MIAMI --- The FIU softball team (29-17, 11-10 CUSA) will close its home slate with a three-game series against Western Kentucky (25-19, 10-10) this weekend, beginning with a 6 p.m. matchup on Friday night at Felsberg Field.

Each game of the series will be aired on ESPN+ with live stats also available for the entire weekend.

CHAMPIONSHIP SEEDING BATTLE
The series will be critical in the fight for a bid to the Conference USA Championship, which brings six teams. FIU, which has first-place Liberty (38-10, 17-3) next weekend, is currently in fifth place, while Western Kentucky is just one half game behind them.

Middle Tennessee (10-11), New Mexico State (9-12) and UTEP (8-13) are also still alive with two weekends of play left.

SENIOR WEEKEND
This year's senior class of Lindsey Burroughs, Brooke McCann, Jianna Simonet, Collier Peaden and Janelle Martinez will be honored prior to Saturday's game at approximately 5:48 p.m. along with their parents.

Bailey Grossenbacher, who was honored during last year's senior ceremony, will also join the group on Sunday for a first pitch with parents. After the series finale, seniors will also play catch with their parents during their last time on the field.

SUNDAY PARKING
For fans coming to Sunday's game, parking will be at a premium due to commencement. Lot 10 will be closed, so softball attendees should park at the gravel lot at the soccer stadium or in the lot across the street next to the SAAC building and follow all posted signage.

STREAKS
FIU enters this weekend looking to snap a four-game losing streak, while Western Kentucky has won four in a row, including a non-conference victory over Louisville on April 22.

FIU NATIONAL LEADERS (TOP 60)
Team
Stolen bases – 10th, 115 (1st in CUSA)
Stolen bases per game – 11th, 2.50 (1st in CUSA)
Fielding percentage – 53rd, .970 (4th in CUSA)
Double Plays – 56th, 17 (2nd in CUSA)

Kennedy Byrd
Innings pitched – 39th, 141.0 (2nd in CUSA)

Kally Meredith
Total stolen bases – 6th, 38 (2nd in CUSA)
Stolen bases per game – 6th, 0.83 (1st in CUSA)
Stolen base percentage – 9th, .950 (1st in CUSA)
 
Kendall Catherwood
Toughest to strike out – 36th, 25.8 (1st in CUSA)
 
Brooke McNichols
Fewest walks allowed per seven innings – 27th, 1.37 (1st in CUSA)

UP NEXT
Saturday's game will also begin at 6 p.m. while Sunday's series finale is slated for 11 a.m.

After this weekend, FIU concludes the regular season with a road series at Liberty May 2-4. The Conference USA Championship will be May 7-10 in Bowling Green, Ky.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram (@FIUSoftball), X (@FIUSoftball), and Facebook (Facebook.com/FIUSoftball) for all the latest FIU softball news.