MIAMI — The FIU softball team was held to three hits in a 6-0 loss to New Mexico State at Felsberg Field on Saturday.

The loss snaps a five-game winning streak for FIU, which has still won 16 of their past 18 games. The two teams will conclude their three-game series at 11 a.m. on Sunday, which can be seen on ESPN+. 

Two of the country's most potent offensive players - Desirae Spearman and Kristiana Watson - proved to be trouble on Saturday for FIU starter Brooke McNichols.

Spearman opened the game with a walk and came around eventually on a sacrifice fly to open the scoring. Watson then sent a two-run blast over the fence in left center for an early 3-0 lead for New Mexico State.

Although eight players scattered 11 hits in the contest for New Mexico State, the combination of McNichols and Jewelie Vanderkous held them scoreless until the seventh.

In the final frame, Spearman opened it with a solo home run before Skye Johnson added a two-run single to conclude the game's scoring.

McNichols (L, 8-2) went 4.1 innings, allowing three runs and a walk with one strikeout. Vanderkous saw her first action of the season in the circle, holding New Mexico State scoreless at first until allowing the three runs in the seventh.

Spearman (W, 8-3) also went the distance in the circle for the Aggies (18-13, 5-3 CUSA), allowing three runs and two walks while striking out three over her seven frames.

FIU (23-9, 6-2 CUSA) got hits from Kally Meredith, Kennedy Byrd and Paige Miller, while Miller and Isabella Perez drew the team's two walks. The Panthers left five on base, although Meredith notched her 25th steal of the season.

NEXT UP
The two teams are slated to finish their three-game series on Sunday at 11 a.m.

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