Marshall University Athletics
Thundering Herd Softball Releases 2006 Schedule
11/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Complete 2006 Softball Schedule in PDF Format
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Nov. 17, 2005
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall Thundering Herd softball team released its 2006 schedule Thursday, according to Director of Athletics Bob Marcum.
Head coach Shonda Stanton returns for her seventh season at the helm of the Thundering Herd program. Marshall (38-20 in 2005) looks to make a deep run into the postseason in 2006, its first as a member of Conference USA. The 55-game schedule is highlighted by 19 home games and four tournaments to begin the season.
The Thundering Herd returns 16 letterwinners, including 2005 NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-America third teamer Rachel Folden (Baldwin Park, Calif./Diamond Bar), All-MAC First Team selection Amanda Williams (Powder Springs, Ga./Harrison) and All-MAC Second Team selections Jessica Williams (Powder Springs, Ga./Harrison) and Leigh Wintter (Acworth, Ga./North Cobb).
The Herds find itself playing six 2005 NCAA Regional participants, including Alabama (Feb. 10), Georgia (Feb. 18-19), College of Charleston (Feb. 25), UCF (March 18-19), Virginia Tech (March 22) and Miami (April 4).
"We play a number of quality opponents which will prepare us for a tough C-USA schedule," Stanton said.
Marshall will participate in four regular season tournaments this season - the Bama Bash (Feb. 10-12), the Third Annual Georgia Softball Classic (Feb. 17-19), the Cougar Classic (Feb. 24-26) and the Buzz Classic (March 3-5).
"The four tournaments to begin the season will provide a great opportunity for us to be challenged with competition such as a 2005 World Series team in Alabama, a Super Regional finalist in Georgia and NCAA participants College of Charleston and Georgia Tech," Stanton said.
Marshall will play a 24-game conference schedule, including home series against UCF, UAB (March 25-26), Houston (April 15-16) and Tulsa (April 22-23). The Herd's road C-USA schedule includes Southern Miss (March 11-12), East Carolina (April 1-2), UTEP (April 8-9) and Memphis (April 29-30).
"Our players and coaching staff relish the opportunity to be a part of Conference USA," Stanton said. "C-USA softball has a traditionally strong history and we look forward to contributing to the league's bright future."
Following the Herd's rigorous 57-game slate, Marshall is scheduled to travel to Tulsa, Okla., to participate in the 2006 Conference USA Softball Tournament which will be held at the Donna J. Hardesty Sports and Recreation Complex.
"Our focus is the same as any other year - commit to excellence on and off the field. I am proud of our student-athletes and know we will represent Marshall and C-USA in a positive manner."
For season ticket information, please contact the Marshall Thundering Herd Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-THE-HERD (843-4373).
