MIAMI (May 21, 2018) – The standout FIU beach volleyball duo of
Federica Frasca (Rome, Italy) and
Margherita Bianchin (Treviso, Italy) added another honor to their already impressive list, as the tandem was named beach volleyball All-Americans by the America Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). The Italian pair is just the second and third players in the programs short six-year history to earn the honor, joining Kate Stepanova who was named AVCA All-American at the conclusion of the inaugural 2013 campaign.
"I am so proud of Fede (
Federica Frasca) and Bianca (
Margherita Bianchin)," said FIU beach volleyball Head Coach
Rita Buck-Crockett. "They are the epitome of an elite athlete and elite students. These two young ladies represent our program and our school to the max. They deserve this award and will wear it well."
Playing at the No. 1 position all season, Frasca and Bianchin were one of the most dominating pairs in collegiate beach volleyball during the entire 2018 campaign, turning in a stellar 27-8 record on the year. They are one of just six tandems nationwide, at No. 1, that posted 25-or-more wins this season, and finished the year ranked the No. 10 pair in the nation at the No. 1 spot (according to Collegebeachvb.com). The tandem finished the season winning 20 of their last 27 matches on the year, which included a stretch of 13-straight wins from March 10, starting with a victory over No. 6 ranked Nicole and Megan McNamara of recently crowned national champion, UCLA, through March 30, and a win against No. 35 Moly Turner and Hannah Towne of Grand Canyon. As a pairing, Bianchin and Frasca are 47-13 all-time, including 38-13 at No. 1.
This season, the Panthers posted a 23-12 record, and a 7-3 mark in Coastal Collegiate Sports Association play, and advanced to their first-ever NCAA Championships in Gulf Shores, Alabama. FIU finished the year ranked No. 9 in the final AVCA poll, and No. 10 in the final DiG Magazine rankings.
#####
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Twitter (@FIUVolleyball) and become a fan on Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUVolleyball) for all the latest FIU volleyball news.
Follow all of FIU's 18 athletic teams on Google (FIU Athletics), Twitter (@FIUAthletics), Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUSports), YouTube (FIUPanthers), and Instagram (FIUathletics).
