MIAMI – Jax State dropped the final game of its weekend series at FIU, 7-6, on Sunday afternoon.
 
Despite a fast start with three runs in the opening inning, the Gamecocks (20-25, 9-9 CUSA) couldn't keep FIU (17-26, 5-13 CUSA) down as the Panthers chipped away at the deficit until finally moving ahead for the first time in the sixth frame.
 
A strong start and timely two-out production at the plate staked Jax State to a 5-1 lead by the middle of the second inning. But a scrappy FIU club that kept each of the first two games of the series within two runs, scored in five of their six offensive innings on Sunday to climb all the way back.
 
The Gamecocks rode starter Kat Carter into the fifth inning before freshman Mackinley Portillo entered to register the final out escaping a bases-loaded jam. Still, FIU got to her as well the following inning in the sixth forcing Amber Reed into action after taking their first lead of the day.
 
Trailing 7-5 to begin the seventh, Lindsey Richardson belted her 11th homer of the season to cut the margin in half. Unfortunately, the Gamecocks couldn't get the tying run home from third as FIU held on for the win.
 
Jax State hosts Western Kentucky for the final CUSA home series of the season next weekend.