MIAMI – The FIU volleyball program dropped a straight-set decision to crosstown rival Miami on Saturday afternoon at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

The Panthers fell 25-19 in the opening frame before battling through a tightly contested second set, ultimately coming up short in a 29-27 thriller. Miami closed out the match with a 25-17 win in the third.

Kira Givans led the Panthers with 12 kills, marking her sixth double-digit kill performance of the season. Courtney O'Brien turned in a strong all-around effort, recording a double-double with 10 kills and 11 digs — her second straight match accomplishing the feat.

Defensively, Mandi Morioka paced the backline with 13 digs, while Emma Beretich anchored the net with five blocks. Setter Savannah Cook dished out 30 assists to guide the offense, and Jillian Huckabey contributed three kills along with seven digs.

After a back-and-forth first set, Miami closed on a 7-1 run to secure the six-point win. Set two featured seven lead changes, with FIU earning set point before the Hurricanes rallied with three straight scores to edge out the Panthers, 29-27. In the decisive third set, Miami built an early seven-point cushion and held on for an eight-point victory to seal the match.

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
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