Behind a balanced team effort FIU got its 2018 season off to a rousing start by defeating Florida A&M, 3-1, in the FIU Kickoff Friday night at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

After splitting the first two sets, the Panthers took control and won the final two sets to seal the opening night victory. FIU defeated FAMU 25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-16.

The Panthers had three players with double doubles to fuel the win. Margherita Bianchin had 16 kills and 13 digs. Abbie Hughes had 30 assists and 17 digs, and Lina Bernier had 11 assists and 19 digs.

Nina Petranovic and Sidney Henderson also racked up double digits in kills. Petranovic had 13 kills while Henderson had 10.

Freshman Emma Erteltova helped defensively notching a team-leading seven blocks. Chelsea Hudson had five blocks and Bianchin had four blocks.

The Panthers used several runs to defeat the Rattlers. Down 16-15 in the first set, FIU went on a 10-2 streak to win the opening set.

FIU salted the match away early in the fourth set. The Panthers jumped on the Rattlers 12-2 to start the decisive set.

FIU concludes the FIU Kickoff with two matches Saturday. The Panthers take on Tennessee State at 10 a.m. and close the event against Stetson at 4 p.m.