MIAMI, Florida – Despite being down by seven runs by the fifth inning, the Miners rallied, bringing home five runs to narrow the gap. However, their efforts weren't quite enough as FIU held on to claim an 11-9 victory in the series opener Friday night at Felsberg Field.

UTEP drops to 18-12 (4-6 Conference USA) while FIU improves to 13-20 (3-7 CUSA). 

In the bottom of the first inning, FIU took an early lead when Perez's single up the middle allowed Peaden to score, followed by Goguts' sacrifice fly to right field, bringing Perez home.  

UTEP answered back in the top of the second inning, capitalizing on a fielding error as Bri Garcia and Kenna Collett scored on the mistake. Lexi Morales' double to right-center field brought Madi Mendoza home, giving the Miners the 3-2 lead. However, FIU surged ahead in the bottom, with Perez's triple down the right field line driving in three runs, followed by Navarro's double and Brown's hit by pitch adding two more runs.  

Despite UTEP's efforts to rally, with Idalis Mendez's single in the top of the fifth inning bringing Grace Aragon home, FIU continued to extend their lead, with back-to-back RBI-walks and Goguts delivering a two-RBI single in the bottom, 11-4.

In the top of the sixth inning, Morales doubled to center field, bringing Mendoza home once more, and a steal by Jordyn Lopez and Morales' subsequent steal of home in the same inning further shrunk the deficit, 11-6.  

UTEP tried to mount a comeback in the top of the seventh inning, with Mendoza walking in a run, followed by Morales' single up the middle bringing Mendoza and Ashlynn Allen home, and Ajia Richard's sacrifice fly in the top of the seventh inning brought Morales home for the final run of the game. Despite UTEP's efforts, the Panthers maintained their 11-9 lead, securing the victory in a well-fought game. 

Notables 

• Out of UTEP's 10 hits in the game, an impressive half of them were doubles. 
• Morales, a standout performer for UTEP, led the team with 3 RBIs and excelled at the plate, going 3-for-4 which included two doubles. She also showcased her speed on the basepaths with a stolen base (home), contributing to UTEP's offensive efforts. 

ON DECK   
UTEP is back in action for game two versus the Panther on April 6 at 11am MDT at Felsberg Field.  

 

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For complete coverage of UTEP Softball, be sure to follow the Miners on social media at @utepsoftball (Instagram/Twitter) or visit the official home of UTEP Athletics at UTEPMiners.com.