MIAMI — FIU's women's volleyball program fell for the first time this season in Conference USA action to visiting-Middle Tennessee State on Wednesday evening. 

The Panthers (9-10, 5-1 CUSA), whom won in five sets on Tuesday evening, fell Wednesday in five sets in another back-and-forth affair with MTSU.

FIU dropped the first set, 25-13, but stormed back to win sets two and three, 25-21 and 27-25, respectively. MTSU had the final say, however, winning set four 26-24 and the final frame, 15-8, to earn the split. 

Offensively, Syra Tanchin had a standout performance with 16 kills at a blistering .366 clip, adding three service aces. 

Yasso Amin and Jade Sadeiko each chipped in 13 kills in support. Mandi Morioka racked up a match-high 24 digs to anchor the defensive effort. 

The Panthers will take on UTEP on the road in CUSA action on Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8. Match times are slated for 7 p.m. ET and 2 p.m. ET, respectively, in El Paso, Texas.