MIAMI — FIU's softball program will travel to Florida Atlantic for a non-conference matchup on Wednesday evening in Boca Raton.
The Panthers (6-4) take on the 25th-ranked Owls (9-2) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday night.
Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Florida Atlantic
Time/Site: 6 p.m. ET | Joan Joyce Field at FAU Softball Stadium
Last Meeting: Fla. Atlantic def. FIU, 6-0 (March 19, 2024)
TV: FAUSports.com
FIU enters this tilt following its five-game stay at the Puerto Vallarta Challenge in Mexico last weekend. As a team, the Panthers went 2-3, defeating Boise State and Illinois State before dropping match-ups to North Dakota State, BYU and Boise State to close out the weekend.
Despite the current three-game losing streak, the Panthers are off to a strong start in 2025. FIU started its season 4-1 at its first home tournament, boasting wins over Power Four opponents Iowa State and Indiana, for the program's best start since the 2019 season.
Collier Peaden and Kally Meredith lead the Panther offense with a combined 27 hits. Both Peaden (.433) and Meredith (.412) are hitting over .400 on the season with Meredith's 14 hits tied-eighth most in CUSA.
Kennedy Byrd (3-2) can be expected to start for the Panthers. The junior from Benson, N.C. has given up three runs or less in three of her four games started this season.
SCOUTING THE OWLS
Florida Atlantic is off to a hot start in 2025, having won its first seven games of the season. The Owls will host FIU for their 12th-straight home game on Wednesday.
Most recently, Florida Atlantic went 3-2 at its second home tournament of the season, notably defeating Minnesota and NC State. The Owls boast five Power Four conference wins this season, adding Kansas, Clemson and Ole Miss from their undefeated opening weekend.
The Owls' pitching staff has posted a 1.42 ERA so far and have four complete games on their record. Autumn Courtney has been Florida Atlantic's most effective option with a 0.25 ERA and three complete games, striking out 46 batters in 28.1 innings pitched.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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