Practice – and hard work – makes perfect

The FIU volleyball team’s No. 16, freshman Jovana Bjelica, was the picture of dedication, studying while conditioning at the U.S. Century Bank Arena recently.

The Golden Panthers were predicted to finish first in the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) East Division on Aug. 25.

Bjelica’s fellow student-athlete, senior Yarimar Rosa, earned Preseason Player of the Year recognition and is joined by teammate Olga Vergun on the Preseason All-SBC Team.

FIU tallied 72 points in the East Division poll, edging Middle Tennessee, which earned 67 points, for first place.

The blue-and-gold volleyball team will open at home at U.S. Century Bank Arena at Modesto A. Maidique Campus on Sept. 10 against UM in the first game of the FIU/UM Invitational Sept. 10-12.

For tickets and more information, call 305-FIU-GAME.