MIAMI (Feb. 12, 2019) – The FIU softball team raced out to a hot start over the weekend, as the Panthers went 4-1 at the Felsberg Invitational to open the 2019 season.
FIU downed Memphis twice, while defeating Bryant and UConn to give the Panthers four wins to start the year. The only defeat at the Felsberg Invitational came at the hands of Power-5 foe Michigan State.
Megan Kugelmann earned two wins in the circle, pitching a complete game in each appearance. The sophomore fanned nine batters and only allowed one run in her two starts.
At the plate, the Panthers were led by
Jessica Rivera who earned a team-best six RBI and built a .375 batting average. Preseason All-CUSA member
Jackie Schoff collected seven hits and two RBI over the weekend, while earning one triple. The Panthers went yard once, with freshman
Kallie Jones knocking a ball over the center field wall for her first-collegiate home run.
Q&A with FIU interim head coach Heather Gelbard
Q: How was this weekend going 4-1?
A: "I think it was a successful weekend. We have a lot to build on and I loved our energy. I thought we prepared well and now we're getting prepared for this weekend at FGCU."
Q: What bright spots did you see from the team?
A: "One thing you saw was people coming in ready to play off the bench. That showed a lot about our energy in the dugout and our readiness to play. It's always hard to come off the bench ready, so I think that could be a big advantage for us going forward."
Q: How has this team battled through adversity?
A: "This team has already been battle-tested. A lot of teams around the country have not had to face what they have before the season. It's bonded them together more than any team I've been around in my coaching career."
Q: What kind of character does this team have?
A: "We have a good group of kids with high character. When you have a good group of people it's fun to watch. Good people can do good things together."
Q: What player is most under the radar on this team?
A: "
Tori Jones. She's played a big role for us over at third base and her defense is worlds apart from a lot of other third basemen around the country. She's our glue. She works her butt off and is highly respected by her teammates and is only interested in doing what's best for the team."
Q: What kind of leadership do you have on the team?
A: "When you talk about leaders on this team, you have to talk about
Venessa Gallegos and
Tatyana Forbes. They have shown what grit in the face of adversity looks like. They've led this team with grace and determination and have been completely selfless. If they weren't injured, they would be on the field right now."
Q: How special is it to come back home to Miami?
A: "It's incredible. I grew up 20 minutes south of FIU, so being able to see friends and family go here and now having them be our fans and alumni is great. There's so much pride in being a Panther."
Q: What can fans expect from this team this season?
A: "We're going to fight for seven innings or however long it takes to get the job done. We're a scrappy and resilient bunch that's going to fight. We're going to be hungry."
UP NEXT
The Panthers will make the short trip over to Fort Myers this weekend, as FIU takes part in the FGCU Tournament. FIU will be back home on Feb. 22-24 to host the Panther Invitational, taking on Columbia, Rutgers and Monmouth. Tickets to all FIU games can be purchased online at
tickets.fiusports.com or by phone at 305-FIU-GAME.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUSoftball on Facebook and @FIUSoftball on Twitter and Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
