MIAMI – Freshman middle blocker Hana Aiana had a career day on Saturday afternoon, registering 14 kills on just 29 swings in a five-set loss at FIU. Her efforts helped tremendously for the Gamecocks in a comeback fallen short as Jacksonville State claimed the third and fourth sets in Miami, Fla. 
 
FIU (12-14, 8-4) was on fire to begin their second home match in as many days at Ocean Bank Convocation Center. The Panther offense enjoyed 16 kills and a hitting percentage of .519 in the opening set, powering to a 25-14 set victory. Jax State (5-17, 3-9) recovered well in the second as a pair of Gracie Danziger aces helped them to an early advantage. Their lead was as large as three late before Florida International battled back and took the frame, 26-24, with a 3-0 spurt. 
 
The visitors from Calhoun County were able to put behind their early struggles going into the third. Strong serving and a few key blocks created separation as the Red-and-White picked up a 25-20 win to get on the board. The fourth period appeared to be all-FIU early, as the Panthers carried the momentum for much of the interval, but a strong finish propelled Derek Schroeder's squad to the lead. In the end, it was a kill by Aiana and an ace from Ellie Garrett that closed out a slim 25-23 triumph, forcing a decisive fifth set. 
 
Unfortunately for Jacksonville State, they could not catch the breaks needed in the final frame. Florida International started hot and built a double-digit lead before cruising to a 15-5 clincher. 
 
Aiana's 14 kills, six blocks, and five block assists all set new career-bests for the Molokai, Hawaii, native. Morgan McClure added 12 kills on a .364 clip and two blocks while Maddie Stayer and Kaylee Moseley tallied nine kills apiece. Garrett had 37 assists, eight digs, four kills, three aces, and two blocks in the loss as well. Brooklyn Schiffli (14), Danziger (12), and Luci Wilkinson each ended up with double-digit digs. 
 
The Gamecocks held advantages in blocks (10 to 8) and digs (56 to 51) but were out-hit .288 to .185 and posted less kills (61 to 54), aces (8 to 7), and assists (50 to 44). 
 
Jacksonville State returns home on Friday to begin their final home weekend of the 2023 season. The Gamecocks will welcome Middle Tennessee to Pete Mathews Coliseum for a pair of Conference USA matches. Friday's Dig Orange match will start at 6 p.m. and Saturday's Senior Day contest has a first-serve slated for 2 p.m. 
 
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