MIAMI, Fla. – In its first ever Conference USA game, the Old Dominion (2-2, 0-1 C-USA) women's volleyball team fell in three-straight sets to FIU.
"FIU executed at a much better level. We were out of rhythm throughout the match but we will sort things out when we get back to practicing and playing on a regular basis again," said head coach Fred Chao.
Alessia Sgherza had a standout performance to lead the Monarchs with seven kills and seven digs. Freshman Teresa Atilano dished out 18 assists and knocked down a kill and one block.
Jamie Bissmeyer collected three service aces to lead the team and record a season-high in that department.
The first set was primarily a back-and-forth battle, until the Panthers (1-1, 1-0 C-USA) mounted a 7-3 run. FIU continued to dominate the first game, gaining its biggest lead, 20-10, until Olivia De Jesus recorded a kill and changed momentum. ODU went on to score five-straight points but the Panthers went on to close the first set, 25-16.
ODU got off to a solid start in the second set, leading 5-2. FIU answered with three-straight points to even up the set. ODU responded with three of its own unanswered points. The two teams traded points and it was not until FIU put together a 9-1 run to win the second set 25-15, that the match was 2-0 in favor of the Panthers.
The third set looked similar to the second, trading points early. The Panthers took control the rest of the set, leading by as many as 10 points and winning, 25-16.
Up Next
ODU will return back to the court on Tuesday, Feb. 9 to take on the Panthers at 1 p.m. The contest will stream on CUSA.tv.
Monarch Fan Cutouts
Due to popular demand, the Old Dominion University athletics department has made Monarch Fan Cutouts available for volleyball.
The "Monarch Cutouts", presented by Chartway, are available for $59 and will be in attendance at all home games for the 2021 season. Photos of the fan cutouts will be posted on social media throughout the season.
Volleyball Drops 3-0 Match to FIU
