FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University (1-1, 0-0 MEC) had a mixed opening to the 2026 Fairmont State Volleyball Classic presented by GoMart, starting with a solid victory against Bowie State University (0-1, 0-0 CIAA) and then falling to Anderson University (SC) (2-0, 0-0 SAC) in a thrilling five-set match.
In the first match against Bowie State, Fairmont State secured a straight-set victory, winning 25-23, 25-18, 25-19. The Falcons showcased their offensive prowess, recording nine service aces that contributed significantly to their success.
Kailyn Connelly's kill from
Belle DeVall set a strong tone from the beginning of the first set, and the team demonstrated resilience, overcoming an early tie and trading points with the Bulldogs. Notable contributions came from
Natalie Zemba and
Averi Martin, as Zemba leveled the score at 3-3 with a crucial kill.
Midway through the first set, Fairmont State seized momentum with effective plays, including a kill by Zemba and two service aces from
Elena Thompson, leading to a 19-17 advantage. Despite a late rally from Bowie State, the Falcons closed the set with a final score of 25-23, aided by a service error from the visitors.
In the second set, Fairmont State capitalized on momentum shifts, starting with an attack error from Bowie State. Key kills from Connelly and Martin, along with another service ace from Thompson, helped establish a lead. The Falcons went on a scoring run, with back-to-back service aces from Thompson and kills from
Josie Nobbe and
Ava Strange, ultimately winning the set 25-18.
Fairmont State maintained its dominance in the third set, beginning with a strong defensive block from Thompson and Martin. Connelly's consecutive kills propelled the Falcons to a 3-2 lead, and they built on that with a series of successful plays, including service aces and kills from Nobbe and Strange. The set concluded with a decisive kill by Nobbe, securing a 25-19 victory.
Elena Thompson led the Falcons with six aces and 10 digs, while
Josie Nobbe recorded nine kills on 25 attempts, five digs, and one service ace. DeVall efficiently orchestrated the offense with 18 assists and five digs, and Connelly topped the team in attacking with 10 kills and a hitting percentage of .263.
In the second match against Anderson, Fairmont State faced a challenging five-set battle, ultimately falling 3-2. The Falcons began the first set with early points from
Ava Strange and Nobbe, but Anderson established a significant lead, winning the set 25-13 despite Fairmont's attempts to close the gap.
The second set saw Fairmont State struggle to gain momentum, with Anderson quickly taking a 3-0 lead and extending it to 10-1. Despite notable kills from Strange and Martin, the Falcons lost the set 25-11.
However, Fairmont State rallied in the third set, taking an early 3-0 lead with kills from Thompson and Nobbe. They maintained their advantage, bolstered by Connelly and Zemba's contributions, ultimately closing the set 25-18 after an attack error by Anderson.
The Falcons continued to push in the fourth set, with
Belle DeVall's service ace giving them an early advantage. The teams exchanged points fiercely, with Fairmont leveling the score at 13-13 and
Ashton Henrich's two service aces shifting momentum. Conner secured a decisive kill to finish the set 26-24, pushing the match into a fifth set.
In the decisive fifth set, Fairmont State started strong with a kill from Connelly, but Anderson quickly regained control and took the lead. The Falcons narrowed the gap, reaching 14-13, but ultimately fell 15-13, sealing their defeat.
Thompson led the defensive efforts with a team-high 29 digs and added 10 kills. Zemba contributed eight kills and two blocks, while DeVall facilitated the offense with 30 assists and 13 digs. Connelly tallied 14 kills with a .414 hitting percentage and four blocks.
Fairmont State wraps up its home classic on Saturday, August 29. The Falcons face Lees-McRae at 12:00 p.m. before taking on East Stroudsburg at 6:00 p.m. in the final match of the event.
