FIU’s softball team was narrowly defeated by Delaware, 5-4, in a Conference USA matchup on Saturday in Newark, Delaware. The loss marks the second consecutive defeat for the Panthers in conference play.
The Panthers, now holding an 18-5 record overall and 0-2 in CUSA games, managed to overcome an early deficit against the Blue Hens (11-11, 2-0 CUSA). However, Delaware secured the win with a late run. Zamya McBurrows led FIU’s offense, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs. Her performance included a double and a two-run home run. McBurrows also made a notable defensive play with a catch at shortstop during the fifth inning.
Other key contributors for FIU included Kally Meredith, Leah Clark, and Kendall Catherwood, each recording multiple hits. Despite collecting ten hits as a team, FIU left eight runners stranded on base. Kennedy Byrd took the loss for FIU after pitching six innings and allowing five earned runs while striking out four batters.
Delaware established an early lead with three runs in the second inning. FIU responded when McBurrows hit a two-out, two-run double in the third inning to narrow the gap. In the fifth inning, McBurrows hit a two-run homer off Delaware reliever Josie Crossman to give FIU its first lead at 4-3. Delaware tied it up later that inning before adding another run in the sixth to retake the lead.
In the final inning, Leah Clark reached base and stole second to put herself in scoring position with no outs. After two outs were recorded, Clark was called out for leaving second base early while attempting to steal third base. This decision ended FIU’s comeback attempt and secured Delaware’s victory.
The series between FIU and Delaware concludes on Sunday at noon.
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