Western Kentucky’s softball team embarked on its penultimate series of the 2025 season on Friday, coming away with the 2-0 win over Florida International thanks to two home runs from Kendle White and a shutout performance from Rylan Smith and Erica Houge in Miami.

Friday’s win is the second straight shutout for the Hilltoppers (26-19 overall, 11-10 Conference USA) and the ninth game with two or more home runs, while Houge’s save against FIU (29-18, 11-11 CUSA) is her conference-leading fifth of the season.

Friday’s win took only two swings of the bat as White was responsible for both runs. White’s first home run was the Tops’ first lead-off homer of the season, while her second solo shot made White only the second WKU player this season to hit back-to-back home runs.

In the circle, Smith earned her 22nd start of the season and her 13th win after allowing no runs on only four hits through four innings. Houge threw the last three innings of Friday’s game and had three straight 1-2-3 innings to earn WKU its 26th win of the season.

Friday’s game is the fourth time this season the WKU pitching staff has not issued a walk in a game. Houge and Smith put together the second combined shutout of the season. Friday’s shutout is also the fifth of the season. With their efforts, Houge and Smith are now both in the top 10 in CUSA in opposing batting average. Smith is at a .230 and Houge is at a .243.

The back-to-back shutouts at Louisville and FIU is the first time since 2023 that WKU has posted back-to-back shutouts.

It was the ninth time this season the Hilltoppers have had at least two home runs in a game.

Annie White extended her reached-base streak to 13 games.

The Hilltoppers will look to take the series on Saturday with Game 2. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT in Miami.