Will Duval | Sports Director
The FIU volleyball team looks to defend their home court as they take on the LA Tech Bulldogs in a two-game series starting on Friday, Sep. 22, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
After hosting the 305 Challenge, the Panthers left the tournament with a 2-1 record, as they won their first two matches.
Improving to a 4-9 record on the season, the tournament allowed them to find their footing after a 2-8 start.
During their 3-1 victory over the Stetson Hatters, junior outside hitter Mackenzie Morgan and senior outside hitter Jade Sadeiko combined for 35 kills on 86 total attempts.
Following a 1-2 outing at the Battle for the Boot tournament in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the Bulldogs’ record stands at 5-7 on the season.
Despite evening up their record at 5-5 by taking a 3-1 win against the Southern Jaguars, LA Tech lost their last two games of the tournament.
Historically, FIU holds a 10-3 record against the Bulldogs but recently have not been able to defeat them.
Losing their last two matches against LA Tech, the Panthers took a 3-1 loss in their most recent faceoff on Nov. 10, 2022 in Ruston, Louisiana.
In order to defeat the Bulldogs this year, FIU needs to limit their scoring and force them to play defense.
On offense, the Panthers have accumulated 488 kills while allowing 567 to opponents and have been unable to keep up with the scoring of other teams.
Playing one less match, LA Tech has collected 501 kills and have allowed 540 kills to other teams, holding a lower discrepancy than FIU.
Finding more success defensively, the Panthers have tallied 91 blocks, 30 solo blocks and only 11 blocking errors this season.
Having played one more set than FIU, the Bulldogs haven’t been as fortunate defensively, totaling 88 blocks, 21 solo blocks and 22 blocking errors this season.
By controlling the pace of the game and forcing LA Tech into playing defense, the Panthers have a chance to defeat them for the first time since 2018.
With the first of two games starting on Friday, Sep. 22, 2023, the Panthers are taking on the LA Tech Bulldogs at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami, Florida.
Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. and the game will be broadcasted on ESPN+.
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