SPRINGFIELD, Mo.– Conference USA play officially commences in volleyball as a pair of nine-win teams battle - FIU (9-4) and Missouri State (9-3). The Panthers' seven-game winning streak is their longest since 2011 following three wins at the 305 Classic to close non-conference play.

Opening Serve

Heading into conference play tied for third, FIU is on a seven-game winning streak ahead of taking on 9-3 Missouri State. The Panthers won all three games in the 305 Classic at home over the weekend, and won all three meetings against Missouri State in 2025.

Over the weekend, FIU took down Central Michigan, Alabama A&M & Jacksonville to keep their streak alive. Jillian Huckabey led the way with 38 kills during the tournament, and Mariana Silva pressured opponents with nine service aces.

Matchup History
- The Panthers knocked off the Bears all three meetings in 2025, including both at home during the regular season, a 3-1 win on Sept. 26 and a sweep on Sept. 27. Former Panther Kira Givans had 20 kills in the second game.
- Most notably, the Panthers unseated Missouri State in the second round of last year's conference tournament in Miami en route to a championship berth.

Notable Storylines
- Huckabey led the way on offense for the Panthers, racking up 38 kills in the three games at home. She had a 19-kill effort against Alabama A&M, and currently sits second on the team in kills and eighth in CUSA in kills per set.
- As part of a season-high 16 service aces against Alabama A&M, Silva recorded a career-best six of them in the game. The Panthers have been stellar from the service line this season, sitting ninth in the NCAA with 101 total and 19th with 0.5/set. Ivona Lazovic has also been strong, currently 23rd in the NCAA and second in Conference USA with 24.
- Chiara Fabbrini has emerged as a reliable offensive option for FIU. The graduate student is third on the team in kills and had a season-high 12 against Alabama A&M. She also had a perfect 9-0-9 against Central Michigan in the first game.
- The block got going for FIU against Jacksonville in the previous game, with 12 total. Rayne Williams tied her career-high with six, while Gina Fedrigo and Teodora Skocajic both had five, season-highs.
- The Panthers' .442 hitting % against Central Michigan was the fifth-highest in program history and highest since a game against Austin Peay on 9/2/11. Their .773 hitting % in the opening set was one of the highest in a set in team history.
- FIU's seven-game winning streak is their longest since Sept. 4-25, 2011.
- The Panthers' only historic trip to Missouri came in 2007 at the Tiger Invitational, losing in five sets to Notre Dame and beating host Missouri in five sets on 9/1 and 9/2/07.

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.