Western Kentucky claimed the series win with a 3-1 victory against Florida International in Conference USA softball action Saturday in Miami. (CATY LLAMAS / WKU Athletics)

Western Kentucky’s softball team earned its second straight series win in as many weeks with a 3-1 win against Florida International on Saturday in Miami.

The Hilltoppers (27-19 overall, 12-10 Conference USA) once again scored first in the third inning, while Annie White laid down a bunt along the first-base line that scored two more runs.

WKU pitcher Rylan Smith earned her 14th win of the season after throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

Erica Houge earned her 13th start of the season for the Hilltoppers on Saturday and threw six scoreless innings before allowing FIU’s (29-19 overall, 11-12 CUSA) lone run in the bottom of the sixth.

In the top of the third, Kendle White continued her on-base hot streak, reaching for the fifth time in her last six at-bats with a single to left field.

Morgan Sharpe pushed White to second with a sacrifice bunt, and Maci Masters’ single to center field allowed Kendle White to score from second. Kendle White’s run marked the fifth straight game in which WKU scored first.

Neither side scored until the sixth when FIU scored with a single down the left-field line. Smith took over after the score and quickly settled to retire the side with a fly out to center field and a 13-pitch at-bat resulting in a strikeout.

With the game tied 1-1 in the top of the seventh, Kendle White reached once again, and Sharpe doubled to left field to put runners on second and third.

Annie White laid down a bunt along the first-base line, allowing Kendle White to score and putting Sharpe on third.

Still in the same play, Annie White then tried to take advantage of the FIU defense and took off to second after Kendle White scored. FIU’s catcher threw down to second to try to throw Annie White out, but the WKU sophomore first baseman got into a rundown to create defensive confusion and allow Sharpe to score.

FIU got one runner aboard in the bottom of the seventh, but Smith retired the side to secure the win.

With the series win, WKU is now in fourth place in CUSA with a half-game lead over Sam Houston.

Kendle White has reached in 10-straight games. Morgan Sharpe is currently riding a six-game hit streak. With her single and double, Maci Masters posted her 12th multi-hit game of the season. Randi Drinnon posted her conference-leading ninth sacrifice bunt in the top of the second.

WKU will look to sweep the Panthers on Sunday. First pitch is set for 10 a.m. CT.