BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – The Fairmont State (3-2) volleyball team cruised past Bluefield State (2-3) in the Falcons’ first road match of the season on Tuesday (Sept. 5) at Ned Shott Gymnasium in Bluefield, W.Va.
Fairmont State Leaders
Freshman outside hitter Ellie Zuro was the lone player in double figures for kills. The Wadsworth, Ohio native tallied 13 kills and hit .455 to go along with a block solo to lead the Falcons’ offensive effort. Josie Nobbe recorded eight kills while Joey Borelle added five kills and a service ace. Jaianna Bouarouy and Kelsie Dangerfield combined for 32 assists and facilitated the Fairmont State offense. Defensively, Josie Skinn snagged 14 digs while Borelle hustled down 13. Emma Ludwig and Nobbe each finished with a pair of blocks.
Inside Set One
The Falcons were firing on all cylinders to begin the match, outscoring the Big Blue 8-1 in the first nine points. A Zuro kill, a block solo by Nobbe and a Bluefield State attack error pushed the Fairmont State lead to 11-2. The Falcons scored five consecutive points that included two kills by Nobbe and a kill from Zuro, and the Falcons held a commanding 16-3 advantage. Natalie Zemba added a kill and the Big Blue fired an attack error to end the set and the Falcons dominated the opening frame, 25-10.
Inside Set Two
Bluefield State jumped out to a 10-7 lead at the beginning of the second set. Borelle and Nobbe both swung back-to-back kills and a Big Blue attack error evened the score at 10. After Bluefield State scored the next two points, Fairmont State ripped off six straight points thanks to a trio of Zuro kills and a kill by Borelle. The Falcons extended their lead to 19-13 when Ludwig recorded a block solo at the net. Borelle closed out set two with a kill that made the score 25-17 FSU.
Inside Set Three
The Big Blue controlled a five-point lead in set three at 11-6. A Zemba kill and a BSU bad set trimmed the deficit to three points. The Falcons pulled within two points at 14-12 following a Bluefield State attack error. Nobbe and Zuro went for consecutive kills and the Falcons trailed by one point at 15-14. Bluefield State regained the momentum with a three-point run and held a four-point lead, 18-14. The Falcons responded with a 5-1 run to pull back within one point that was capped off with a kill by Cayden Anschutz. Fairmont State earned its first lead of the set at 21-20 from a Bluefield State attack error. After Bluefield State tied the score at 21, Vicky Manda put down a kill, assisted by Bouarouy, to give the Falcons a late lead. Bluefield State went back ahead after winning the next two points. Fairmont State captured the next three points after a kill from Zuro tied the match. Bluefield State made a pair of set errors to end the match with a set three victory for Fairmont State, 25-23.
Up Next
The Fairmont State volleyball team prepares for the Hall of Fame City Classic, which begins Friday (Sept. 8) in North Canton, Ohio. The Falcons will play Roberts Wesleyan at 12:15 on Friday afternoon before squaring off with Walsh at 2:30 later in the afternoon.
