MIAMI (Feb. 12, 2021) – Led by Venessa Gallegos’ seven-RBI day, the FIU softball team defeated visiting FAU 7-5 and Winthrop 9-1 to officially open the 2021 season.
With the win, FIU moves to 2-0 for the season while FAU drops to 0-2 and Winthrop falls to 1-1. The 2-0 start is FIU’s first since downing Houston and Lamar to open the 2015 season.
FIU began the day with a 7-5 victory over FAU, despite trailing 5-2 in the fifth inning. After a Kayla Whitehead sac fly tied the game at 5-5 in the bottom half of the fifth inning, Jocelyn Alonso singled to drive in Gallegos and put the Panthers out front for good. FIU survived a bases-loaded, no-out scare in the top half of the seventh inning, but Kendahl Dunford saved the game with three-straight outs to close the 7-5 victory.
The nightcap saw FIU take on Winthrop, who began the day with a victory over FAU. The Eagles jumped out 1-0 after a solo shot in the second inning, but the Panthers used a five-run third frame to score nine-unanswered and earn the 9-1 run-rule victory.
Gallegos earned five hits overall on Friday, with a pair of doubles, seven RBI and two stolen bases. Alonso, Jessica Rivera and Alexis Ross each finished the day with three hits, with Alonso earning a double and two RBI.
In the circle, Kallie Jones earned the win over FAU in relief after tossing two innings and striking out one. Dunford followed up her save against the Owls with a 5.2 inning performance against the Eagles to earn her first win of the year.
UP NEXT
FIU will face off against Winthrop on Sunday, Feb. 14, at 10:30 a.m. The game will be streamed on Facebook Live (@FIUSoftball).
FAN ATTENDANCE
Due to physical distancing requirements, the total capacity at FIU Athletics events will be reduced this season. FIU’s softball games will be limited to 125 fans this spring due to the COVID-19 repopulation plan. For more information on tickets, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit here.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUSoftball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.
