MIAMI — FIU's softball program prepares to host Liberty for a weekend series at Baptist Health Stadium in Conference USA (CUSA) play. 

The Panthers (28-14, 10-8 CUSA) welcome the Flames (20-22, 13-5 CUSA) for a pivotal three-game set in CUSA play, April 17-19. With nine games remaining in the regular season, all in conference competition, FIU sits seventh in the CUSA standings heading into this weekend's matchups. Liberty sits second in a crowded CUSA table, of which the second and seventh place spots are separated by just three wins.

Sporting a 5-1 record in their last six CUSA games, the Panthers are making their push to qualify for the 2026 CUSA Championships, May 6-9 in Newark, Del., of which the league's top-eight teams will make up the tournament field. Against Liberty, FIU will look to continue its winning ways, donning a 21-6 record at home this season and having won 2-of-3 home series in CUSA play with sweeps of both UTEP and Kennesaw State.

Most recently, the Panthers secured a series victory over Louisiana Tech on the road last weekend behind a strong offensive performance from Kennedy Byrd. Byrd homered three times, which included a two-homer game in Game Two, to earn CUSA Player of the Week. She became FIU's first CUSA Player of the Week since the 2021 season and has now earned Pitcher of the Week (in 2025) and Player of the Week in her career. For the 2026 season, she has 10 homers and 40 RBI, both of which are the most for any FIU player since 2017. 

The pitching staff has been led by Brooke McNichols, who picked up a complete game win to open the series at Louisiana Tech and her first save of the season in the series finale. The senior has thrown five consecutive complete games, allowing three runs or less in each of them, and holds a 2.76 ERA overall. 

In 2025, the Panthers were swept the final weekend of the year at Liberty, denying them a bid to the CUSA Championships. FIU was held scoreless by the Flames in all three contests in Lynchburg. Liberty went on to claim the CUSA Tournament Crown and advanced all the way to the Super Regionals at the 2025 NCAA Championships before falling to Oregon in Eugene. 

SCOUTING THE FLAMES
Entering this weekend, Liberty has won five-straight series in CUSA play following an opening weekend 2-1 series defeat to CUSA-leading Jax State. Most recently, the Flames won 2-of-3 against Western Kentucky at home, winning the first two games of the three-game set.

In conference play, the Flames lead CUSA with a .324 batting average as a team and sit second with a 2.72 ERA. Liberty's Camden Anders has been excellent in CUSA competition with a 2.04 ERA and 7-1 record in 44.2 innings pitched. At the plate, Alexia Carrasquillo has been an integral part of the Flames offense with a .351 batting average in conference play and five homers, adding 15 RBI.

Looking at last weekend's rotation, the Flames starters were as follows: Anders (Friday), Danner Allen (Saturday), Kaylan Yoder (Sunday). 

SERIES HISTORY
All-Time vs. Liberty: FIU trails 5-1
Home/Away/Neutral: 1-2/0-3/0-0
Last Matchup: Liberty def. FIU, 7-0 (May 4, 2025)
Streak: Liberty W3
Last Series: Liberty def. FIU, 3-0 (May 2-4)

PROMOTIONS/GIVEAWAYS
Sunday, April 19 - Bark at the Park
Free FIU Branded Dog Bandanas & Pup Cups for Dogs

GAME TIMES/BROADCAST INFO (ALL TIMES ET)
Network: ESPN+

Friday, April 17 - 6 p.m.
PBP: Corey Brooks
Analyst: Manny Navarro

Saturday, April 18 - 4 p.m.
PBP: Corey Brooks
Analyst: Manny Navarro

Sunday, April 19 - 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.