Fairmont, W.Va.— The University of Charleston Golden Eagles battled through three tightly contested sets on the road to defeat Fairmont State 3–0 in Mountain East Conference play Saturday night. Each frame came down to late points, but the Golden Eagles executed in the clutch moments to close out another conference victory.
 
The Basics:
Location: Fairmont, WV (Joe Retton Arena)
Score: 3-0 UC (25-21, 25-23, 32-30
Records: Charleston 14-9 (7-1 MEC), Fairmont ST. 15-8 (3-4 MEC)

How it Happened:
Set one opened in favor of the Falcons, who quickly jumped ahead 4–1. Charleston stayed patient and found rhythm midway through the set. A kill from Kalista Milne fueled a three-point run that tied things up at 13–13, shifting momentum to UC. The Golden Eagles carried that energy into the final stretch and sealed the set with a perfectly placed service ace from Chloe Fortner, taking it 25–21.

The second set was even tighter than the first. Fairmont once again started strong with a 5–1 lead before Charleston responded with a four-point run to even the score at seven apiece. The Falcons appeared to take control after an 11–1 surge pushed them ahead 19–14, but the Golden Eagles refused to back down. Charleston stormed back, scoring 11 of the final 15 points to win 25–23. Kate Strong and Patrycja Majos delivered the closing kills to put UC up 2–0 in the match.

Set three turned into a marathon battle, extending well beyond regulation points. Fairmont held its largest lead early at 8–4, but Charleston fought back and kept things even the rest of the way. With the score tied 24–24, both teams traded points deep into extra play until the Golden Eagles finally pulled through. A late surge capped by decisive attacks gave Charleston the 32–30 set win and a 3–0 match sweep.

Charleston's victory marked another statement performance in conference play, defined by grit, timely execution, and late-set composure from start to finish.

Offensive Leaders
Patrycja Majos powered the Golden Eagles' offense with 18 kills, followed by Divine Muo with 14 and Kate Strong with 6. Abby Avila directed the attack efficiently, recording 43 assists, while also adding 3 service aces. Julie Michalkova and Majos each chipped in an ace to round out a balanced performance from the service line.

Defensive Leaders
Chloe Fortner anchored the back row with 25 digs, while Muo added 15 and Avila contributed 8. At the net, Milne and Strong each tallied 3 blocks, with Sophia Knowles adding 2 as Charleston controlled key points defensively down the stretch.
 
 
 
 
 
Up Next:
Charleston volleyball will stay home next Friday, Oct. 24, to host Point Park University in the Wehrle Innovation Center at 7 PM.