The FIU volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting final home stand as they prepare to host the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in a two-game series on November 7 and 8. The first match will kick off on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, coinciding with Alumni Night. The second game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m., featuring Senior Day festivities.
Currently holding a record of 16 wins and 9 losses, with 10 wins and 2 losses in Conference USA, the Panthers are riding a strong four-game winning streak, complemented by an impressive eight-match conference win streak— a record for the team since joining C-USA.
This series marks the 46th and 47th encounters between the Panthers and the Blue Raiders, who lead the overall series 32-13. FIU’s squad showcases remarkable talent, highlighted by junior Kira Givans, who leads the team with 319 kills this season. Givans’ outstanding performance earned her the title of C-USA Offensive Player of the Week on October 13.
Another key player, junior Savannah Cook, has recorded 818 assists this season, averaging 10.10 assists per set and leading the league with 486 assists in conference play. She achieved a career milestone with 59 assists during a recent four-set victory at Liberty on October 25, making her the fourth player in FIU history to surpass 3,000 career assists.
Defensively, junior Mandi Morioka, who ranks third in Conference USA with 404 digs, expressed confidence in their team’s performance throughout the season, stating, “This season we come out stronger every day.” She highlighted the team’s cohesion and relentless spirit in defense, with every player contributing to both the back and front rows.
Overall, FIU’s season has been impressive, placing them among the top three teams in C-USA for both kills (1,246) and assists (1,151), while also standing second in service aces with 176.
Following this pivotal series against Middle Tennessee, the Panthers will set their sights on their final regular-season matchup against the UTEP Miners in El Paso, Texas, as they prepare for the conference tournament commencing on November 21.