MIAMI — FIU's volleyball program opens its Conference (CUSA) slate this weekend with two matches against UTEP inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
The Panthers (2-11, 0-0 CUSA) welcome the Miners (10-2, 0-0 CUSA) as they serve up their opening CUSA series of 2024. FIU finished 8-8 in conference play last season, advancing to the CUSA Tournament Semifinals for the first time since 2018.
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. UTEP
Time/Site: 5 p.m. ET / Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Live Stats
Live Video
Friday, Sept. 28 vs. UTEP
Time/Site: 11 a.m. ET / Ocean Bank Convocation Center
Live Stats
Live Video
FIU took on a host of Power Four opponents in its non-conference season, battling with No. 25 Arkansas, Texas Tech, Miami, LSU, Wake Forest and South Carolina. Newcomer Jillian Huckabey has been an instrumental part of the Panthers' success, racking up 157 kills in non-conference play. Her 157 kills rank fifth-most in CUSA as does her 3.34 kills per set.
Anna Feldkamp, a transfer from Loyola, has also helped the offensive effort with 91 kills, attacking at a .201 clip. Both Savannah Cook and Kaylee Musick have had time as FIU's primary setter, totaling 269 and 149 assists, respectively.
Mandi Morioka has anchored the defensive end with 189 digs, an average of 3.86 digs per set, sixth-most in CUSA.
SCOUTING THE MINERS
UTEP enters this tilt on a three-match winning streak, defeating UTRGV, TAMU-Corpus Christi and Texas State at its home tournament last weekend. The Miners are led by Kaya Weaver, whom is hitting .414 on the season, second-best in CUSA.
UTEP uses a dual-setter offense with Kalia Kohler and Mattie Gantt facilitating the attack. Weaver is also the top blocker in CUSA with 66 total blocks, an average of 1.47 blocks per set. Danika Washington is also solid defensively at the net with 43 total blocks, an average of 0.96 per set, seventh in CUSA.
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.
