MT Falls in Saturday Nightcap

Saturday, March 14

Murfreesboro, Tenn.

9 p.m.

Middle Tennessee

10-9, 0-4

FIU

17-10, 2-2

FIU

Middle Tennessee

3/14/2015 11:30:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee softball team (10-9, 0-4 C-USA) suffered a 8-0 setback to FIU (17-10, 2-2 C-USA) Saturday night at Blue Raider Softball Field.

Freshman Cor'Nisha Birdsong finished 2-for-3 from the plate with a double while senior Alma Cortez tallied a triple and sophomore Lauren Riddell ended the night with a double for her only hit. Senior Samantha Nieves tallied a hit as well.

Junior Kelci Cheney fell to 6-6 on the year after surrendering six runs (four earned) on five hits, while Senior Caitlin McClure pitched the final four innings and allowed just two runs (one earned) on one hit.

The Panthers struck early in the first inning when they scored to take a 2-0 lead. MT looked to cut the deficit in the bottom of the first when Birdsong led off the inning with a double. Birdsong later advanced to third but MT couldn't bring her home.

That was the story of the night as FIU took advantage of its scoring opportunities with runners in scoring position. FIU added four more runs to go ahead 6-0 then tacked on two more in the top of the fourth to go ahead, 8-0.

MT had a chance to go the board in the bottom of the fourth when Riddell doubled to left field to advance junior Randi Cookus to third after reaching on base with a fielder's choice, but FIU prevented MT from capitalizing when threatening to score.

FIU's Gabby Spallone did most of the damage for the Panthers as she finished 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Corrine Jenkins recorded the win for the visitors as she won her 10th game of the season.

The Blue Raiders and Panthers will resume play at Blue Raider Softball Field tomorrow beginning at 10 a.m. for a doubleheader. Fans can follow both games by clicking here for live stats.