MIAMI — FIU's volleyball program defeated Liberty 3-1 in Conference USA (CUSA) action on Tuesday afternoon at home. 

The Panthers (4-20, 2-9 CUSA) won the first two sets over the Flames (11-12, 5-6 CUSA) 25-23 and 25-16, respectively. After falling in the third frame 25-16, FIU finished off its second home victory of the season with a 25-20 win in the fourth. 

Anna Feldkamp racked up a season-high 16 kills, hitting .419 on 31 attacks to pace the offense. Courtney O'Brien added 12 kills in support while Cameryn Jones chipped in seven. 

Mandi Morioka anchored the defensive effort with 24 digs, matching a career-high. Defensively, FIU picked up a total of 76 digs compared to 61 for Liberty. 

Savannah Cook facilitated the offense with 40 assists and added 12 digs for a double-double. O'Brien also had a double-double with 13 digs to add to her 12 kills. The Panthers out-hit Liberty .164-.120 and had six service aces to the Flames' three. 

FIU came out firing in the opening set as Morioka ripped off a 6-0 run from the service line to begin the match. Colby Lane then went on a five-point run from the service line later in the frame, capped by a service ace to put the Panthers ahead 17-10. The Flames mounted a furious comeback to go ahead 23-22, but FIU had the final say with three straight kills, the last two of which came from O'Brien, to secure a tight 25-23 result. 

The Panthers' momentum carried into set two as FIU led 6-0 and 9-1 early on. Kindyl Kilar finished off a one-sided set with a kill for a 25-15 FIU win. 

Liberty controlled the third frame, racing out to an early advantage on its way to a 25-16 triumph. In the fourth and final set, both sides battled back-and-forth as the Panthers trailed 8-7.

A key 6-0 run from FIU put the Panthers in control, ahead 13-8 after a Julia Thomas kill. FIU secured the result, holding off Liberty down the stretch, with three consecutive points to seal the frame, 25-20, and the match 3-1. 

UP NEXT

FIU will take on the Flames again tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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