MIAMI — FIU's softball program hosts FGCU on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in non-conference action at Baptist Health Stadium.
The Panthers (17-3) prepare to host the Eagles (5-13) for a midweek contest before turning their attention to Conference USA (CUSA) play, of which begins this weekend on the road at Delaware, March 6-8. FIU is fresh off another outstanding weekend at its final home tournament, the FIU Classic, as the Panthers went 4-0, securing the de-facto Championship title. FIU is still receiving national recognition, ranked ninth in Softball America's Mid-Major Poll and ranked 17th in D1Softball's Mid-Major Poll.
Kennedy Byrd led the way at the dish with two homers and seven RBI to pace the offense. As a team, FIU scored 37 runs in four games and won by run-rule over Fordham and South Dakota. In the circle, FIU's staff was effective as well, highlighted by a masterful performance from J'dah Girigorie. Girigorie struck out nine batters in five innings, matching a season-high, in the Panthers 9-1 win over Fordham.
In a look at the matchup with FGCU, FIU pushes to extend its nine-game winning streak against the Eagles for its first true midweek of the 2026 campaign. The Panthers have not lost to FGCU since April 23, 2016, most recently defeating the Eagles 12-3 on the road on March 4, 2025. In that contest, Byrd pitched the first six innings and scattered eight hits, allowing just three runs, two earned. Megan Kruger came on in relief for the final inning and set down the Eagles with a scoreless seventh.
Offensively, Byrd was also the main catalyst with a three-run homer in the sixth. Kally Meredith, Jensen Luke and Isabella Perez each had multiple hits in the game. Returners Paige Miller, Kendall Catherwood, Luke and Perez each had an RBI. Of note, FIU trailed 3-0 early and scored 12 unanswered runs to claim the victory.
PROMOTIONS
Free Trading Card Packs to First 50 Fans (Select Players)
FIU Athletics App Double Rewards Points
SERIES HISTORY
All-Time vs. FGCU: FIU leads 21-6
Home/Away/Neutral: 11-2/10-4/0-0
Last: FIU def. FGCU, 12-3 (March 4, 2025)
Streak: FIU W9
BROADCAST INFO
Network: ESPN+
PBP: Ethan Eibe
Analyst: Manny Navarro
HOW TO FOLLOW
All links to live action can be found at fiusports.com/SBStats & fiusports.com/WatchSB.
BAPTIST HEALTH
The 2026 FIU Softball season is presented by Baptist Health, The Official Sports Medicine Provider of FIU Athletics.
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.
