MIAMI — FIU's sixth-seeded softball program makes its way to Newark, Del. for this week's Conference USA (CUSA) Championships, taking on seventh-seeded Louisiana Tech at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 in the opening round.

The Panthers (34-17, 16-11 CUSA) take on the Bulldogs (29-23, 15-12 CUSA) in a single-elimination first round after securing CUSA Tournament qualification for the first time since the 2023 season. FIU defeated Louisiana Tech 2-1 in a three-game set earlier this season in Ruston, La., April 10-12, behind a three-homer weekend from Kennedy Byrd. Byrd was then named the CUSA Player of the Week on April 13 for her outstanding performance. The winner of FIU-La Tech will advance into the double elimination six-team tournament to take on Liberty at 7:30 p.m. to close out Day One in Newark. 

Byrd continues to shine in her senior campaign, hitting three homers again this past weekend against Middle Tennessee. On the season, she has 14 homers and 49 RBI, both of which rank among the best in program history for FIU. Kally Meredith also has been a standout option offensively with her .456 batting average and .489 on-base percentage, racking up 78 hits in 2026. Janelle Martinez has delivered a productive season at the plate as well with a career-high 60 hits and 44 RBI. 

In the circle, the Panthers have been paced by Brooke McNichols, who posted a complete game victory over Louisiana Tech on April 10. McNichols holds a staff-best 2.95 ERA and 8-2 record overall, seven of which have been complete games. J'dah Girigorie has been especially effective as of late, throwing a combined 11.1 innings while allowing just two earned runs in three appearances last weekend against MTSU. 

In FIU's last appearance at the 2023 CUSA Championships in Ruston, La., the Panthers fell in the opening round to fifth-seeded Western Kentucky 2-1. Both Isabella Perez and Kaleena Downing appeared in that contest as Perez went 2-for-3 while Downing had one hit and a walk. 

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs enter Wednesday's tilt on a seven-game winning streak, sweeping both Liberty and UTEP in their final two CUSA series of the season. Reagan Marchant is the top hitter for the Bulldogs with her CUSA-leading 17 homers, adding 48 RBI, of which is fourth-best in the league. 

On the pitching side, Allie Floyd has 11 wins for the Bulldogs and a 3.02 ERA as the staff ace. She has struck out 105 batters in 141.1 innings this season, having started 28 games. 

FIU faced Floyd in the victory on April 10 and had seven hits and scored three runs off of Floyd in 5.0 innings. Notably, Martinez hit a two-run homer in the third inning to put FIU ahead. Laney Johnson, La Tech's second pitching option, entered in relief and went the final two innings, surrendering a solo homer to Leah Clark in the sixth, which proved to be the winning run. 

FIU IN THE RANKINGS
NCAA RPI: 55

LOUISIANA TECH IN THE RANKINGS
NCAA RPI: 73

SERIES HISTORY
All-Time vs. Louisiana Tech: FIU leads 17-11
Home/Away/Neutral: 10-3/5-7/2-1
Last: FIU def. Louisiana Tech, 5-3 (April 12, 2026)
Streak: FIU W1
Last Series: FIU def. La Tech, 2-1 (April 10-12, 2026 | Ruston, La.)

GAME TIMES/BROADCAST INFO (ALL TIMES ET)
Network: ESPN+
Wednesday, May 6 - 2:30 p.m.
PBP: Matt Janus

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.