LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The FIU softball led 4-1 after four and a half innings before New Mexico State scored a total of eight runs over the next two frames to post a 9-5 win over the Panthers in the finale of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon.
 
FIU finished the contest with a total of 10 hits – including a home run and triple from junior Ashton Lansdell and led as late as 5-3 entering the bottom of the fifth.
 
New Mexico State (24-17, 10-5 CUSA) scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth to get within 5-3, before erupting for six runs in the bottom of the sixth to claim the lead for good.  The Aggies recorded three doubles and a homer during the rally.
 
After New Mexico State took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second on a sacrifice fly, Lansdell tied the game for the Panthers with her team-leading sixth home run in the top of the third.  Makayla Navarro drove in a second run on a sacrifice fly that scored Kally Meredith and put FIU ahead 2-1.
 
The Panthers added single tallies in each of the next three innings to extend the lead.  Collier Peaden tabbed an RBI single in the fourth and Bailey Grossenbacher followed with her 23rd RBI of the season in the fifth.  Lansdell added a run-scoring triple in the sixth.
 
Peaden and Meredith each finished with three hits and a stolen base for the Panthers.
 
FIU used a total of four pitchers in the contest.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers (16-24, 4-11 CUSA) return home next weekend to host Jacksonville State in a critical three-game Conference USA series beginning on Friday, April 19 at 6 p.m. ET.
 
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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