GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Fairmont State had a mixed day at the Volley in the Valley tournament, securing a 3-1 victory over Adams State before falling to Fort Hays State 3-0.
In the first match against Adams State, Fairmont State claimed victory with set scores of 25-14, 27-25, 11-25, and 25-16. The Falcons showcased a strong offense, finishing with 44 kills, 10 service aces, and 64 digs, while limiting the Grizzlies to just .061 hitting in the decisive fourth set.
Natalie Zemba opened the match with a kill from
Belle DeVall, and the Falcons quickly took control, moving from a 1-1 tie to a 7-3 lead thanks to contributions from Connelly, Nobbe, and
Elena Thompson. A significant moment came midway through the first set when Fairmont extended its lead to 10 points, moving from 14-9 to 19-9, bolstered by four consecutive points on Connelly's serve, including a
Josie Nobbe kill and a Connelly ace. After a late surge from the Grizzlies,
Taylor Duermit sealed the set win with a kill, finishing at 25-14.
The second set saw Thompson serve two aces as the Falcons took an early lead, but the Grizzlies fought back. The teams exchanged points until Fairmont tied the set at 20-20, leading to a thrilling finish. Nobbe scored the set-clinching kill, giving the Falcons a hard-fought 27-25 victory.
However, the third set was a struggle for Fairmont, as the Grizzlies surged ahead to take the set 25-11, but the Falcons rebounded in the fourth set. After a close start, the Falcons took control after a 14-14 tie, powered by Thompson's serve, which included two aces and a series of kills by Zemba, Connelly, and Nobbe. They closed the match with a 25-16 victory.
Connelly led the Falcons with 13 kills and added an ace for a total of 14 points. Thompson contributed significantly with 17 points, including nine kills, seven service aces, and 15 digs.
Belle DeVall facilitated the offense with 31 assists, two service aces, and eight digs, while Grace Devall anchored the defense with 23 digs.
In the second match of the day, Fairmont State battled Fort Hays State, losing in straight sets with scores of 24-26, 21-25, and 16-25. The Falcons managed to accumulate 30 kills but were outmatched as the Tigers hit .250.
The first set was tightly contested. Fairmont erased an early 7-4 deficit with six consecutive points, aided by
Ashton Henrich's service which included an ace and a crucial block by
Averi Martin and Zemba. Despite a late push that saw the Falcons tie the set at 24-24, the Tigers closed it out with back-to-back points.
The second set saw Fairmont fall behind 11-19 before rallying to 20-22, but the Tigers held firm to clinch the set at 25-21. The Falcons were within 13-10 in the third set, but the Tigers pulled away to take the set 25-16.
Nobbe was the standout for Fairmont in the loss, leading with eight kills and adding five digs. Grace Devall recorded a team-high 12 digs, while
Belle DeVall tallied 12 assists and five digs. Henrich contributed with three service aces on 16 serves.
Fairmont State (4-2) concludes its time in Colorado on Saturday, September 5 as it will face Sul Ross State before taking on the hosts, Colorado Mesa. Match on is set for 11:00 a.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. MT with match two to follow at 3:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. MT.
