Now that the nervous jitters of the first three games of the season are behind them, the Golden Panthers are ready to bear down and begin the long grind of the next few months with one goal in sight: a Sun Belt Conference Championship.
The Golden Panthers overpowered UC Riverside to capture its second victory in as many days in another straight-set sweep. But FIU, accustomed to playing the role of Goliath in the first two matches, reversed roles to David as the Golden Panthers dropped the match in three straight sets against No. 3 UC Berkeley and their impermeable defense.
Florida International University (1-0, SBC 0-0) capitalized on Fairfield’s (0-1, MAAC 0-0) numerous errors to win in three sets, 25-20, 25-16, and 25-19 in their first match of the Cal Molten Classic in Berkeley, Calif.
Months of steadfast training, rigorous workouts and skinned knees, will be put to the test as the Golden Panthers open the 2011 season in Berkeley, Calif. at the Cal Molten Classic Invitational this weekend.
Redshirt junior Renele Forde and redshirt freshman Jessica Egan are currently competing for the starting setter position, the position vacated by All-American Natalia Valentin, who graduated over the summer.