NORMAN, Okla. – The FIU volleyball team opened its 2022 season on Friday evening, falling in four sets, 25-23, 18-25, 16-25, 18-25, to Iowa on the first day of action at the Oklahoma Invitational at McCassland Field House. The Panthers used a late rally in the first set to claim an early advantage, though, the Hawkeyes found their chemistry down the stretch to record the four-set victory.
 
Senior middle blocker Athina Dimitriadis led the way with an impressive performance in her FIU debut, tallying nine kills on .333 hitting to pair with a career-high eight blocks. Junior setter Sarah Nading was also solid for the Panthers in her debut, notching career-highs in kills (5), blocks (5) and digs (6), while adding a team-high 24 assists and an ace on the night.
 
Alyssa Wissinger added six kills, three blocks and a dig, followed by junior middle blocker Beste Ayhan with seven blocks and two kills. Junior outside hitter Emily Meyer recorded four kills and two digs, while sophomore Kira Givans added three kills and a block.
 
Freshman Madisen Miller posted seven digs, three assists and two aces in her debut, followed by classmate Sierra Moore with six digs and two kills. Libero Katie Turner recorded a team-high 20 digs to pair with three assists, while sophomore Paige Thibault added six digs.
 
FIU was active at the net with a total of 16 blocks to Iowa's 12, though, untimely errors would compound over the course of the match to allow the Hawkeyes to gain the edge and form into shape.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers return back to McCassland Field House for day two of the OU Invitational, slated to face Gonzaga on Saturday, Aug. 27, at 1 p.m.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUVolleyball), Twitter (@FIUVolleyball), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUVolleyball) for all the latest Women's Soccer news.
 
General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.