MIAMI – The FIU softball team fell behind by a 5-0 count after the opening two innings and stranded a total of eight runners on base in a 9-1 loss at Western Kentucky on Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of a three-game Conference USA series.
 
The Panthers (13-16, 1-4 CUSA) for the second consecutive game against the Hilltoppers had numerous scoring chances but could not manage to come up with the critical hit despite having a runner reach second or third in four straight innings.
 
One of the best chances for FIU came in the top of the fourth, when Bailey Grossenbacher opened the inning with a walk and Casey Goguts followed with a double to left center – to give the Panthers runners at second and third with no outs.  FIU came away without a run when the next three hitters were retired via a lineout, strikeout and groundout.
 
The Panthers also had a pair of runners on with no outs to lead off the third before coming away scoreless.
 
Western Kentucky (17-8-1, 4-1 CUSA) took control early with three runs in the bottom of the first and two more in the bottom of the second to open a 5-0 edge.  The Hilltoppers scored the first three runs off a pair of doubles by Cheyanne Sales and Taylor Sanders, which plated two scores. 
 
Brylee Hage increased the lead to five with a single that scored two in the second.  Kendle White hit a solo homer in the bottom of the fifth for Western Kentucky's sixth run.
 
Sanders hit a two-run homer and Sales recorded an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth to round out the scoring for the Hilltoppers.
 
Sophomore Isabella Perez drove home the lone run for the Panthers with a single in the fourth that brought home Grossenbacher.  Perez finished the game with a pair of hits.
 
WKU starter Rylan Smith (6-3) picked up the victory after scattering seven hits and allowing one run over six innings.  She fanned seven and walked two.
 
Freshman Jewelie Vanderkous (3-3) was hit with the loss for FIU after allowing five runs and five hits over one inning.  Sophomore Brooke McNichols pitched the final five innings in relief.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers (13-16, 1-4 CUSA) conclude the three-game set with the Hilltoppers (17-8-1, 4-1 CUSA) on Sunday, March 17 in a 1 p.m. ET start.
 
The game will be broadcast 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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