MIAMI – The FIU volleyball program returns home as they host the 305 Invitational this weekend from the Ocean Bank Convocation Center to wrap up the final non-conference tournament of the season.

Thursday, Sept. 18 vs FGCU (4-4)

• Time / Site: 6 p.m. ET at Ocean Bank Convocation Center
• Professor Appreciation Match

Friday, Sept. 19 vs Coastal Carolina (7-2)

• Time / Site: 6 p.m. ET at Ocean Bank Convocation Center
• VICE Night

Saturday, Sept. 20 vs Miami (7-1)

• Time / Site: 1 p.m. ET at Ocean Bank Convocation Center
• Battle for the 305

The Panthers are set to host FGCU on Thursday, Sept. 18, Coastal Carolina on Friday, Sept. 19 and closing it out with a battle for the 305 vs Miami on Saturday, Sept. 20.

FIU enters 5-4 coming off a strong weekend at the Bulldogs Classic, finishing the slate 2-1 including wins over Presbyterian and a straight set sweep of Georgia on Sunday, Sept. 14.

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.

Senior outside hitter Kira Givans continues to pace the Panthers' attack, recording 104 kills across the opening stretch of the season. She has tallied five double-digit kill efforts and notched 11 against Georgia. Givans, who has started all nine matches, currently sits among the top ten in CUSA in kills.
 
Junior Courtney O'Brien has also been a consistent contributor, compiling 83 kills and 85 digs while recording two double-doubles on the season. Freshman Rebekah Pfefferkorn has quickly emerged as a key piece, adding 67 kills—including 11 in the statement win over Georgia.
 
In the middle, graduate student Sofie Vogel has been an anchor defensively, matching the team lead in blocks (24) while turning in consecutive five-block performances. Transfer Emma Beretich has been reliable as well, starting all nine matches with 61 kills and 24 blocks.
 
On the defensive end, senior libero Mandi Morioka continues to shine. She leads the team with 143 digs—ranking third in Conference USA—and reached a career milestone against Georgia, surpassing the 1,000 career digs mark after recording 10 in the sweep. Opposite Jillian Huckabey has been another steady presence, appearing in all nine matches and tying for the team lead in service aces (10).
 
At setter, Kaylee Musick has been instrumental in orchestrating FIU's offense. She averaged 27 assists during the Bulldog Classic, including a season-high 32 against Georgia.

As a unit, the Panthers have outkilled their opponents 426–391 this season.

SCOUTING FGCU
The Eagles enter the Invitational with a .500 record after going 1-2 at the South Dakota tournament, highlighted by a win over Green Bay.

Offensively, Barbara Koehler leads FGCU with 106 kills, followed closely by Julija Grubisic Cabo with 87. Defensively, Reese Burry paces the squad with 83 digs, while setters Hanna Borer (190 assists) and Eliska Vytiskova (120 assists) handle the distribution.

FGCU has won the last 14 meetings between the programs.

SCOUTING COASTAL CAROLINA
Coastal Carolina enters 7-2 off a three-match sweep at the Wolfpack Invitational, including taking down NC State on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Jalyn Sout has a team-high of 102 kills while Bailee Earnhardt has the team mark in digs (107) and Stout with 102. Anna Rita has been impactful posting 48 blocks, including nine vs the Wolfpack. Avva Wallis has 162 assists while Stout has 122.

Friday will mark the third meeting between both programs with their last victory coming on Sept. 4, 1992 in Conway, S.C.

SCOUTING MIAMI
Crosstown rival Miami comes into Saturday's showdown riding a seven-match winning streak, fresh off victories over Illinois State and Illinois.

Flomarie Heredia Colón leads the Hurricanes with 120 kills, while Ava Carney adds 86. Setter Ariana Rodriguez has already piled up 274 assists on the year, with Naylani Feliciano pacing the defense at 123 digs and Dalia Wilson contributing 41 blocks.

The Panthers and Hurricanes will meet for the 13th time in series history, with FIU holding four all-time wins.

UP NEXT
FIU prepares for Conference USA play, hosting Missouri State on Friday, Sept. 26 - Saturday, Sept. 27 inside the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. Friday's contest is set for 6 p.m. and Saturday is set for 12 p.m,. Both matches will be streamed live 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.