JACKSONVILLE – Makalyn Kyser ripped a three-run homer for her first hit of the season, helping power Jax State to a series opening 7-5 victory over the FIU Panthers on Friday. FIU entered the weekend in second place in the Conference USA standings with a 7-2 record. 
 
The Gamecocks (22-12, 5-5 CUSA) earn their first CUSA win since the series opener against New Mexico State on March 14 with a 7-5 win over FIU (24-10, 7-3 CUSA) in Birmingham.
 
After entering the game as a defensive sub for Abbi Perkins in the top of the third inning, Kyser stepped to the plate in a game tied 3-3 with two runners on. She launched a three-run shot to deep right center field for her first homer and hit of the season. 

ARE YOU KIDDING ME MAK???

Makalyn Kyser connects and that ball is LONG gone 💣#StayCocky 🐔 | #FearTheBeak 👌 pic.twitter.com/cH5LhBYmj2
— Jax State Softball (@JaxStateSB) March 29, 2025
 

Jax State found its way on the board first on Friday, courtesy of a Kailey Martin one run double to left field. Martin, a freshman, is coming off of a performance on Wednesday that saw her launch a three-run go ahead homer at Samford.

Jax State padded its lead in the second when Jaci Underwood scored Perkins on a ground-rule double over the right field fence.

FIU wasted no time answering, tallying three runs of its own in the next half inning, the go-ahead run scoring on a triple to the left field fence.

Emma Elrod doubled to lead off the third for Jax State, setting up Amber Reed for an RBI single back up the middle, knotting the game at three apiece. Kyser's homer broke the short-lived deadlock just three batters later.

Underwood sealed off the third inning scoring barrage with her second RBI double of the evening, this time bringing around Haleigh Cushingberry to score and bring the Gamecock advantage to 7-2.

Jax State starting pitcher Kat Carter tossed two consecutive scoreless innings after acquiring the lead before FIU made a late push in the sixth and seventh. The Panthers tallied one run in the sixth, heading to the seventh trailing by three.

FIU added its second triple of the evening in the seventh inning, scoring a fifth run and bringing the tying run to the plate with two outs.

Carter equalized the threat with a strikeout, her fourth and final punchout of the night, securing Jax State its first CUSA win in two weeks.

Carter tossed a complete game, allowing just two earned runs to cross the plate, lowering her season ERA to 2.19 and picking up her eighth victory of the season.

Jax State and FIU return to Jana McGinnis Field for games two and three on Saturday, March 29 with a doubleheader beginning at noon.
 
Admission to all Jax State Softball games is free courtesy of Martin's Family Clothing.