MURFREESBORO, TENN. – FIU senior Bailey Grossenbacher ripped her fifth home run of the season to give the Panthers' softball team an early 3-0 lead before Middle Tennessee responded with nine unanswered runs to post a 9-3 victory in the series opener on Thursday night.
 
Grossenbacher launched a three-run blast to right field to stake the Panthers to an early 3-0 edge in the top of the first, driving home Janelle Martinez and Kally Meredith.
 
Middle Tennessee (16-20, 4-6 CUSA) answered with a five-run second to take the lead for good.  The scoring was on the strength of a pair of long balls – a three-run shot by Ava Brooks and a two-run homer from Shelby Sargent.
 
The Blue Raiders added two more runs in the third by on a homer by Kamryn Carcich to extend the lead to 7-3.
 
Middle Tennessee closed out the scoring with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth.
 
Meredith led the Panthers in defeat with a game-high three hits along with a stolen base. 
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers continue the three-game set at Middle Tennessee on Friday, March 29.
 
First pitch is slated for 5 p.m. ET.  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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