The No. 22-ranked Gannon volleyball team ran into a hot-hitting Fairmont State squad on Friday afternoon, dropping a 3–0 decision in day two action at the Wheeling Invitational. 

The Falcons controlled the tempo throughout and held the Golden Knights to a .084 attack percentage in the sweep by scores of 25–19, 25–18, and 25–19.

"We ran into a Fairmont team that is very experienced and talented and, most importantly, is playing with a purpose right now. We, on the other hand, are struggling. But, you have to start somewhere, and this is our 'somewhere.' It's not what we wanted, but we have no choice but to try to take the next step forward," said head coach Matt Darling.

THE GAME FACTS
Score: Fairmont State 3, No. 22 Gannon 0 (25–19, 25–18, 25–19)
Records: Gannon (5-4), Fairmont State (8-2)
Location: Alma Grace McDonough Center – Wheeling, W.Va.
Date: September 19, 2025

THE KNIGHT CAP

• Offense Leaders: Sydney Wake (Massillon, Ohio/Jackson) paced the Golden Knights with nine kills, while Brooke Gwiazda (Frankfort, Ill./Peotone) added eight and Lauren Atwell (Mars, Pa./Mars Area) chipped in seven.
• Arslan Distributes: Senior setter Bengisu Arslan (Ankara, Turkey/Private Çankaya Doga Anatolian) handed out 26 assists to go with eight digs.
• Defensive Spark: Libero Alexis Fowler (Cranberry Township, PA/Eden Christian Academy) tallied a team-high 12 digs.
•  Tough at the Net: Gannon totaled seven blocks, while Fairmont State finished with 10.
• Falcon Edge: The Fighting Falcons recorded 42 kills compared to Gannon's 35, hitting .234 on the afternoon.

Up Next
The Golden Knights head to West Liberty on Saturday, September 20, to wrap up MEC crossover play, taking on West Virginia State at 1:00 p.m. and host West Liberty at 6:00 p.m.
 

This story was written using the support of AI.