The Point Park volleyball team lost a four-set game against the Fairmont State Falcons on Friday, Oct. 11 in the Joe Retton Arena. The Falcons won 3-1 on their home court.
Point Park won the first set at 27-25 and Fairmont took the remaining sets with the scores 25-17, 25-13 and 25-16. The Pioneers left West Virginia with an overall record of 3-11 and conference record of 2-4; Fairmont left with 13-6 and 3-1.
“We know we’re physically capable of [playing four sets],” Point Park senior Eden McElhaney said. “Mentally, it’s just a battle within everyone, individually, to understand that a couple bad points don’t lose us a game, and a couple good points don’t win us a game.”
The Point Park game leaders were Giulia Follador with 15 kills, Haley Stormer and Elise Wallace with four blocks, and Mia Arndt with 15 digs and two service aces.
Point Park started off strong in the first set, maintaining either a lead or even standing throughout the entire set. The Falcons determinedly attempted to catch up to Point Park the entire set, resulting in a deuce. The Pioneers kept a steadfast momentum and ended the set with a score of 27-25.
“We have to feed off each other’s energy and keep the momentum,” McElhaney said.
The second set started with relatively even standings, with Fairmont leading 6-5. However, after the Pioneers fifth point, the team faltered. The Falcons climbed to 13 kills while Point Park remained at seven points.
Point Park gained some momentum toward the end of the set, but, at that point, the Falcons had gained enough cushion to win the set, with a score of 25-17.
The Pioneers had a rough start in the third set, scoring their first point while the Falcons already had eight. Throughout the rest of the set, Fairmont maintained a steady lead. Point Park was unable to catch up, leaving the score 25-13.
For the fourth and final set, the Pioneers got off to a better start, with Fairmont barely maintaining a lead at 7-6. However, the Falcons would then gain traction.
The Falcons made a steady climb to 13 kills as Point Park reached its seventh. Point Park made a valiant effort to catch up but were left behind. The set ended with a score of 25-16.
Point Park played Salem University on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at home. The Pioneers will play Concord University on Friday, Oct. 18, and Glenville St. on Saturday, Oct. 19, away.
“For these upcoming matches we’re focused on cleaning up our overall touch on the ball,” McElhaney said. “Finding the court on offense even better.”
