JACKSONVILLE, Florida (September 17, 2021) – The FIU volleyball team nearly forced a final fifth set, but the Blue & Gold fell to North Florida by a score of 3-1 on Friday night. The final score stood at 25-14, 22-25, 25-18, and 25-22 in favor of the Ospreys. The Panthers finished the UNF Sunshine Tournament 1-1.
 
The Panthers fall to 3-6, while the Ospreys improved to 10-1.
 
FIU led the match in overall attacks with the tally of 147-143 favoring the Blue & Gold. Giada Bianchi was dominant, leading the Panthers and posting a double-double of 16 kills and 11 digs to go along with her 18.5 points scored. The 16 kills for Bianchi notched her second most of the season. Autumn Raulerson recorded a career-high of 37 assists. Valeria Santos launched three aces to tallied a new season-high.  
 
Up next, the Panthers will head home to kickoff October with conference play. The Blue & Gold host WKU October 1-2.
 
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