Bearkats fall 4-1 in series opener

Friday, April 24

Miami, Fla.

5:00 PM

29-21, 13-9

FIU

29-16, 12-10

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Runs R	Hits H	Errors E
Sam Houston	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	7	1
FIU	1	0	1	1	0	1	X	4	7	1

Photo by: Paige Holland

Bearkats fall 4-1 in series opener

4/24/2026 9:44:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

MIAMI, Fla. — Sam Houston dropped game one to FIU, 4-1, at FIU Softball Stadium on Friday.

The Bearkats (29-21, 13-9 CUSA) fell behind early when the Panthers (30-16, 12-10 CUSA) took a 1-0 lead on an RBI single to right field by Janelle Martinez. Sam Houston answered quickly, tying the game on a solo home run by Peyton Helmly — her ninth of the season.

Tiffany Sanchez responded in the circle by retiring the side in order in the second inning. The Bearkats carried momentum into the third, highlighted by a single from Sophia Lundstrom, her second hit of the game.

FIU regained the lead on a solo home run to left-center field by Kennedy Byrd. The Panthers added to their advantage in the fourth, limiting Sam Houston to one hit while extending the lead on a double by Leah Clark and a sacrifice fly from Kendall Catherwood.

Sam Houston held FIU scoreless in the fifth, but the Panthers maintained pressure offensively. The Bearkats attempted to rally late, as Morgan Holliday singled and later stole second to move into scoring position, but were unable to capitalize.

Tricia Yarotsky made a pinch-hit appearance in the sixth inning, marking her return after an injury, hitting in place of third baseman Abbey Papadimitriou.

Sam Houston will look to even the series in game two at 3 p.m. Saturday at FIU Softball Stadium. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.