MIAMI — The FIU softball team produced yet another come-from-behind victory on Sunday at Felsberg Field, rallying for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to knock off New Mexico State 3-2 to capture a program-record third-straight CUSA series to open conference play.

The Panthers (24-9, 7-2) captured their 11th come-from-behind victory on the season, and it was the sixth time FIU has scored the game-winning run in the sixth inning of later. The victory also represented the first time the program has won three-straight series to open conference play since joining CUSA in 2014.

One key reason FIU remained close against New Mexico State on Sunday was Megan Kruger (W, 5-1), who twirled her third complete game of the season. The redshirt sophomore scattered a pair of solo home runs among her four hits allowed while striking out one over seven frames.

FIU, which is now 17-5 at home this season, entered the sixth inning with just two hits, having experienced a frustrating third inning where they loaded the bases with no outs only to strike out in three consecutive at bats.

But that all changed in the sixth.

With one out, Kennedy Byrd walked, and Janelle Martinez was hit by the pitch to get the rally started. Isabella Perez continued it with an infield single to short that loaded the bases. After a line drive to second put New Mexico State one out from escaping the jam, Paige Miller lined a two-run single to right center to tie the game.

Kally Meredith then slapped a perfect grounder in the hole at short, where New Mexico State's shortstop dove to grab it, but she had no play as pinch runner Lindsey Burroughs scampered home with what turned out to be the game-winning run.
 

Comeback MAGIC in the 6th (again) 🤯 pic.twitter.com/6ZoeLBkH9N

— FIU Softball (@FIUSoftball) March 23, 2025

Kruger followed by pitching around a one-out walk in a scoreless seventh to secure the win. 

Perez (2-for-3) and Miller (2-for-2, 2 RBIs, BB) each had multi-hit performances, while Meredith (1-for-4, RBI) had the other base knock. Meredith swiped three more bases, as well, while pushing her season total to 28.

Desirae Spearman, who homered for the fourth-straight game, took the loss in the circle for New Mexico State (18-14, 5-4 CUSA) in a complete game effort.

NEXT UP 
FIU travels to Jacksonville State (20-12, 4-5 CUSA) for a three-game series beginning next Friday.

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