MIAMI – The FIU softball team battled back from a two-run deficit to claim a late lead before falling by a 5-3 count in a contest that took eight innings to decide in the series finale vs. UTEP on Sunday afternoon.
 
Freshman Zamya McBurrows capped a three-run fifth with a clutch RBI double to help the Panthers claim a 3-2 edge. 
 
The Miners managed to tie the game in the seventh after loading the bases with one out.  The tying run crossed following an error by the Panthers with two outs. 
 
UTEP then claimed the win on a pinch hit two-run homer by Amaya Lee in the top of the eighth.
 
The Panthers trailed 2-1 entering the fifth before putting three runs on the board – first scoring on a RBI groundout by Isabella Perez and when Collier Peaden crossed on a wild pitch – before McBurrows ripped her ninth double of the season to put FIU ahead 3-2.
 
UTEP (19-13, 5-7 CUSA) opened  an early 2-0 edge with single runs in the opening two frames.  Isdalis Mendez drove in the initial run with an RBI double in the first before Ajia Richards added a run-scoring single in the second.
 
Despite the loss the Panthers clinched their first conference series win this season.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers (16-21, 4-8 CUSA) return to the road next weekend for a three-game series at New Mexico State beginning on Friday, April 12 at 8 p.m. ET.
 
Friday and Saturday's contests vs. the Aggies will air 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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