MIAMI —  FIU's volleyball program was defeated by UTEP in three sets on Saturday morning, wrapping up its opening weekend in Conference USA (CUSA) play inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. 

The Panthers (2-13, 0-2 CUSA) fell to the Miners (12-2, 2-0 CUSA) in straight sets by scores of 25-22, 25-16 and 25-12, respectively. Kira Givans and Jillian Huckabey each had six kills to lead the FIU attack. 

Kaylee Musick started and dished out 22 assists, adding one service ace. Mandi Morioka led the defensive effort with eight digs while Colby Lane chipped in six. Julia Thomas racked up 4.0 blocks as FIU had 7.0 total blocks as a team. 

In the first set, the Panthers used a three-point run, capped by a Kindyl Kilar service ace, to even the score at 10-all. FIU tied the score once again at both 16-16 and 21-21, but UTEP scored four of the final points in the opening set to win, 25-22. 

FIU built an early 7-1 lead in the second set as the Panthers had five kills in those first seven points. Travel Morris added a kill to put FIU up 8-2 before UTEP used a 13-0 run to gain control of the frame. A Givans kill brought the Panthers within five, down 21-16, but the Miners scored the final four points to finish off set two, 25-16. 

Set three was back-and-forth early as a service ace from Musick brought FIU within one down 7-6. An 11-0 run for the Miners gave them the advantage as they took the set, 25-12. 

UP NEXT

The Panthers will have their first road CUSA matchups at Middle Tennessee on Oct. 4-5 in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The matches are slated for 7 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, and will be live streamed on ESPN+. 

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.