MIAMI – The FIU softball team used a four-run fifth inning to lift it to a 4-3 win over UNC Greensboro in its season opener on Friday afternoon at the FIU Softball Stadium.
 
The Panthers, who trailed 1-0 following a solo blast by UNCG's Blayke Blatten in the top of the fourth, rallied for four runs in the bottom of the fifth to claim a 4-1 edge that they would not relinquish.
 
Senior Kayla Whitehead reached on an error with one out to start the rally before being lifted for pinch runner Alyssa Laboy.  Laboy scored one batter later when Carmen Perez laced a double down the third base line to make the score 1-1. 
 
Perez followed by scoring the go-ahead run with a steal of home when she broke for the dish on a pick-off attempt by Maryland at first.  Madison Lewis provided the explanation point with a two-RBI double that scored Venessa Gallegos and Jianna Simonet.
 
The Spartans put together a rally in the top of the seventh to get within 4-3 on a two-run blast by Makenna Matthijs, but FIU relief pitcher Brooklynn LInneman would enter the game and record the final out to secure her first save of the season.
 
FIU starter Kendahl Dunford (1-0) earned the victory after tossing 6.2 innings while allowing seven hits and three runs.  She struck out four and walked two.  UNCG's Reese Byrd was tagged with the loss after allowing four hits and three runs in 4.1 innings.
 
In Friday's nightcap, a four-run outburst in the top of the first inning helped lead Maryland to a 10-2 victory over FIU.
 
The Terrapins added another four runs in the top of the third to extend the lead.  Alexa Ross scored for FIU in the bottom of the second on a sacrifice fly by Lewis and Brittany Phillips crossed the dish on a wild pitch in the bottom of the third.
 
The Panthers continue action at the Felsberg Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 12. 
 
FIU will open the day against Tennessee in a 12:30 p.m. ET start before following with a game against an opponent to be determined at either 3 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.
 
2022 Felsberg Invitational Schedule
at FIU Softball Stadium
Friday, Feb. 11
10 a.m.            UNC Greensboro (0) vs. Tennessee (4) - FINAL
12:30 p.m.       Tennessee (2) vs. Maryland (1) - FINAL
3 p.m.               UNC Greensboro (3) vs. FIU (4) - FINAL
5:30 p.m.         Maryland (10) vs. FIU (2) - FINAL
 
Saturday, Feb. 12
10 a.m.            Maryland vs. UNC Greensboro
12:30 p.m.       Tennessee vs. FIU
3 p.m.               No. 2 vs. No. 3
5:30 p.m.         No. 1 vs. No. 4
 
Sunday, Feb. 13
10 a.m.            2/3 Loser vs. 1/4 Loser
12:30 p.m.       2/3 Winner vs. 1/4 Winner
 
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