ATHENS, Ga. – The FIU volleyball program delivered a statement win on Sunday afternoon, sweeping the Georgia Bulldogs in straight sets for an upset at Stegeman Coliseum.
 
In the final match of the Bulldog Classic, the Panthers rolled to a 25-20, 25-22, 25-20 victory, marking their second consecutive sweep and second straight win overall.
 
The win also stands as FIU's second over a Power Four opponent this season, following a four-set triumph at Duke on Aug. 31. It is just the second victory over Georgia in program history, with the first coming on Aug. 31, 2012.
 
Kira Givans and Rebekah Pfefferkorn powered the Panthers' attack with 11 kills apiece. Givans continued her strong form with her fourth double-digit performance in the last five matches, while also adding a team-high four service aces.
 
Defensively, Jillian Huckabey led the back row with 11 digs and two service aces, while senior libero Mandi Morioka reached a career milestone, eclipsing 1,000 digs with her second of the afternoon en route to 10 total. Setter Kaylee Musick orchestrated the offense, dishing out a match-high 32 assists.
 
Sofie Vogel contributed six kills and five blocks, and Courtney O'Brien added five kills to round out a balanced attack.
 
The opening set saw Georgia take a late 22-20 lead before FIU stormed back with a 5-1 run, capped by a Pfefferkorn kill to seal the frame. In the second, the Panthers raced out to an 18-13 advantage, with Huckabey and O'Brien delivering clutch plays down the stretch to secure the 25-22 win.
 
FIU capitalized on six Bulldog errors in the third set, building a 20-17 lead after a Huckabey ace. Back-to-back Georgia miscues extended the margin, before Givans finished the match with a decisive kill to clinch the sweep.

UP NEXT
FIU returns home for the 305 Invitational from Thursday, Sept. 18 - Saturday, Sept. 20. The first match on Thursday, Sept. 18 is at 6 p.m. vs FGCU from the Ocean Bank Convocation center and can be 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.