FAIRMONT, W.Va. - The Notre Dame College volleyball team lost 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at Fairmont State after the teams went back and forth and fought it out through the fifth set. 

Both teams played excellent defense throughout, combining for 244 digs. After FSU won the first set 25-18, Notre Dame came back to win the next two sets by scores of 25-18 and 25-23. Fairmont State defended its home court, however, winning the final two sets 25-18 and 15-12. 

Alexandra Kaeberlein anchored the NDC defense with 37 digs, a mark that ties the program record she set last season at West Virginia State. Following her lead, three other Falcons were able to reach dig totals over 15. Paige Staudacher added 20 digs to her 51 assists while Sarah DeGeorge and Amelia Kaeberlein totaled 19 and 17 digs, respectively. Overall the team recorded 123 digs, which ranks third in a single match in NDC history. 

Leading the way for the offense was Katie Richardson and Mary Kate McHugh who each scored on 17. Richardson totaled 30 kills on the weekend, carrying over 13 from Frostburg State's match the previous night to pair with a new career high at Fairmont. Richardson was accurate during both contests for an overall attack average of .500 in both games. 

Notre Dame has secured its spot in the Mountain East Championship Tournament, which begins November 21.