MIAMI – FIU freshman hurler Ella Whitney tossed the first complete game of her career and sophomore Brooke McCann drove in a pair of crucial runs as the Panthers rolled to a 3-2 victory over Butler in their final game at the Panther Invitational on Sunday afternoon.
 
FIU (6-5) never trailed in the contest as it opened a 2-0 edge in the bottom of the first on McCann's first of two run-scoring singles – this one driving home freshman Makayla Navarro. 
 
The Panthers added a second run on an infield single by Abigail Brown that forced an errant toss by Butler shortstop Olivia Moxley, allowing McCann to cross.
 
McCann increased the lead to 3-0 with her second RBI single in the third – once again plating Navarro.
 
Butler (1-10) avoided the shutout with a two-run blast to center by Teagan O'Rilley in the sixth.
 
Whitney (2-2) went seven innings for the complete game victory, limiting the Bulldogs to four hits and two runs.  She struck out two and walked one.
 
Sydney Cammon (0-2) took the loss for Butler after allowing six hits and three runs – two of which were earned.
 
The Panthers hit the road for the first time next weekend following 11 consecutive home contests to open the season.
 
FIU will open play at The Spring Games event in Madeira Beach, Fla., beginning on Friday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. ET vs. Dartmouth.  The Panthers will play a total of six games over a span of three days and will face Valparaiso, Notre Dame, Oakland and Siena in addition to the Big Green.
   
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