Box Score
SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Playing under an overcast sky at Mueller Field, the Notre Dame College Falcons played host to the visiting Fairmont State Fighting Falcons on Wednesday afternoon. The Falcons scored first and never trailed throughout the match, beating FSU by a final score of 3-2 in the Mountain East Conference showdown.

NDC controlled ball possession early in the match, limiting possession time and opportunities for the Fighting Falcons. The Falcons peppered the FSU goalkeeper with shots on goal early and often, keeping the Fighting Falcons' defense on their toes.

The Falcons' offensive attack continued to stay aggressive, leading FSU to commit a penalty in their own box. Following the penalty, NDC sent Alexis Manoa - the reigning MEC Offensive Player of the Year-  to the line to attempt the penalty kick. Manoa fired a shot to the back left corner of the net, converting the penalty kick attempt and giving NDC a 1-0 lead over FSU in the 24th minute.

As the first half began to wind down, the Fighting Falcons began to find some offensive momentum. FSU's Courtney Webb attempted a free kick and converted on the shot, tying the score at 1-1 in the 37th minute.

However, the Falcons weren't content with the score tied at one. With less than five minutes remaining in the first half, Manoa dished a pass to Alexandria Gayle on the right side of the box, who scored an impressive goal to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead going into halftime.

After the late first-half goal from Gayle, the Falcons carried that same offensive momentum over into the second half.

Just minutes into the second half, Jillian Doss rifled a shot attempt past the FSU goalkeeper to score a 51st minute goal, giving the Falcons a 3-1 lead. Norah Barnes assisted Doss on the goal.

However, the Fighting Falcons battled to stay in the game. 10 minutes after the goal from Doss, FSU's Erica Uselton scored a goal to cut NDC's lead to 3-2 with just under 30 minutes remaining in regulation.

With the score narrowed to 3-2, the Falcons defense stepped up to the challenge, protecting NDC's one-goal lead. As time continued to wind down on the game clock, NDC's defense also continued to clear offensive chances for FSU, keeping the ball away from NDC goalkeeper Louisa Rygh.

From there, NDC remained poised and held on to clinch the 3-2 home victory over FSU.

With the win, the Falcons improve to 5-3-1 on the season, including a 4-2-1 mark in Mountain East Conference play. 

The Falcons will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 3 on the road at Concord. Game time is scheduled for 12 p.m.