LYNCHBURG, VA. --- The FIU softball team suffered an 8-0 loss in five innings to No. 25 Liberty on Saturday in the second game of a weekend series at Kamphuis Field at Liberty Softball Stadium.
 
With the outcome, the Panthers are now 29-21-1 overall and 11-14-1 in Conference USA play. They are now eliminated from contention for a spot in next week's CUSA tournament.
 
FIU concludes the season on Sunday at 11 a.m. in the series finale against Liberty. The game was originally scheduled for a noon start.
 
Sammy Zelenka's third-inning single down the left field line, and Isabella Perez's double to left center in the fifth – both with two outs – accounted for FIU's two hits on Saturday. Kennedy Byrd also drew a walk, which accounted for FIU's third and final baserunner of the game.
 
Megan Kruger (L, 9-4) took the defeat in the circle, allowing four hits, four runs and two walks with one strikeout over three innings. Jewelie Vanderkous threw the fourth inning, allowing three hits and a walk along with four runs.
 
For Liberty, Elena Escobar improved to 19-3 with the complete game, striking out six while allowing just the two hits and a walk. She faced 18 batters over five.
 
The nationally ranked Flames got a pair of home runs from Brynn McManus, who finished 2-for-3 with two runs and three RBIs. Her second blast gave her team the margin it needed for the run-rule in the fourth.
 
Liberty (43-11, 22-3 CUSA) scored single runs in the first, second and third innings before breaking the game open with a five-run fourth. The top three batters in their lineup – Savannah Woodard, Rachel Roupe and McManus - finished 4-for-8 with four runs, three home runs and six RBIs.
 
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