FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University (3-1, 0-0 MEC) had an impressive showing at the final day of the Fairmont State University Volleyball Classic, securing a 3-1 victory over Lees-McRae College (0-3, 0-0 Conference Carolinas) and sweeping East Stroudsburg University (1-3, 0-0 PSAC) 3-0 at Joe Retton Arena.
In the match against Lees-McRae, Fairmont State won with set scores of 25-13, 25-13, 20-25, and 25-12. The Falcons exhibited a strong attack percentage of .281, peaking at .520 in the decisive fourth set.
They started the first set with an offensive surge, gaining an early lead with kills from
Kailyn Connelly and
Josie Nobbe, complemented by a block from
Sasha Conner and Connelly.
Natalie Zemba's contributions included multiple kills, while
Elena Thompson added a kill and a service ace. Despite some resistance from the Bobcats, Fairmont State maintained control, ultimately winning the set 25-13.
In the second set, Fairmont State overcame an early deficit, leveling the score at 3-3 thanks to kills from Zemba and Nobbe.
Belle DeVall's assists helped the team execute a 5-0 run, extending their lead. The Falcons capitalized on opponent errors, with
Averi Martin and Thompson contributing kills. Two service aces from
Aubrey Haskins reinforced the Falcons' dominance, closing the set at 25-13.
The third set saw Fairmont State initially take the lead, but momentum shifted as the Bobcats capitalized on attack errors, pulling ahead to claim the set 25-20. However, the Falcons rebounded in the fourth set, taking control early with a kill from Connelly and further contributions from Nobbe. The set culminated with a series of strong plays, including a service ace from Conner and a kill by Martin, securing the match with a final set score of 25-12.
Notable individual performances included
Natalie Zemba with nine kills and a .818 hitting percentage, Grace Devall with 18 digs, and
Belle DeVall with 26 assists and two service aces.
In their match against East Stroudsburg, Fairmont State decisively swept the Warriors with set scores of 25-21, 25-13, and 25-12, achieving a .341 hitting percentage, peaking at .429 in the third set.
The Falcons started strong, with a service ace from
Belle DeVall setting the tone. After briefly falling behind, Fairmont State regained momentum with a 7-0 run fueled by
Elena Thompson's back-to-back service aces, closing the first set 25-21.
The second set featured Fairmont State taking immediate control with a kill from Connelly, complemented by strategic plays from Zemba and Nobbe, both set up by DeVall. The set was marked by another service ace from Conner and solid blocking from Thompson and Connelly, allowing the Falcons to win 25-13.
In the third set, Fairmont State maintained their dominance. Nobbe's kills and a critical service ace from Thompson helped to extend the lead. Despite the Warriors' efforts to narrow the gap, Fairmont State finished strong, with
Rylee Burkhamer's defensive block setting up Nobbe for the final kill, concluding the match with a 25-12 victory.
Josie Nobbe led the offense with 10 kills on 18 attempts for a .556 hitting percentage, while Grace Devall contributed with 13 digs and 18 assists.
Elena Thompson also played a key role, tallying eight kills, three service aces, and seven digs.
Three Falcons were named to the All-Tournament Team including
Kailyn Connelly,
Elena Thompson and
Natalie Zemba.
Fairmont State will head to the Rocky Mountains for the Volley in the Valley hosted by Colorado Mesa University. The Falcons will open play on Friday, September 4 against Adams State University.
