MIAMI – Sophomore Isabella Perez drove in five runs and helped spark a five-run second inning as the FIU softball team posted an 11-9 victory over UTEP in the opening game of a weekend Conference USA series in Miami.
 
Perez laced a base loaded triple to key a five-run outburst in the bottom of the second after the Panthers loaded the bases with three consecutive infield singles to open the frame.  Makayla Navarro added a run-scoring double and Abigail Brown brought home the final run of the rally when she was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded – putting FIU ahead 7-3.
 
Perez opened the contest's scoring with a single in the first that plated the Panthers' initial run.  Casey Goguts increased the lead to 2-0 in the bottom of the first with a sacrifice fly that plated Perez.
 
UTEP claimed a 3-2 lead in the top of the second on the strength of a pair of miscues by the Panthers that led to a total of three unearned runs.
 
The Miners added a lone tally in the top of the fifth on an infield single to get within 7-4.
 
The Panthers once again loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth – and closed the frame with another four runs on a pair of bases loaded walks and a two-run single by Goguts – upping the advantage to 11-4.
 
UTEP attempted a rally with two runs in the sixth and three in the seventh to account for the final margin.
 
FIU starter Ella Whitney (2-2) picked up the victory after allowing six hits and four runs, only one of which was earned, over 4.2 innings.  Freshman Jewelie Vanderkous recorded the final three outs for the save.
 
The Panthers finished with a season-high 15 hits in the win – marking the second consecutive contest that they have notched a season-best hit total.  Goguts, Ashton Lansdell and Collier Peaden each finished with three hits.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers (15-20, 3-7 CUSA) continue the series against UTEP (18-12, 4-6 CUSA) on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m.
 
The contest 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.
 
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