Blue Raiders set for crucial series

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee travels to Florida International for a decisive three-game series in Sun Belt Conference play beginning with a doubleheader on Friday afternoon.

The Blue Raiders (8-25, 3-12 Sun Belt) find themselves one win behind the Golden Panthers (21-20, 4-5 Sun Belt) in the conference standings with nine games to go before the conference tournament in Denton, Texas on May 5.

Freshman Shelby Barrett and junior Lindsey Vander Lugt led Middle Tennessee to two victories in three games against North Texas at Blue Raider Field last weekend and the team will be hoping for the same performances from a number of players against Florida International.

"We got two good wins against North Texas last weekend and we need to carry that over to our three games at FIU," Head Coach Sue Nevar said.

The Golden Panthers dropped two of three to No. 20 Louisiana-Lafayette over the weekend, before defeating local and Sun Belt rival Florida Atlantic 4-3 on Wednesday evening.

Middle Tennessee has played six more games than its opponent making this series that much more important in the race for the final spot in the postseason tournament.

"This is a huge series for us in regards to both the overall Sun Belt standings and our position in the conference tournament," Nevar said. "It is at this point in the season that players need to step up and get it done on the field."

First pitch at University Park in the opening doubleheader is set for 4 p.m. CT.

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