MTSU softball (21-30, 7-20 CUSA) dropped its final series to Florida International University (34-17, 16-11 CUSA) splitting the first two games before dropping game three in a run-rule loss on senior day.
Games one and two went nine innings, both high-scoring thrillers.
Game 1
The Blue Raiders found themselves behind early through the entire weekend, starting on Thursday. The Panthers started the second inning with back-to-back hits to put shortstop Zamya McBurrows and right fielder Kendall Catherwood in scoring position.
Both runners scored on sacrifice hits to take a 2-0 lead.
Offensively, Middle Tennessee matched FIU with left fielder Macie Harter leading the way. Harter, a bright spot in the leadoff spot, homered in the third inning. Senior Lexi Medlock followed up with a home run of her own in the fourth to tie the ball game.
The long ball was a common sight for both teams in the series. FIU’s Kennedy Byrd launched three home runs all to left-center field with her first coming in game one to take the lead in the top of the fifth inning.
The game finished regulation tied after MTSU took the lead back in the bottom of the fifth, before the Panthers laid down a bunt to score the tying run at 4-4.
Middle Tennessee’s pitcher Braelyn Hall completed the entire nine-inning affair, throwing 152 pitches, allowing 10 hits and five runs.
Florida International won the game off a single scoring hit by third baseman Paige Miller. Pitcher J’dah Girigorie sat down the side in the bottom of the ninth to clinch the victory.
Game 2
Game two went nine innings also, with the teams combining for 13 runs and 23 hits. FIU started strong once again, scoring five runs over the first three innings.
MTSU tied the game with five straight runs in the fourth inning, carried by a Lucie McDonald two– run home run.
After the early FIU scoring surge, head coach Jeff Breeden turned to senior Tori Coffman to hold down the fort. Coffman pitched six innings, giving up one run in the sixth inning.
The Washburn, Tennessee native got behind multiple counts early but battled back to keep the Panthers at bay.
Another Harter home run sent the game to extra innings, where eventually the Blue Raiders found themselves in striking position.
In the bottom of the ninth with Harter on third, shortstop Jana Want on second, FIU intentionally walked Ansley Blevins to load the bases.
Senior Onika Spencer, who had two singles, stepped up to the plate and laced a ball to left field to score Harter for the victory.
Game 3
The series-deciding rubber match was unlike any of the other games. Florida International jumped on Coffman early, scoring seven runs in 3 2/3 innings.
The Panthers did not slow down after MTSU brought in Hall scoring eight runs in the sixth running to complete the game in only six innings.
Girigorie came in after the first inning and pitched the lights out. The junior allowed two hits while striking out six batters, completing a strong weekend.
Florida International earned the sixth seed in the Conference USA tournament after New Mexico State won on Saturday. The Panthers and Aggies finished tied at 16-11 in CUSA play with New Mexico State holding the series victory.
The Blue Raiders finished the year at 21-30 overall and 7-20 in CUSA.
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