RUSTON, La. – The FIU softball team pushed Western Kentucky to the limit before dropping a 2-1 decision to the Hilltoppers in the opening round of the 2023 Conference USA Championship on Wednesday afternoon.
 
The Panthers and Hilltoppers played to a scoreless tie through the opening three and a half frames when Western Kentucky broke through with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth.
 
FIU senior Frankie Izard helped keep the game scoreless when she made a perfect throw from right field to nab WKU's Faith Hegh, who attempted to score following the catch in the second.
 
The Panthers (24-27) got to within 2-1 in the top of the sixth on a two-out RBI single up the middle by sophomore Brooke McCann that allowed Makayla Navarro to cross.
 
FIU had numerous other opportunities to score the tying run, including loading the bases before coming away empty in the top of the fifth.  Overall, the Panthers stranded a total of 10 runners on base in the loss.
 
Junior Sydney Birling (7-7) was the tough luck loser for the Panthers after limiting the Hilltoppers to five hits and two runs, only one of which was earned over six innings of work.  She fanned five and walked one.
 
Katie Gardner (15-15) earned the win for WKU after holding the Panthers to one run while scattering eight hits over seven innings.
 
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.
 
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