Panthers split wins and losses at Maroone Classic

Alex Toledo // Contributing Writer

The volleyball team continued its month-long road trip, this time in Starkville, Mississippi, for the Maroon Classic, where the Panthers went 2-2 against Mississippi State University, Eastern Illinois University, University of Portland and Troy University. The team now holds a 6-7 record for the season.

The Panthers played perhaps a back-and-forth game to start off the Maroon Classic against the host Mississippi State, even with it being a loss, (21-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22, 9-15). Senior Katie Hogan recorded yet another double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs. Redshirt-freshman libero Lina Bernier also showed out with 16 kills and five digs on a .387 hitting percentage. Junior setter Mariana De Paula Silva contributed 45 assists, as well.

After finishing up against the host team, FIU played Eastern Illinois later that day, where the team won and got its first sweep of the season, (25-20, 25-21, 25-21). Hogan once again landed a double-double with 13 kills and 11 digs along with two blocks. Bernier finished with 11 digs, junior outside hitter Mariana Dal Pozzo finished with 10 digs and Silva with 29 assists.

The next day, FIU started off the day with a 3-0 loss to Portland, (23-25, 14-25, 22-25). Junior Tajia Thomas finished with 11 kills on a .556 hitting percentage. Silva finished with 18 assists and freshman outside hitter Helene Thelle contributed with nine digs.

To finish off Day Two and the Maroon Classic, the Panthers beat Troy in another sweep, making it two for the trip and two for the season, (25-23, 25-23, 25-20). Hogan continued with the double-doubles, this time with 15 kills and 15 digs on a .419 attack percentage. Bernier contributed eight kills and 13 digs and junior outside hitter Taija Thomas also added 13 kills. 

The team has improved and gained some momentum, and will move to play the University of North Texas on Sunday, Sept. 25 a 2 p.m. in Denton, Texas.