MIAMI – The FIU volleyball program battled back to earn a four-set victory over Coastal Carolina on Friday evening at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
 
After dropping the opening set, 25-22, the Panthers responded with three straight wins, taking set two (25-12), edging out a close third (26-24), and sealing the match with a 25-20 finish to secure their sixth win of the season.
 
FIU's decisive moment came in the fourth set, where a 10-1 scoring run flipped a 19-14 deficit into a match-clinching rally, highlighted by a pair of service aces from Courtney O'Brien.

The Panthers tallied 46 kills on the night, paced by a standout double-double performance of 11 kills, 13 digs, and a season-high five service aces from O'Brien

Graduate student Sofie Vogel added nine kills, while senior Kira Givans chipped in eight. Jillian Huckabey contributed seven digs and three aces, with Savannah Cook directing the offense behind 32 assists and eight digs.

Defensively, Mandi Morioka anchored the back row with 22 digs, while Emma Beretich and Cook each recorded four blocks.
 
Coastal Carolina took the first set behind a late push to close 25-22, but FIU stormed back in the second, racing out to a 14-5 lead before closing 25-12.

In the third, the Panthers erased a 10-5 deficit with a 5-0 run, ultimately pulling out a tight 26-24 win. The fourth and final set belonged to FIU after the late surge sealed a 25-20 victory.
 

UP NEXT
FIU closes out the 305 Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m. vs Miami. It will be streamed live on ESPN+ from the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

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.