Softball to host FIU

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Middle Tennessee softball team will play host a crucial three game series with the FIU Golden Panthers on Saturday and Sunday at Blue Raider Field. The Blue Raiders are in search of important wins to pull them back into contention for the last spot in the Sun Belt postseason tournament.

The first game of Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m. followed immediately by the second game. Sunday's finale will start at 11 a.m. Admission is free to all.

The Blue Raiders, who own a 15-20 overall mark, sit ninth in the Sun Belt standings with a conference record of 5-10. With Louisiana-Monroe and Western Kentucky holding the seventh and eighth positions with identical 5-7 records, wins are a premium for MT.

"This series is very important for us," said head coach Sue Never. "We cannot afford to lose this series. This is the time you want to be playing at home and we need our fans to come out and support us at all three games."

Middle Tennessee is coming off a doubleheader split against the Memphis Tigers on Thursday. In the first game, Lindsey Vander Lugt threw a seven inning shutout allowing four hits while striking out eight batters. Kaycee Popham, Kristi Marquez and Natalie Ysais drove in runs in the game. Middle Tennessee dropped the second game, 6-0.

The Golden Panthers boast a record of 26-15, 8-5 in conference, placing them in a second place tie with North Texas in the Sun Belt. FIU pitcher Kasey Barrett and outfielder Ashley McClain were named Sun Belt pitcher and fielder of the week, respectively, as both were crucial components of the team's series victory over Louisiana last weekend.

All-time, FIU holds a 25-15 lead and has taken the last four contests including a sweep last season in Miami.

Live stats and audio for all three contests will be available at GoBlueRaiders.com.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.