MIAMI – Senior Frankie Izard collected three hits and the FIU softball team held a 4-0 advantage following its first at bat but, were unable to hang on in a 7-4 loss to Western Kentucky in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.
 
The Panthers (21-26, 7-14 C-USA) started fast with four runs on three hits and a key error by WKU in the bottom half of the first.  Izard got things started with a single and a swipe of second before Isabella Perez followed with a walk.  Madison Lewis pushed both over with a sacrifice bunt and Ella Whitney reached on a fielder's choice – giving the Panthers runners at second and third with one out.  Brooke McCann reached on a error by WKU shortstop TJ Webster, which allowed both Perez and Whitney to score, making the score 2-0.
 
Junior Abigail Brown closed out the inning with a two-run double to right center to increase the lead to 4-0.
 
From there, Western Kentucky would push back with three runs in the third via a two-RBI double from Randi Drinnon and a run-scoring single by Brylee Hage.
 
The Holltoppers would take the lead for good with a pair of runs on the fifth – making the score 5-4.  Davis drove in her second run of the contest with a single to left and WKU added a second score when Faith Hegh crossed after Taylor Davis was caught stealing at second.
 
Western Kentucky (27-21, 12-8 C-USA) added two more runs in the fifth on a sacrifice by Hegh and an RBI double by Davis.
 
FIU used a total of four pitchers in the game – with none pitching more than two innings.
 
The game marked FIU's final home contest of the regular season – the Panthers close out the regular season next weekend with a three-game set at UTEP before opening postseason play at the 2023 Conference USA Championship on Wednesday, May 11.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers conclude the regular season with a three-game set at UTEP on Friday, May 5 at 8 p.m. ET.
 
Each game of the series at UTEP will be broadcast on CUSA.TV.
 
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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