CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The FIU softball team let an early lead slip away in an 8-5 loss at Charlotte on Friday night in the Conference USA opener for both teams.
 
The Panthers (13-12, 0-1 C-USA) claimed an early 5-3 advantage through two and a half innings with runs in each of the first three innings.  Isabella Perez recorded the first of two RBI in the game with a double in the first to plate Ashton Lansdell, who opened the game with a single and stolen base, to put FIU in front 1-0.
 
Charlotte (11-9, 1-0 C-USA) scored a pair of runs in its half of the first with the help of a miscue by the Panthers to put them ahead 2-1.
 
The Panthers responded with three runs in the bottom of the second to open a 4-2 edge.  Frankie Izard drove home the first run of the frame with an infield single, before Isabella Perez drove home her second run on a fielder's choice which led to an errant throw by Charlotte which allowed the third run to score.
 
The 49ers trimmed the deficit to 4-3 when a run crossed on a wild pitch in the bottom of the second.  Senior Madison Lewis got the tally back for the Panthers with a clutch two-out single that plated Abigail Brown, who reached on a double.
 
The comeback for Charlotte came in the fourth beginning with a two-run homer by Lexi Winters that tied the score at 5-5.  The 49ers took the lead for good later in the inning when a pair of runs scored on an error by Perez.  Following a foul out, Charlotte's Bailey Vannoy tagged up from second and the attempted throw by Perez sailed into left field, allowing both Vannoy and Emma Tisdale to score and giving the 49ers a 7-5 edge.
 
Ella Chancey scored for Charlotte in the fifth on an error after recording a one-out triple, extending the lead to 8-5.
 
Freshman Megan Kruger (5-2) took the loss in relief for the Panthers.  Sam Gress (4-2) went the distance to earn the victory for the 49ers.
 
A total of five Panthers posted multiple hits in the game, led by Isabella Perez, who recorded a team-high three.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers continue its weekend series at Charlotte on Saturday, March 11.  First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
 
All three games at Charlotte are slated to be aired on ESPN+.
 
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Softball season and individual tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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