FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University had a successful day at the Fairmont State University Volleyball Classic, securing two victories against Elizabeth City State University and Palm Beach Atlantic University. The Falcons swept Elizabeth City State in straight sets, 25-12, 25-14, 25-8 before defeating Palm Beach Atlantic in four sets, winning 25-19, 25-15, 24-26, 25-22.
 
In its match against Elizabeth City State, Fairmont State dominated, boasting a .303 hitting percentage while limiting ECSU to a negative hitting percentage of -.067. The Falcons outpaced their opponents in digs, recording 56 compared to ECSU's 45.
 
Fairmont State established a commanding lead early in the first set, overcoming an initial deficit to go on a 7-0 scoring run, highlighted by McKenzi Martin's kill. Joey Borelle played a pivotal role in maintaining momentum, contributing multiple kills and extending the lead to 19-10, helping the Falcons close the set at 25-12.
 
In the second set, Fairmont State opened with a 5-2 lead, with Kelsie Dangerfield providing consistent assists. A series of ECSU errors allowed Fairmont to push their lead to 13-7. Despite a brief ECSU surge, Fairmont State maintained control and won the set 25-14.
 
The third set saw Fairmont take control early, going on an impressive 11-1 run from a 4-4 tie, establishing a 15-5 lead. Key contributions came from Belle DeVall, who facilitated several kills and an ace. Fairmont State closed out the set decisively at 25-8.
 
Borelle made a significant impact with 16 kills and 13 digs, leading the team in points with 17.5. Alexa Martin bolstered the defense with five total blocks, while DeVall effectively facilitated the offense with 19 assists and a service ace. Dangerfield added 12 assists and four digs, supporting the team's efforts on both ends of the court.
 
In the match against Palm Beach Atlantic, Fairmont State tallied 56 kills and recorded 10 total blocks, overcoming a third-set setback. In the opening set, Fairmont State capitalized on a balanced attack, led by Borelle's multiple kills and Dangerfield's consistent setting, to secure a 25-19 victory. The Falcons built an early lead at 6-4 following a kill by McKenzi Martin. Despite a brief tie at 10-10, Fairmont State responded with a critical 5-point run, maintaining their advantage despite a late push from the Sailfish.
 
The second set saw Fairmont State surge ahead early, establishing a 7-3 lead, aided by a notable block from Cayden Anschutz and Natalie Zemba. Although PBAU attempted to close the gap, Fairmont's defense, led by Gabi Smith and Anschutz, thwarted their efforts, concluding the set with a decisive 25-15 win.
 
In the third set, PBAU seized an early lead, but Fairmont State mounted a dramatic comeback late in the set, tying the score at 24-24. However, PBAU secured the set with a final kill from Kelsey Rogers, winning 26-24. Fairmont State responded in the fourth set, edging out PBAU 25-22 with key contributions from McKenzi Martin and Josie Nobbe, and securing the match with a decisive kill from McKenzi Martin.
 
Borelle led Fairmont State with 16 kills and 16 digs, reaching her 1,000th-career dig in the third set. Josie Skinn showcased strong defensive skills with 21 digs and two aces, while Anschutz added to the blocking effort with five block assists.

Fairmont State (2-0) continues its play at the Fairmont State University Volleyball Classic on Saturday, September 6. The Falcons will face UVA Wise at 12:00 p.m. before closing out the tournament against Slippery Rock University at 6:00 p.m.