FAIRMONT, W.Va. – On Friday evening, Notre Dame College grabbed a couple early set wins, but Fairmont State University ultimately came out on top in another close five-set match.

Early in the first set, the two teams tied the game eight times. NDC was able to add a little separation when they went on a 4-1 run, giving the NDC Falcons a 17-13 advantage.

Notre Dame increased their lead to eight points, 24-16, before FSU fought back with six consecutive points. A kill by sophomore Sarah DeGeorge, her third of the set, gave NDC the 25-22 win.

The lead changed twice in the second set, with nine ties, before the teams reached the 13th point. With the set tied at 12, Fairmont State put together a 7-0 run. Notre Dame would put up the next four points, before FSU's 4-1 run gave them a 23-17 lead. But, the NDC Falcons closed the set in incredible fashion, scoring the final eight points and winning, 25-23.

In the third set, Notre Dame fell behind 16-9, but a 9-1 run put Notre Dame in front by a score of 18-17. Fairmont State eventually won the set, 25-22.

The FSU Falcons earned a win in the fourth set to push the match to a fifth. There, Notre Dame pulled ahead 4-1, and then Fairmont State grabbed a 7-4 lead. The two teams were tied at 11 and Notre Dame took the lead on a kill by freshman Kelsie Palmer. However, Fairmont was able to score four straight and win, 15-12.

"Tonight was a tough match against a great team," said head coach Travis Hinkle. "We both served each other tough and played solid defense, but Fairmont fought back and finished. It's early in the season and we're still fixing the kinks, but we will work hard this next week and prepare for Wheeling on Friday."

Palmer and sophomore Kaye Dregalla each had 12 kills. DeGeorge had 25 digs along with nine kills. Junior Amelia Kaeberlein led the team with a career-high 26 digs while junior Katie Richardson finished with another double-double, 20 assists and 10 digs.

NDC's game against Frostburg State University on Tuesday has been postpones. The Falcons will get back on the floor on Feb. 12, at Wheeling University. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.