RUSTON – Louisiana Tech and FIU went back and forth on Sunday afternoon but in the end it was the Bulldogs who prevailed, winning 3-2 (25-18, 20-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-13) thriller over the Panthers inside the Thomas Assembly Center.
 
For the first time in 2024, LA Tech (8-21, 2-14 CUSA) went into a fifth set against an opponent.  It was a fitting end on senior day in the Bulldogs home finale as they celebrated a conference sweep over the Panthers after defeating them also on Friday night.
 
With the first set knotted up at 5-all, it was LA Tech who gained separation first by going on a 9-2 run to double up FIU (6-24, 4-12 CUSA)) and build a 14-7 advantage.  The Panthers could never get to within four, helped by three kills from Izabely Benjamin to prevail, 25-18.
 
LA Tech had a 15-14 edge in the second set, but the seesaw battle went the way of FIU who capitalized on a 6-0 run to even the match up at one set apiece.
 
The third set included a major comeback by the Bulldogs.  Down 13-18 to the Panthers, a kill by Rori Gray sparked a 12-3 run to close the set and take a 2-1 set advantage in the match.  Jailen Hurley put the 'Dogs over the top in the end with a kill followed by a service ace on set point.
 
It was around the midpoint of the fourth set where a team broke away again, and this time it was FIU.  At 11-all, the Panthers won eight of the next 11 points to take a 5-point lead.  Despite fighting off two set points, the visitors forced a deciding fifth set.
 
LA Tech did not seem bothered by the pressure of its first five setter of the season.  After the Panthers won the opening point, the Bulldogs reeled off seven straight which included three kills by Hurley. 
 
FIU would chip away though, eventually taking a one-point lead and being three points away from the match.  However, LA Tech got back-to-back blocks, another kill by Hurley, and were the recipients of an attack error to claim the set, 15-13.
 
LA Tech had a .124 hitting percentage, anchored by Benjamin who had a team-high 14 kills to go along with 14 digs for a double-double.  Hurley joined her in double-digit kills with 11.  Defensively, the team backed up its 17 blocks on Friday with 13 blocks in Sunday's affair (10 of those coming from Charlize Williams).
 
FIU registered a .081 hitting percentage with four Panthers tallying double-digit kills, led by Anna Feldkamp with 15 on 34 total attacks.
 
QUOTABLES
Head coach Amber McCray
 
"I'm so proud of the fight we showed today to get another clutch win against a solid FIU team who came into this weekend playing with a ton of confidence after their last stretch of matches. We found a way to close out tight sets again and prove to everyone, including ourselves, that we are capable of doing so and doing so consistently. This victory once again took everyone, and while it wasn't pretty at times, we had so many players step up to make clutch plays when it counted most. One of those players was Shelby Hannah playing an increased role in the libero jersey. Jailen Hurley also came up for us big midway through the end of the match offensively and defensively. Iza was outstanding with the double-double leading us in both kills and digs. What matters most is we are still in the hunt for a chance to extend our season, and I can't think of a better way to send such an important senior class out than a last home series sweep."
 
NOTABLES

• Charlize Williams has had a block in 25 consecutive matches.
• Williams has nine matches with six or more blocks this year.
• Williams moved to No. 7 on the Tech single season block list with 122.
• Tech finished with 10 or more blocks for the seventh time this season.
• Lauren Albrecht finished with her third double-double of the season.
• Izabely Benjamin finished with her fourth double-double of the season.
• Tech reached 80 digs for the third time this season.
• Tech improved to 9-12 all-time against FIU and has won four straight at home.

 
 
UP NEXT
LA Tech will close out the regular season Nov. 14-15 on the road versus Jacksonville State.  The Thursday matchup will start at 6 p.m. while Friday's meeting will be at 5 p.m.
 
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