MIAMI – The FIU softball team used a six-run second inning to post a 10-2 five-inning victory over Liberty in the finale of a three-game Conference USA series on Sunday afternoon at Felsberg Field.
 
The Panthers (12-14, 1-2 CUSA), who trailed the Flames 2-0 after one and a half frames, exploded for six runs in the bottom of the second to claim a 6-2 lead it would not relinquish.
 
The outburst opened with a RBI single by Casey Goguts, before a two-run throwing error by Liberty's Rachel Craine brought home a pair and put the Panthers ahead 3-2. 
 
Collier Peaden drove home Ashton Lansdell on a RBI groundout and Makayla Navarro ripped a double to up the margin to 5-2.  Abigail Brown closed out the inning with a run-scoring single to plate Navarro.
 
Goguts kept the onslaught going in the third when she blasted her third homer of the season, a two-run shot to right field that increased the FIU lead to 8-2 in the bottom of the third.
 
The Panthers then closed out the win in the bottom of the fifth on back-to-back solo home runs by Isabella Perez and Lansdell.  The homer for Perez marked the first of her collegiate career.
 
FIU starting pitcher Alina Varga (3-3) went the distance in earning the victory.  She limited the Flames to just two runs and three hits over five innings.  She struck out three and walked a pair.
 
The Panthers finished with 10 hits in the win – and had a total of four players register multiple hits.
 

UP NEXT

The Panthers return to action with a non-conference showdown against Pittsburgh at Felsberg Field on Tuesday, March 12.  First pitch is slated for 2 p.m. ET and the game will air live 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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