RUSTON, La. – FIU junior Janelle Martinez ripped a single with two outs in the top of the seventh that scored freshman Kally Meredith with the eventual game-winning run in a 3-2 victory for the FIU softball team in the series opener at Louisiana Tech on Friday night.
 
Martinez's RBI single broke up a 2-2 tie entering the final frame before junior Alina Varga sat down the Bulldogs in order in the bottom of the seventh to back up a solid start from junior Sydney Birling.
 
The contest saw the Panthers claim the game's first lead at 1-0 when Meredith, who reached earlier on a single, score from second following an error by the Bulldogs. 
 
The Panthers extended the lead to 2-0 with a manufactured run in the fourth.  Isabella Perez reached on an error before being replaced by pinch runner Lindsey Burroughs.  Burroughs advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and to third on a groundout before scoring on a wild pitch.
 
Louisiana Tech battled back to tie the game at 2-2with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth.  Alan Rogers sent a double into right center to score two and set up the Panthers' late inning magic.
 
Birling had a solid start in the no-decision for FIU with five innings of work that saw her limit Louisiana Tech to five hits and two runs.  Varga (6-8) notched the win following two innings of no hit, no run work in relief.
 
Martinez finished with a pair of hits in the win – which saw the Panthers register six hits overall – all singles.
 
UP NEXT
The Panthers (20-28, 7-15 CUSA) continue the series at Louisiana Tech on Saturday, May 4.
 
First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. ET for the ESPN+ broadcast.
 
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
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUSoftball), Twitter (@FIUSoftball), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUSoftball) for all the latest FIU Softball news.