MIAMI — FIU's softball program is set for a pivotal Conference USA (CUSA) series at Baptist Health Stadium this weekend, hosting Jacksonville State, March 27-29.
The Panthers (23-9, 5-4 CUSA) take on the league-leading Gamecocks (23-10, 8-1 CUSA) in a clash of the top-two CUSA teams, per the NCAA's RPI ratings. FIU will be looking to continue its unblemished record in conference play, following a sweep of UTEP at home in the first home CUSA series of 2026, while Jax State looks to win its fourth-straight CUSA series of the season.
Holding an 18-3 record at home, the Panthers have enjoyed most of their success this season on Felsberg Field. FIU most recently fell to rival-Florida Atlantic on Wednesday evening, 10-2. Leah Clark provided the Panthers' two runs with a two-run homer, of which tied the game in the first inning.
FIU dropped 2-of-3 to Jax State last year, salvaging the final game of the three-game set with a 6-3 win. Janelle Martinez had two hits and two RBI in the game while Meredith had three hits at the top of the Panther lineup. In Games One and Two of the series, Paige Miller had three-hit games in both contests. Of note, FIU saw JSU pitcher Jaliyah Holmes in a few relief appearances during that series, but has not faced the Gamecocks' other two main starters, Makenna Moore and MacKinley Portillo.
SCOUTING THE GAMECOCKS
Jax State has taken its first three series in CUSA play heading into this weekend, winning 2-of-3 at Liberty before sweeping both Western Kentucky and Louisiana Tech at home.
In the circle, JSU has been led by the freshman Moore, who has a 2.64 ERA and is holding opponents to just a .206 batting average, both of which are fourth-best in CUSA. Moore has struck out 70 batters in 77.0 innings and has five complete games in 13 starts.
Offensively, Jax State has a .288 batting average as a team, of which is just seventh-best in the league, but the Gamecocks have 176 RBI on the season, third-best in CUSA. Kailey Martin leads Jax State with 28 RBI and a .340 average. Jax State and FIU rank 10th and 11th in homers, respectively, in CUSA as both offenses are predicated on 'small ball'. Both teams are also in the top-three in CUSA In overall ERA.
FIU IN THE RANKINGS
NCAA RPI: 43
Diamond Sports Mid-Major Rankings: 22
D1 Softball Mid-Major Poll: 2
JAX STATE IN THE RANKINGS
NCAA RPI: 39
Diamond Sports Mid-Major Rankings: 2
D1 Softball Mid-Major Poll: 5
Softball America Mid-Major Power Rankings: 10
SERIES HISTORY
All-Time vs. Jax State: Tied 2-2
Home/Away/Neutral: 0-0/1-2/0-1
Last: FIU def. Jax State, 6-3 (March 29, 2025)
Streak: FIU W1
GAME TIMES/BROADCAST INFO (ALL TIMES ET)
Network: ESPN+
Friday, March 27 - 6 p.m.
PBP: Corey Brooks
Analyst: Manny Richards
Saturday, March 28 - 4 p.m.
PBP: Corey Brooks
Analyst: Lindsey Burroughs
Sunday, March 29 - 11 a.m.
PBP: Corey Brooks
Analyst: Lindsey Burroughs
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.
