MIAMI — A five-run fourth inning highlighted the FIU softball program's 6-1 win over Lafayette to conclude the Panther Invite on Sunday.
Four Panthers produced a multi-hit effort, led by Collier Peaden's 3-for-4 day that included a run, an RBI and a stolen base.
Kally Meredith (2-for-4, three stolen bases, run), Janelle Martinez (2-for-3, run, RBI) and Paige Miller (2-for-3, RBI) also registered multiple hits.
Natalie Burns rounded out the offensive attack with a 1-for-3 finish, which included an RBI.
The five-run fourth was highlighted by four RBI singles and a bases loaded walk.
Peaden started the rally by lining an opposite field shot to left center for a single, and she advanced to second on a groundout to first from Bailey Grossenbacher.
Sammy Zelenka then lined a grounder to the left side that got past Lafayette's third baseman, who attempted a backhand stab at a ball down the line for an error.
With runners on first and third, FIU got back-to-back RBI singles from Martinez and Burns. The first came on a chopper from Martinez over third base into left field, and the second came from Burns on a perfectly placed bloop to right field.
After Jianna Simonet wore one on her back to load the bases, Lindsey Burroughs drew an RBI walk for a 3-0 lead.
Miller followed by squeaking an RBI single on the ground through the right side for the fourth run.
Peaden capped the rally when she beat a pitch into the ground. It took a high chop over the circle in front of second base, and she eventually beat the throw to first for an RBI single.
Lafayette scored its lone run with a one-out RBI single in the fifth and had a chance to add more in the sixth after putting runners on first and third to open the frame.
A first-pitch line drive to short, however, was snagged by Zelenka, who delivered a strike to Martinez at first for a rally-killing double play.
The Panthers executed a double steal for their final run in the home half of the sixth, which completed a rally over four consecutive pitches with two outs and nobody on.
Meredith singled down the left field line on the first one and stole second on the next. Peaden then laid down a perfect bunt single for a first and third situation.
Grossenbacher witnessed a double steal on the fourth pitch of the rally in which Meredith slid home safely after Peaden purposely got caught in a rundown between first and second.
Caity Patterson (W, 1-0) twirled a masterful performance in the circle for FIU, picking up her first career complete game while allowing seven hits and walking none. She faced just six batters over the minimum in her seven frames.
UP NEXT
The Panthers (9-7) will remain home for next weekend's FIU Classic, which will see matchups against Eastern Illinois, Bradley, Toledo and Saint Francis over a six-game stretch at Felsberg Field.
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