Miami, FL.-The Florida International Panthers Softball team opened their 2026 schedule with a bang, using a 6th inning scoring surge to rally against the Louisville Cardinals.

Louisville came out hot to start the game, hitting two home runs in the first inning to put pressure on FIU early. But the Panthers didn’t stay quiet for long. In the bottom of the first, the Panthers answered with three runs of their own, taking a 3–2 lead going into the second inning and immediately shifting the momentum.

FIU pitcher Meagan Villazon responded to the early game rust, finding her zone and never looking back. In the second inning, Villazon struck out back-to-back batters, helping FIU settle into the game defensively. Meagan Villazon pitched six innings, finishing with three K’s, while battling through Louisville’s lineup.

Offensively, Kennedy Byrd led the prowl for the Panthers, recording two hits and two RBIs, including a big double. Sammy Zelenka finished with two hits, scoring both Kally Meredith and Zamaya McBurrows.

The biggest moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning, as Florida International added multiple runs, including one scored off a walk, helping extend the lead. By the end of the inning, FIU had pushed the score to 7–3.

FIU was able to hold off Louisville late to secure the 7–5 win. Meagan Villazon earned the win after pitching six innings and recording three strikeouts. J’dah Girigorie closed out the game in the seventh inning to earn the save and seal the victory for the Panthers. Florida International now stands at 3-0 in the 2026 campaign, as the Panthers prepare for a Saturday double header- facing off vs Stony Brook at 2PM, before taking on Lehigh at 7.

Photo Credits: Hailey Milian, NewEraPrep Photographer