The FIU Panthers are on a roll. After putting away the Bearcats in Huntsville, they returned home for a weekend series against the University of Delaware. The Blue Hens had a rough series, struggling to win a set. The closest they came was the first set of the first series, which ended 21-25 in FIU’s favor. They were unable to secure a set and ultimately lost the series 0-6.
Coach Robertson’s staff had the Panthers firing on all cylinders. Savannah Cook was on fire this series. She had a combined 36 assists, 13 digs, and three aces while playing in all six sets. Delaware was unable to stop Cook. She was able to impose her will and was a key player in this series.
Panther Spotlight
Usually, there is a segment where I discuss a player of the game. Still, this week I’m dedicating this section to highlighting the leadership that Coach Robertson and her staff show this team, as it was evident during this series.
Coach Robertson is in her 3rd season as head coach of FIU Volleyball. Her staff includes associate head coach Robertson and assistant coach Abramovich. These three coaches came in with experience; both coaches Robertson came from UMBC, where they led the Retrievers to the NCAA Tournament in 2020 and 2021.
During the 2021 season, her squad went undefeated in conference play, going 12-0, and her staff was honored as the 2021 America East Coaching Staff of the Year for the second consecutive year.
There is no doubt that Head Coach Robertson is one of the best coaches that FIU has ever had, and that she and her staff are doing a superb job. In the prior series against Delaware, their leadership was put on full display, as they cruised to the victory.
Looking Ahead…
FOUR STRAIGHT DUBBSSSSS 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/vwd2o6yl17
— FIU Volleyball (@FIUVolleyball) October 18, 2025
The Panthers are set to play their revenge game in Fort Myers against the Dirty Birds of FGCU. Previously, these two met at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center in Miami on September 18th, with the Panthers losing 1-3. With this opportunity for revenge, Coach Robinson’s group needs to be on their A-game.
Keys to a Panther Victory
If the Panthers are going to come away from Fort Myers and FGCU with a win, here are my keys to a Panther win:
- Limiting service errors to fewer than 5 per game is a good place to start.
- Block Block Block. FGCU thrives at the point of attack.
Dirty Birds’ Offensive Opportunities
Next, let’s look at The Dirty Birds’ main point of attack, by junior outside hitter Julija Grubisic Cabo. This season alone, she has accounted for 173 digs and 223 kills. Cabo is the most decorated Dirty Bird in program history.
In high school, she earned the MVP award at the 2023 Slovenian U19 Nationals. Cabo’s offensive presence was felt in the first matchup in Miami. She recorded three aces and 11 kills. When discussing blocking, Julija Cabo is one to watch. Limiting her offensive impact could be the deciding factor in this revenge game.
The Panthers will have to clean up the self-imposed errors heading into this rematch. Last time these two teams played, the Panthers gifted the Dirty Birds 25 points via errors. FGCU returned the favor with 16 errors of its own, though the difference remains significant. Previously, the Panthers were outscored by 15 points in the three sets.
My Predictions
I think the FIU Panthers will not be able to defeat the Dirty Birds and will stub their toes against a strong FGCU team.
FGCU: 3
FIU: 1
0-2 Series Sweep
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