. However, the Panthers maintained their momentum, benefiting from several Falcons' attack errors to extend their lead to 20-10. The Falcons aimed to rally with contributions from Nobbe and a service ace by Zemba, but the Panthers' consistent attacks kept them on top. Despite efforts from the Falcons to close the margin, the Panthers secured the set with a 25-13 finish.

Josie Skinn led the defensive effort for the Falcons with 18 digs in three sets. Borelle contributed significantly on offense, posting eight kills and adding one service ace. Dangerfield facilitated the attack with eight assists and two service aces. Zemba provided strength at the net, recording two block assists and two service aces over three sets.

Fairmont State (10-4) hits the road for the first Mountain East Conference matchup of the year on Friday, September 26. The Falcons will take on Glenville State University at 7:00 p.m.