FIU shut out the University of Illinois-Chicago, 3-0, Saturday afternoon at the UCF Challenge at The Venue in Orlando.

The Panthers wrapped up the UCF Challenge with a win to improve to 6-3 on the season. The Flames fell to 5-5.

FIU defeated UIC 27-25, 25-22 and 25-21.

After the teams went to extra points in the first set, the Panthers defense set the tone for the final two sets. FIU held UIC to a .128 hit percentage in the second set and a miniscule .071 hit percentage in the third set.

The Panthers snapped a 22-22 tie in the second set by recording the final three points to win the set. A kill by Sidney Henderson, a block by Sheyanne Sullivan and Henderson, and a service ace by Margherita Bianchin helped FIU take the set.

Ironically, it was also a kill by Henderson and an ace from Bianchin that also finished the first set win for FIU.

FIU rallied with a 7-1 run in the third set to take the lead. The Panthers wrapped up the match with four straight points, which included two kills by Nina Petranovic and one kill from Abbie Hughes.

Bianchin led FIU with 12 kills and a season-high four service aces. Bianchin had another double-double when she recorded 10 digs.

Henderson and Ronja Klinger each had nine kills.

Hughes had 32 assists. Lina Bernier had a team-high 24 digs.

Bianchin, Chelsea Hudson and Sullivan each had four blocks to lead the Panthers.

FIU stays in the state of Florida for its next match. The Panthers head to Gainesville for the UF Tournament. FIU takes on Army at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 14.

The Panthers will also play host Florida and Jacksonville in the two-day event.