FIU rolled past UAB, 3-0, to start Conference USA play with a victory Friday night at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Panthers (8-5, 1-0 C-USA) played a dominating first set and cruised from there against the Blazers (8-7, 0-1 C-USA). FIU won 25-22, 25-21, 25-16.

FIU orchestrated a 12-0 run in the first set to surge past UAB. The Panthers were down 18-10 before reeling off the next 12 points. FIU had a .270 hitting percentage in the first set.

Margherita Bianchin, Chelsea Hudson and Nina Petranovic each had eight kills to lead the Panthers.

Bianchin and Hudson each nearly had a double-double. Bianchin added nine digs and five blocks to her stat line.

Hudson had a team-high nine blocks to fuel the FIU defense. Hudson also hit .533 for the match.

Abbie Hughes collected 33 assists for the team-high in that category. The freshman added eight digs.

Lina Bernier had a team-high 20 digs in the win.

The Panthers continue conference play Sunday when they host Marshall. The first serve is set for 1 p.m.