MIAMI — FIU's softball program makes its first-ever trip to Newark, Del. this weekend to open Conference USA (CUSA) play for a three-game series against newcomer-Delaware, Friday to Sunday.
The Panthers (18-3) turn their attention to CUSA play, embarking on their 27-game CUSA slate with a three-game set against the Blue Hens (9-11), March 6-8. FIU is off to its best start in program history through 21 games and is currently ranked in every national mid-major poll, sitting as high as sixth in D1Softball and 6-4-3 chart's top 25.
Along the way, the Panthers boast four victories over their two Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponents, sweeping both Georgia Tech and Louisville. Notably, Louisville took 2-of-3 from No. 13 Stanford last weekend and Georgia Tech swept its first ACC series against Notre Dame. The Cardinals are also receiving votes in the top-25 this week.
FIU's sights are now set on starting off conference play on the right foot, taking on Delaware, which won 38 games last season and took home the 2025 Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) regular season title. The Blue Hens are now in their first season in CUSA, marking this the first-ever conference series between FIU and Delaware and the Panthers' first-ever trip to Newark.
FIU will hope to make a return trip to Newark following the regular season as the Blue Hens will play host to the 2026 CUSA Championships, May 6-9. Offensively, the Panthers are paced by Kally Meredith, who leads CUSA and ranks ninth-nationally with 35 hits. Kennedy Byrd continues as FIU's top run-producer in her senior season with a team-high 17 RBI and 11 combined extra base hits. Newcomer Leah Clark has also provided a big bat and elite speed in the middle of the lineup for FIU with her 17 RBI, tied-second most on the team, and her team-high 16 stolen bases. Clark has recorded a hit in four-straight games and hit her second homer of the season in FIU's last game against FGCU.
In the circle, the trio of J'dah Girigorie, Brooke McNichols and Byrd have been effective, showing the depth of the Panther pitching staff. Both Girigorie (0.57) and McNichols (0.65) are the in the top-10 nationally in WHIP while Byrd's six wins are third-best in CUSA. Girigorie has been effective as a starter and in relief, racking up a CUSA-best three saves. She also shown her ability to command the strike zone with the nation's fifth-best strikeout-to-walk ratio (12.33).
SCOUTING THE BLUE HENS
Most recently, Delaware won its final two games over Bryant and Le Moyne to close out their home tournament last weekend. At the Mizuno Classic in Charlottesville, Va., Feb. 20-22, the Blue Hens notched two Power Four wins over Maryland and Ohio State to highlight their non-conference slate.
At the plate, Delaware's .271 average ranks eighth in CUSA prior to conference play. The Blue Hens' 74 walks are second-most in the league, showing their patient approach at the plate. Individually, Sydney Shaffer leads Delaware with six homers and 18 RBI on the season. Katie Scheivert has the top average for the Blue Hens, batting .373 and starting in all 20 games.
In the circle, Delaware has three pitchers with at least five games started this season, Josie Crossman, Claire Woods and Karlie Challburg. Crossman has made a team-high eight starts and currently has a 4-5 record with a 3.21 ERA. Challburg was recently named Conference USA's Freshman of the Week after two solid performances against Bryant and Le Moyne. As a team, Delaware's 4.50 ERA is eighth-best in CUSA and the Blue Hens have allowed an opponent batting average of .284.
SERIES HISTORY
All-Time vs. Delaware: FIU trails 2-1
Home/Away/Neutral: 2-1/0-0/0-0
Last: Delaware def. FIU, 7-1 (Feb. 27, 2016)
Streak: Delaware W1
GAME TIMES/BROADCAST INFO
Network: All Games on ESPN+
Friday, March 6 - 5 p.m.
Saturday, March 7 - 3 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 - Noon
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.
