MIAMI – The FIU softball erupted for seven runs in the second inning as it posted its second straight victory with a 9-1 win over UTSA on Saturday (5 innings).
 
The Panthers (17-18, 4-7 CUSA) took control of the game with seven runs in the second inning to open a 7-1 lead.  A total of five players drove in a run in the frame, which saw FIU post a total of six hits.
 
Carmen Perez provided one of the big blows with a two-run double to center – her second of two doubles on the day.
 
FIU also saw a total of four players register an RBI single in the seven-run second inning as Makayla Navarro, Ashton Lansdell, Brooke McCann and Kaleena Downing each provided a run-scoring hit.
 
The Panthers added a single run in both the third and the fourth to seal the win early via the run rule.
 
Downing added her second run-scoring single in the third, before Ella Whitney drove home the clinching run with a double to deep center in the fourth.
 
Brooke McNichols (6-1) earned the win for FIU after tossing five innings and limiting the Roadrunners to five hits and one run.  She struck out three hitters.
 
FIU finished with 10 hits – its 11th double-figure hit effort this season.  A total of four Panthers posted a pair of hits in the victory.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers conclude their weekend series against UTSA on Sunday, April 2 in a 1 p.m. ET first pitch at Felsberg Field.
 
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
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUSoftball), Twitter (@FIUSoftball), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUSoftball) for all the latest FIU Softball news.