Softball falls in series finale

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - The Middle Tennessee softball team dropped Sunday's conference series finale to the FIU Golden Panthers 2-0. The Blue Raiders' move to 15-23 overall and 5-13 in conference, while Florida International advances to 29-15, 11-5 in Sun Belt play.

In the loss, MT totaled four hits and one error, leaving eight runners on base. FIU's two runs came off seven hits. The Golden Panthers had one error and left four runners on base.

Lindsey Vander Lugt threw all seven innings striking out eight batters, while surrendering no earned runs and no walks. The senior moves to 14-14 on the season, with a 2.75 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 165.2 innings.

Florida International scored the only runs of the contest in the third, posting two on an Ashley McClain line-drive off Vander Lugt with runners at second and third. Vander Lugt maintained composure and attempted to flick the ball off the ground to first base, but could not make a catchable toss to Kaycee Popham covering the bag on a bang bang play. Both runners scored on the play.

In the seventh, Corrie Abel tried to spark a rally, when she knocked a double to right centerfield giving the Blue Raiders a chance to break the shutout. However, she was unable to score.

Middle Tennessee will return to action this week as they host back-to-back doubleheaders on Wednesday and Thursday against Tennessee State and UT-Martin. Live stats and coverage will be available on GoBlueRaiders.com.

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