FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Wheeling University defeated Fairmont State University in four sets, 25-13, 23-25, 25-16, 25-21, on Tuesday at Joe Retton Arena.

The Cardinals quickly established a lead with an early service ace and a series of successful plays, moving ahead 3-0. The Falcons responded with a kill by McKenzie Martin, assisted by Kelsie Dangerfield, to put their first point on the board. Despite a couple of errors and strong blocks by Cayden Anschutz, the team struggled to gain momentum as the Cardinals extended their lead.

The home team showed resilience with contributions from Joey Borelle and Natalie Zemba, each recording kills, while Dangerfield's service ace helped narrow the gap slightly. However, the Cardinals maintained their advantage with consistent attacks, eventually closing the set with a 25-13 win. The Falcons will look to adjust their strategy in the following set to counter the Cardinals' effective offensive plays.

The second set started with the Cardinals taking an early lead, but the Falcons quickly found their rhythm. Dangerfield and Belle DeVall orchestrated a series of successful plays, including a key kill by Martin that helped the Falcons gain momentum. Chloe McDaniel also contributed crucial points, allowing the Falcons to recover and establish a 10-3 advantage.

The Falcons continued to capitalize on their momentum, with Zemba and Borelle delivering impactful blocks. Despite a mid-set surge from the Cardinals, the Falcons maintained their lead with decisive kills from Josie Skinn and Alexa Martin. The score remained tight as the Cardinals closed the gap to 16-16, but the Falcons responded with a series of service aces from DeVall, reasserting their control.

In the closing moments, the Falcons held their composure as Borelle secured the final kill, clinching the set with a 25-23 victory. This close win allowed the Falcons to maintain their match advantage.

Fairmont State entered the third set looking to regain momentum, but the Cardinals capitalized on early errors to establish a lead. Adella Rodriguez and A. Martin contributed key kills to keep Fairmont State within striking distance, yet the team struggled to sustain a scoring run. McDaniel and Zemba provided defensive support with blocks, yet the Cardinals maintained their advantage through consistent attacking.

As the set progressed, Fairmont State continued to press, with Borelle and Josie Nobbe adding timely kills from assists by Dangerfield. Despite the efforts, the Cardinals' offensive pressure, led by Matus and Black, expanded their lead. Fairmont State was unable to close the gap, concluding the third set with a 25-16 defeat, as the Cardinals took control late to secure the win.

In the fourth set, Fairmont State's efforts to close the gap began with a kill by Martin, assisted by Dangerfield, trimming the Cardinals' early lead. Despite a series of service errors and attack missteps, Fairmont State countered with a steady offensive push, highlighted by kills from Borelle and Nobbe, which helped narrow the Cardinals' lead to 20-15.

However, the Cardinals managed to regain momentum with decisive plays, including multiple kills by Black and Matus. Fairmont State continued to fight back with a late surge, as Martin and Nobbe added crucial points to shrink the deficit to 23-21. Ultimately, the Cardinals secured the set at 25-21 with a final service ace, concluding the match.

Borelle posted 11 kills and recorded 22 digs, leading the team in defensive efforts. Skinn also contributed significantly to the defense with 22 digs. Zemba was effective at the net, accumulating five total blocks. Dangerfield facilitated the offense with 20 assists as she reached 2,000 career assists.

Fairmont State (11-5, 1-1) starts a lengthy road trip on Friday, October 3 against West Liberty University. Match time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.