NORFOLK, Va. – The FIU women's volleyball team opened a 2-0 lead before dropping the final three sets in a 3-2 (24-26, 21-25, 25-14, 25-23, 15-8) loss to UTEP in the quarterfinals of the 2021 Conference USA Championship on Friday night.
 
The Panthers were led by a trio of players who posted double-figure kills, including Yaniris Miller-Green, who finished with a team-high 15.  Reigning Conference USA Freshman of the Year Giada Bianchi posted a double-double with 14 kills and 10 digs.  She also added five assists and three blocks.  Fiorella Murillo added 13 kills and six digs.
 
FIU posted a hitting percentage of .135 for the match, while the Miners managed a .244 clip.  UTEP was tough at the net in the victory with a total of 26 blocks – the Panthers rejected a total of 14.  UTEP tabbed seven service aces in the win to FIU's four.
 
The fourth set was key in the match as the two teams were deadlocked at 16-16 when UTEP ran off three of the next four points to open a three-point advantage before hanging on for the 25-23 win to set up the decisive fifth.
 
The Miners took control of the fifth set with a 5-0 run to start play before opening an 8-1 edge.  The Panthers would get as close as 12-8, before UTEP scored the final three points to seal the victory.