MIAMI — FIU's volleyball program fell in a five-set thriller to Western Kentucky in Conference USA (CUSA) action at home on Sunday afternoon. 

The Panthers (2-17, 0-6 CUSA) stormed out of the gates, downing the Hilltoppers 24-14 in the opening set. FIU fell in sets two and three, but bounced back with a gutty 25-21 victory in the fourth. WKU took the final set, 15-9, to claim the five-set win for the second-straight match. 

On offense, Jillian Huckabey racked up 22 kills to lead the attack, hitting at a blistering .421 clip. Courtney O'Brien chipped in 17 kills in support, adding seven digs. The duo combine for 39 of FIU's 54 kills in the match. 

Mandi Morioka was excellent on the defensive end with 23 digs, matching a season-high. Travel Morris had three solo blocks and three block assists to lead the net defense. Savannah Cook started and dished out 38 assists, adding five service aces and seven digs. 

In the opening set, the Panthers hit .433 with 15 kills, quickly establishing momentum. FIU led 6-2 after an O'Brien kill and continued to tack on down the stretch. A Huckabey kill and ensuing WKU error sealed the frame for FIU, 25-14. 

After falling in sets two and three, the Panthers faced a 7-2 deficit to open the fourth frame. From here, FIU mounted a furious comeback as a kill from Huckabey put the Panthers up three, 19-16. The Panthers continued to surge down the stretch, winning 25-21 to set the stage for a deciding fifth set. 

FIU led 2-0 in the fifth, but WKU pulled back in front, ahead 7-4 when the teams changed sides. Morioka's service ace brought the Panthers within two, down 8-6, but WKU finished it off, 15-9. 

For the second consecutive match, the Hilltoppers' now 82-match winning streak in CUSA regular season play continues in five-set fashion. 

UP NEXT

FIU will travel to take on New Mexico State for two matches Oct. 18-19 in Las Cruces, N.M. Both will have live stats and be streamed on ESPN+. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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