MIAMI – The FIU softball team posted a clutch rally sparked by three consecutive doubles in the bottom of the sixth to flip a 3-1 deficit into a series-clinching 5-4 win over UTEP on Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of a three-game Conference USA series.
 
Following an infield single by Kally Meredith, the Panthers ripped three consecutive doubles to plate three runs and take the lead for good.  Bailey Grossenbacher started the surge with a shot to center that plated Meredith.  Makayla Navarro followed with a double to right center that scored Grossenbacher before McBurrows laced a two-bagger down the right field line to score Navarro put the Panthers up 4-3.
 
Ella Whitney drove home McBurrows for the final run of the rally to give the Panthers a two-run edge at 5-3.
 
Alina Varga (4-5) picked up the win in relief for the Panthers after pitching the final three frames while allowing four hits and one run.  Starting pitcher Sydney Birling allowed three runs and six hits over the opening four innings.
 
The Panthers took the game's first lead on a RBI single by Isabella Perez – who has tabbed six RBI over the last two games.
 
UTEP tied the game at 1-1 on a solo homer by Ajia Richard in the top of the fourth before taking a 3-1 advantage by virtue of a pair of sacrifice flies in the top of the fifth.
 
The win clinches the series for the Panthers who will look for their first Conference USA sweep of the season when they battle the Miners in the series finale on Sunday.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers (15-20, 3-7 CUSA) conclude the series against UTEP (14-22, 4-6 CUSA) on Sunday, April 7 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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