FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Salem University volleyball team fell to Fairmont State University in straight sets on Tuesday evening at Joe Retton Arena, with the Falcons earning a 3-0 victory by scores of 25-22, 25-19 and 25-18.
Salem came out strong in the opening set, jumping out to an early 4-0 lead behind a pair of service aces from Brianna Beyerle and kills from Alexandra Vigneron. The Tigers continued to battle throughout the set, eventually tying the score at 21-21 before Fairmont State closed out the frame, 25-22.
The Tigers stayed competitive in the second set, using a stretch of points to take a 14-11 advantage. Fairmont State responded with a run of its own to regain control and take the set, 25-19.
In the third set, Salem continued to fight, highlighted by a late push that saw the Tigers score several consecutive points. Beyerle led the charge during the rally, recording multiple kills as Salem cut into the deficit, but Fairmont State held on to secure the set, 25-18, and complete the sweep.
Beyerle paced Salem offensively with 15 kills, two service aces and nine digs. Vigneron added 13 kills, while Katie Kennedy finished with 33 assists and 13 digs. Lorin Turkdogan contributed a team-high 19 digs, and Noemi Combi recorded five kills.
Fairmont State finished with 42 kills and a .233 hitting percentage, compared with Salem's 40 kills and .118 hitting percentage. The Falcons also held a 12-8 advantage in total blocks.
