MIAMI — FIU's volleyball program notched a 3-0 win over Sam Houston on Friday evening inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
The Panthers (7-24, 5-12 CUSA) took down the Bearkats (13-15, 8-9 CUSA) in straight sets, 25-23, 25-15 and 25-23, to open the first of two matches with SHSU in their final home weekend of 2024 at home. Jillian Huckabey racked up 12 kills and had a double-double with 14 digs.
Courtney O'Brien had 11 kills and hit .250 with 18 digs. Seniors Cameryn Jones, Travel Morris and Anna Feldkamp each had seven kills in support. Morris hit .313 and Feldkamp hit .389.
Savannah Cook dished out 36 assists to facilitate the offensive attack and added five blocks and seven digs. The Panther offense racked up 45 kills and held the Bearkats to just 29 kills.
FIU was also strong defensively with 61 digs, led by O'Brien's 18. Colby Lane had nine digs as a reserve.
In the opening set, the Panthers tied to score at 12-all on a Morris kill. Jones gave FIU its first lead late with a kill, ahead 22-21. Down one, the Panthers ripped off the final three tallies capped by back-to-back O'Brien kills for a 25-23 win.
FIU used its momentum to surge into the second frame, going on a 7-0 run to take an 11-5 lead. The Panthers used this early cushion to cruise to a 25-15 win in the second set.
In the final set, both teams traded points back-and-forth to begin the frame. Morris had three-straight kills to give the Panthers a 19-14 lead. Despite a late run from the Bearkats, Huckabey secured the 25-23 set win with a kill off the block for the match victory.
UP NEXT
The Panthers have their home finale, Senior Day, tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. against Sam Houston. FIU will honor seniors Feldkamp, Jones, Lane and Morris pre-game.
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 Volleyball news. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
