JACKSONVILLE, ALA. — Paige Miller and Kally Meredith combined for nine hits as the FIU softball team split a doubleheader against Jacksonville State at Jana McGinnis Field on Saturday.

With the split, FIU (25-11, 8-4 CUSA) failed in its quest to capture a fourth-consecutive series to open Conference USA play, but the Panthers rallied to prevent the sweep with a five-run first inning in the second game.

Game 1: Jacksonville State 11, FIU 3 (five innings)
An RBI single from Sammy Zelenka and a two-run triple from Meredith helped FIU score three runs in the second inning and take an early 3-2 lead.

The Panthers, however, saw JSU score in each inning, including four in the third and a walk-off triple in the fifth.

Miller continued her strong play, finishing 3-for-3 with a triple and a run, while five others notched one hit apiece. Kennedy Byrd had the team's lone walk.

FIU saw Brooke McNichols, Jewelie Vanderkous, Byrd and Caity Patterson see action in the circle in the opener. Vanderkous (L, 0-1) took the decision.

Game 2: FIU 6, Jacksonville State 3
After dropping the first two games of the series, FIU came out with a five-run rally in the first inning, and the Panthers went on to steal nine bases as a team to pick up the win.

The opening frame featured a two-run double to left center from Bailey Grossenbacher, an RBI single up the middle from Natalie Burns, and an RBI double to right center from Janelle Martinez.

Martinez knocked in FIU's sixth run with a double to left center in the fifth that scored Grossenbacher, who singled to lead off the inning.

Meredith finished 3-for-4 with five stolen bases and one run, while three others picked up multi-hit performances. 

Grossenbacher went 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBIs and a double. Miller was 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run and a walk, and Martinez was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two doubles.

Kendall Catherwood and Ciera Diaz recorded the other two stolen bases for FIU.

Megan Kruger (W, 6-1) went the distance in the circle for the Panthers, allowing eight hits and four walks while striking out three over her seven frames.

UP NEXT
FIU is slated to host Florida Atlantic in a midweek, non-conference game at 6 p.m. on Wednesday before traveling to Sam Houston for a weekend series beginning Friday at 7 p.m.

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