HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS --- The FIU softball team stranded seven runners, including a pair in scoring position, in a 5-2 loss to Sam Houston on the road Sunday at the Bearkat Softball Complex.
 
Isabella Perez led the Panthers offense with a multi-hit effort, finishing 2-for-2 with a run, a double and a walk. Six others had one hit apiece. Janelle Martinez, who went 1-for-3, scored the team's other run, and Paige Miller drew the other walk.
 
Miller had her nine-game hitting streak snapped, although Kally Meredith went 1-for-4 with her 36th stolen base of the season.
 
After Sam Houston opened the game's scoring with a single run off FIU starter, Brooke McNichols, in the first inning, the Panthers responded with Sammy Zelenka's RBI single in the second. A second run scored on an errant throw in from the outfield on the play as FIU led 2-1.
 
Elia Hebel, Sam Houston's leadoff hitter who finished 3-for-4, delivered a game-tying solo home run in the third. One inning later, her teammate Morgan Holliday added a two-run blast for a 4-2 lead.
 
Sam Houston (20-21, 8-7 CUSA) added an insurance run in the sixth.
 
McNichols (L, 7-4) took the loss after going 3.2 innings. Jewelie Vanderkous and Kennedy Byrd also saw time in relief.
 
UP NEXT
FIU (27-13, 9-6 CUSA) will look to get back on track next weekend with a three-game series against Louisiana Tech at Felsberg Field, beginning with a 6 p.m. matchup on Friday night.
 
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