Box Score FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Notre Dame Falcons lost their first MEC road tilt of the season on Friday evening, falling in three sets to Fairmont State.
The loss for the Falcons (4-9, 2-1 MEC) was their first in conference play this season, while for Fairmont State (11-2, 3-0) the victory was their fourth in a row, and their fifth in their last six matches.
Notre Dame played Fairmont State tough in the opening set, and even found themselves with a modest, 15-9 advantage halfway through the set, but FSU came roaring back, going on a 6-0 run to tie the set at 15-15, and went on to win the opening set, 25-21.
Fairmont State took control early in the second set, and never really gave Notre Dame much of a chance. The Fighting Falcons scored the first four points of the set, and eventually mounted an 11-4 advantage over the beginning of the set, cruising to a 25-14 victory.
Things didn't get any easier for Notre Dame in the final set, though they did start much better than they did in the second set. The Falcons tied the contest at 8-8 on
Emily Ball's service ace, before the Fairmont State regained control of the set by scoring seven of the next eight points to take a 15-9 advantage, and finished off the match with a 25-17 victory.
Lindsay Shirilla paced the Falcons once again with 10 kills on the night, while hitting .300.
Melissa Maczuzak was second on the squad with five kills.
Shelby Regiec and
Tawny Flareau both had nine assists as well.
Tawnia Almaraz's nine digs led the Falcons while
Morgan Toman and Flareau each added seven. Shea Thayer contributed with five blocks, including a pair of solo blocks.
The Falcons are in action again on Saturday, Sept. 27, in another Mountain East Conference road tilt, as they take on Shepherd. The contest is scheduled for a 4 p.m. tilt.
