MIAMI, Fla. – Lafayette softball opened the Panther Invitational at Florida International with a 6-2 loss to host FIU on Friday afternoon.

Senior Mary Grace O'Neill went 2-for-4 with a double and a score and freshman Caroline Hall went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Juniors Olivia Catalina and Kylee Sweet, freshman Emma Ahlborn and sophomore Katie Harrington each contributed a hit for the Leopards.

In the second, singles by FIU's Kendall Catherwood and Bailey Grossenbacher kicked off the Panther offense. The hosts went on a five-run rally  

The Leopards got on the board in the top of the third, making it 5-1. O'Neill doubled down the right field line to initiate the sequence. Ahlborn walked and O'Neill stole third with Hall on deck. Hall reached on a throwing error, advancing O'Neill home for the score.

The Panthers pushed across their final run in the fourth inning to make it 6-1.

Lafayette kept battling into the seventh inning. A bunt by O'Neill and a single to left field by Hall sent Catalina home, adding the final tally for the Leopards for a 6-2 final.

Junior Marisa Powell took the loss, allowing six runs on 11 hits with one walk over six innings. Megan Kruger collected the victory, giving up two runs on six hits. 

The Maroon and White face Iowa at 3 p.m. today followed by Saturday games vs. Iowa at 3 p.m. and FIU at 5:30 p.m.