Spiked down: Women’s volleyball comes up empty in 305 Challenge

Ellie Cardelle | Staff Writer

Women’s volleyball fell short against Texas Tech, Arkansas and the University of Miami in a

three-day, three-game series taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from Sep. 19-21.

Thursday’s game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders got off to a slow start, with FIU losing the first set 15-25. Junior Mandi Morioka worked to keep the team alive, leading and creating numerous opportunities throughout the sets. 

Despite the Panthers beating Texas Tech in digs 46-39 and holding the lead for the majority of the second set, they lost in three sets. Graduate Aliyah McDonald had eight kills for the Red Raiders, spiking the ball ferociously. 

Freshman Jillian Huckabey turned in the best performance for the Panthers with 10 kills and two aces. 

FIU came into the match against Arkansas on Friday struggling, going down two sets early. But as the match progressed, the Panthers slowly began to up the intensity. Free jerseys were given out to fans, bringing the crowd into it as the Panthers snatched the third and fourth sets. 

But even with newfound life on FIU’s side, Arkansas toughed it out and won the fifth set 15-11 behind a strong 18-kill performance from redshirt freshman Aniya Madkin, closing out the game.

Huckabey again led the team in kills with 19. Junior Kira Givans also had a solid outing with 13 kills, two blocks and one ace. 

The Panthers then ended the 305 Challenge against an all-too-familiar foe: the Hurricanes. 

Playing away on the University of Miami’s court, FIU stole the first set 26-24.

The Canes then answered back with authority, winning the following three sets and bringing an end to the 305 Challenge. The Panthers finished 0-3. 

The team gets back on the courts at home in Ocean Bank Convocation Center against UTEP in a two-game matchup on Friday, Sep. 27 and Saturday, Sep. 28.

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