GAINESVILLE, Fla. — FIU's softball program secured its third win of the season over an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) foe, downing Georgia Tech 6-5 to highlight its first day at the Florida Classic, hosted by University of Florida.
The Panthers (7-1) split their opening two games in Gainesville on Friday, falling 7-0 to Marshall before bouncing back with a 6-5 win over Power Four-opponent Georgia Tech. Down 5-0 after the first two innings, FIU never wavered against the Yellow Jackets, answering with six runs in the final four innings to claim the 6-5 win.
This is now the Panthers' third win in three opportunities against ACC competition this season after defeating Louisville twice at their home tournament to open the season last weekend.
Marshall
J'dah Girigorie (2-1) started in the circle for FIU in the Panthers' opener in Gainesville. Marshall's hitters came out swinging against the Panther ace, racking up four first-inning runs. Meagan Villazon came on in relief of Girigorie and stabilized FIU, surrendering just two earned runs in 4.1 innings while striking out four.
The Panthers, however, were not able to muster much offense against the Thundering Herd, collecting just four hits while being held scoreless for the first time this season. Isabella Perez led the offensive output, going 2-for-2 with two singles.
Georgia Tech
Kennedy Byrd (3-0) made the start for the Panthers, but struggled early, giving up five runs in the first two innings. 'Roo' found her groove as the game progressed, however, keeping Georgia Tech off the board the remainder of her outing.
FIU's bats came alive, starting in the fourth inning, courtesy of a solo homer from Leah Clark to conclude a 12-pitch at-bat, her first of the season. Trailing 5-1 heading into the fifth, the Panthers plated three in the frame to pull back within striking distance. Kally Meredith started it off with an RBI bunt single, of which was followed by an RBI double from Zamya McBurrows. In the next at-bat, Byrd found her way on base via a timely Georgia Tech error to score McBurrows, capping the three-run inning.
Byrd continued to surge as she posted back-to-back scoreless innings in the fifth and sixth, setting the stage for FIU to complete its comeback in the seventh inning. With one out, Meredith and McBurrows delivered two consecutive singles to set the table for the middle of the order. Byrd came through with a single up the middle, knocking in Meredith to tie the game at 5-all. Clark then provided the go-ahead run that proved to be the difference with FIU's fourth-straight single in the frame. McBurrows came around to score on the Clark hit, putting FIU up 6-5.
In total, Byrd went 6.0 innings and allowed just four earned runs, striking out two before giving way to Girigorie for the last three outs. Girigorie (S, 3) showed her ability to bounce back in the seventh, slamming the door shut for her third save to secure FIU's seventh win.
UP NEXT
FIU will face Georgia Tech to open Day Two at the Florida Classic tomorrow, Feb. 14, at 9 a.m. The Panthers will then face fifth-ranked and host Florida at 2 p.m.
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