MIAMI– The FIU volleyball program battled Miami on Saturday afternoon, losing to the Hurricanes in four sets to conclude the 305 Challenge in Coral Gables.
FIU (2-11) went head-to-head with Miami (9-2), which received the most votes in the final AVCA poll, in the opening set, winning 26-24. The Panthers recorded 15 kills in the opening game and posted a .235 batting average.
FIU then lost the final three frames to the Hurricanes and UM won the game at home in four sets.
Kira Givans scored 11 kills, the most on his team, and attacked with a .250 hit percentage to guide the offensive effort. Jillian Huckabey had double-digit kills in her fourth consecutive game and her ninth overall in 2024, finishing the game with 10 kills.
Kaylee Musick supported the attack with 30 assists and added seven digs and a service ace. Mandi Morioka formed the cornerstone of the defense with 13 defensive actions and contributed three assists from her libero position. Kindyl Kilar made eight digs as a defensive specialist in support.
The Panthers and Hurricanes went neck and neck in the opening game, as both sides were within striking distance for most of the set. Trailing 18-15, FIU made its push with four straight points, capped by a kill from Madison Morganto force Miami to take a timeout.
Although the Hurricanes tied the score late at 24:24, Travel Morris and a set win by Huckabey gave the Panthers the victory with 26-24.
FIU also had the edge midway through the second set, when Huckabey and Feldkamp made back-to-back kills to give the Panthers a 14-13 lead. Miami then went on a 12-4 run to win the set 25-18 and tie the game at 1-1.
The third set was characterized by an early run by the Hurricanes, which gave them a clear 25-10 victory.
In the decisive fourth set, a Musick serve ace gave FIU an early 8-7 lead. However, Miami managed a four-point run to take a 12-9 lead and never relinquished the lead, winning 25-16.
Next
FIU will host UTEP on September 27 and 28 to kick off its Conference USA (CUSA) program at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.
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