Stetson rallied past FIU, 3-2, to conclude the FIU Kickoff on Saturday evening at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. The Hatters defeated the Panthers 22-25, 25-27, 25-12, 25-17, 15-9 to finish the opening weekend event.

FIU won two of three matches in the season's first weekend to start 2-1. Stetson is 3-0.

The Panthers were led by Margherita Bianchin, who had a triple-double. The senior collected 15 kills, 10 assists and 12 digs. Bianchin totaled 46 kills on the weekend

Nina Petranovic had 14 kills while Chelsea Hudson had 13 kills and a team-high six blocks. Petranovic had 38 kills in the first three matches. Hudson had 29 total kills.

Abbie Hughes tallied 38 assists and nine digs. Hughes notched 99 assists during the event to lead FIU.

Lina Bernier had 22 digs against the Hatters to give her a team-leading 57 to start the season.

Besides Hughes, the Panthers got contributions from other freshmen over the two days of play. Emma Erteltova led FIU with 15 total blocks. Hudson had 13 blocks while Bianchin had 12 blocks.

FIU continues in tournament mode for its next matches. The Panthers will host Panther Fest beginning Thursday night at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

FIU takes on Savannah State on Thursday at 7 p.m. before playing Chicago State and Delaware on Friday.