MIAMI – The FIU softball team came up on the short end of a 3-1 decision against Charlotte on Friday night in a contest that took nine innings to decide a winner.
 
The 49ers scored a pair of runs in the top half of the ninth two-run homer by Madelyn Wright.
 
The Panthers threatened in the bottom of the ninth following a one-out single and walk put runners at first and second.  Following a strikeout by pinch hitter Adriana Otero, Alexis Lewis singled to load the bases with two out before FIU came away empty when junior Madison Lewis popped out to end the game.
 
FIU starter Kendahl Dunford (6-13) went the full nine innings in tossing her 14^th complete game of the season.  She limited Charlotte to three runs and eight hits while fanning five.
 
Wright (8-7) picked up the win by scattering 11 hits by the Panthers and allow just the single run.  She walked two and struck out four.
 
Following three scoreless innings, the Panthers broke through to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth when Lewis led off the frame with a single and scored on an error by 49ers' catcher Stacy Payton.
 
Lewis led the Panthers offensively in the loss with three hits, including a double.  Ross and Gabby Ruiz each posted a pair of hits.  A total of seven FIU players recorded at least one hit in the contest.
 
The loss drops the Panthers' record to 18-27 overall and 4-15 in the C-USA action.  Charlotte moves to 28-20 on the season and 8-11 in league action.
 
UP NEXT:  The Panthers will host Charlotte in the second game of the three-game weekend set on Saturday, April 30 at 6 p.m. ET.
 
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