FIU (20-9) eliminated Denver (13-16) in the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament with a 3-1 win over the Pioneers, (25-21, 23-25, 25-21, 25-18). The Panthers have now reached the 20-win plateau for the seventh consecutive season and have advanced to the semi-finals for the second season in a row.
From the very first day of practice, the FIU volleyball team has had the SBC tournament in their line of sight. Every bead of sweat and every bruise on their shoulders have been to improve for the tournament that will officially begin on Thursday, Nov.17 in the U.S Century Bank Arena.
On a night that marked the final game of the regular season for both teams, FIU (19-9, 10-6 SBC) swept Troy (16-14, 6-10) using explosive offense and exceptional defense.
This marks the second consecutive road game that they lose to a team with a sub -.500 record. The Jaguars (10-17, 5-10 SBC) snapped their seven-year losing streak to the Panthers (18-9, 9-6 SBC) with the win.
The Panthers (17-8, 9-5 SBC) lost all the momentum they picked up after a tremendous first-set comeback to lose to the Ragin’ Cajuns (13-17, 5-9 SBC) in five sets, (26-24, 25-16, 27-29, 21-25, 11-15). The loss snapped FIU’s six-game winning streak. It was also the first time the team lost when leading 2-0 this season.
Over the past two weeks, the Panthers may have discovered the perfect lineup, which has led to five consecutive wins for the squad and has raised expectations to win their remaining six games.
On the heels of three Panther double-double performances, FIU beat Troy 3-1, (25-17, 25-21, 23-25, 25-18) and extended their winning streak to four games. With the win, FIU remains perfect against Troy (14-10, 4-6 SBC), having won all 12 games against their program.
FIU defeated South Alabama at U.S. Century Bank Arena in a straight set sweep 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-20) on Oct. 30.
The Panthers (14-7, 6-4 SBC) swept the Owls (3-19, 0-10 SBC) in less than an hour and a half at the U.S Century Bank Arena on Oct. 26.
Golden Panthers narrowly defeat ASU and cruised past UALR to pick up two conference wins.