Panthers’ volleyball triumphs over Golden Eagles

By Jenna Smith/Asst. Sports Director

 

 

Senior Margherita Bianchin closes the fifth set with a game-winning kill against the University of Southern Mississippi on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

After dropping the first two sets, the Panthers rallied back for a 3-2 victory against the Golden Eagles.

FIU struggled in the first and second set against USM as they were unable to put up an equal amount of blocks as their opponents or effectively dig and make key defensive plays.

The Panthers dropped the first set 21-25.

The second set dwindled to the wire after the teams battled to the end for the win. The game exceeded 25 points, but ultimately the Golden Eagles triumphed 27-29.

Falling short in the previous two sets, the Panthers recovered by effectively placing the ball and communicating more on their side.

FIU was able to take the third set 25-21 and fourth set 25-23.

The final set went back-and-forth with both teams scoring one point after the other.

The Panthers called a crucial time out once USM took an 8-6 advantage in the fifth set and managed to alter the momentum.

Bianchin stepped up to make back-to-back kills while the team’s defense held the opposition to allow them to break away from Southern Mississippi. FIU won the fifth set 15-13.

Bianchin earns a triple-double in the match with 23 kills, 13 assists and 15 digs.  

Starting freshman setter Abbie Hughes attacked from the right side while Bianchin set. Hughes had nine kills and 44 assists.

With the win, FIU improves to 14-7 and rises to 6-2 in Conference USA.

The team is one win shy of tying the program record for most wins in a single season. During the 2015 campaign, the Panthers managed to record 15 wins.

Next, up for FIU, the team will continue their road trip as they travel to Boca Raton, Fla. to take on their conference rival, FAU. Start time is set for 12 p.m.