MIAMI — FIU's softball program hosts Kennesaw State in Conference USA (CUSA) action this weekend for a three-game set, Thursday to Saturday, at Baptist Health Stadium.
The Panthers (23-12, 5-7 CUSA) look to bounce back against the Owls (7-25, 3-9 CUSA) at home following a series sweep at the hands of CUSA-leading Jax State last weekend. For FIU, Kennedy Byrd had a two-run homer in the series finale, her seventh of the season. In the circle, Brooke McNichols pitched admirably in Game Two of the series, allowing just three runs and five hits in a complete game performance.
FIU currently sits tied-sixth (with both Delaware and Louisiana Tech) in the CUSA standings, of which the top-eight will qualify for the upcoming CUSA Championships in Newark, Del., May 6-9. The Panthers have played four series in conference play thus far with five CUSA series remaining on the season, beginning with this weekend vs. Kennesaw State. FIU has lost 3-of-4 series in league play so far, but will be hoping to spark a strong finish with a statement weekend against KSU.
The Panthers will host the Owls for the first time in program history this weekend on Felsberg Field. In the two sides first-ever meeting as conference foes last season, FIU swept KSU, March 14-16. That performance was highlighted by Byrd's no-hitter in the final game of the series, the first scoreless, seven-inning no-hitter for the program since 2001. Offensively, Janelle Martinez produced seven total RBI in the series and had two homers.
Of note, FIU's returning hitters should be familiar with the Owls' main starter, Leah Jannakos, who pitched a total of 9.1 innings in the series. FIU scored seven earned runs off of Jannakos in her two appearances, collecting 11 combined hits.
SCOUTING THE OWLS
Kennesaw State salvaged the final game of its series with UTEP last weekend at home, claiming a 10-9 victory in the series finale. The Owls have taken one game in 3-of-4 CUSA series thus far, but have been defeated in all four of their conference series in 2026.
Offensively, Macie Howes is the top threat in KSU's lineup with a .439 batting average and .776 slugging percentage, of which ranks fourth-best and sixth-best in CUSA, respectively. Howes leads the Owls with eight homers and 34 RBI and 16 of her 43 hits have gone for extra bases. Alora Bevily and Ana Gore are also hitting over .300 for the season, factoring in as important pieces in the Kennesaw lineup.
The aforementioned Jannakos is KSU's main arm, having appeared in 23 games and started 14. She has a 5.29 ERA in 91.1 innings pitched and has struck out 40 batters. In last weekend's series for KSU vs. UTEP, Jenna Chase started Game One, Taylor Daniel started Game Two and Jannakos started Game Three.
PROMOTIONS
Thursday, April 2 — 2016 Night
Friday, April 3 — 2000's Night — Shirt Giveaway
Saturday, April 4 — 90's Day — FIU Fanny Pack Giveaway
SERIES HISTORY
All-Time vs. Kennesaw State: 3-1
Home/Away/Neutral: 0-0/3-1/0-0
Last: FIU def. Kennesaw State, 7-0 (March 16, 2025)
Streak: FIU W3
GAME TIMES/BROADCAST INFO (ALL TIMES ET)
Network: ESPN+
Thursday, April 2 - 6 p.m.
PBP: Nick Garrido
Analyst: Darin Yrigoyen
Friday, April 3 - 4 p.m.
PBP: Nick Garrido
Analyst: George Richards
Saturday, April 4 - 11 a.m.
PBP: Corey Brooks
Analyst: Ryne Guida
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.
