FIU Softball Advances to Panther Invitational Championship

Panthers secure historic 13-2 start with wins over Incarnate Word and Eastern Illinois

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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FIU's softball team notched two more wins on Saturday at the Panther Invitational, defeating Incarnate Word 3-2 and Eastern Illinois 7-4, to advance to the championship game of their home tournament. The Panthers improved to 13-2 overall, the best start in program history, surpassing the previous mark of 12-3 through 15 games set in 2001.

Why it matters

FIU's softball team is off to an incredible start, showcasing their talent and potential for a standout season. The team's historic 13-2 record through 15 games is a significant milestone, demonstrating the program's growth and competitiveness within the college softball landscape.

The details

Against Incarnate Word, FIU struck early with a two-out RBI from Janelle Martinez to take a 1-0 lead. UIW evened the score at 1-1 in the third, but the Panthers regained the lead for good with a two-out RBI single from Kennedy Byrd. Leah Clark's double in the fifth provided insurance for the Panthers. In the semifinal matchup with Eastern Illinois, FIU fell behind 3-0 in the first, but rallied with a five-run fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Sammy Zelenka and a two-run blast from Byrd, to take a 7-4 lead they would not relinquish.

  • FIU improved to 13-2 overall, the best start in program history.
  • The Panthers' previous best start was 12-3 through 15 games, set in 2001.

The players

Girigorie

FIU pitcher who started the game against Incarnate Word, going the distance and securing the complete game victory.

Janelle Martinez

FIU player who drove in the first run of the game against Incarnate Word with a two-out RBI.

Leah Clark

FIU player who doubled in the fifth inning against Incarnate Word to provide insurance for the Panthers.

Meagan Villazon

FIU pitcher who started the semifinal matchup against Eastern Illinois, allowing four runs in the first four innings but keeping EIU scoreless over the final three innings to secure the win.

Sammy Zelenka

FIU player who hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning against Eastern Illinois to tie the game at 4-4.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Panthers face Incarnate Word in the Panther Invitational Championship Game at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

The takeaway

FIU's softball team has made history with its best-ever start to a season, showcasing the program's growth and competitiveness. The team's resilience and offensive firepower have been on full display, setting them up for a potential championship run in their home tournament.