Marshall University Athletics
Herd Softball Set for Seven-Game Road Swing
3/20/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 20, 2008
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall University softball team will begin its seven-game road swing when it travels to UTEP for a three-game series before heading to Arizona and Arizona State for a pair of doubleheaders.
The Her¬d and Miners will square off for its Conference USA series, Friday March 21 for a doubleheader starting at 3:00 p.m. (MT). The two schools will conclude the series, Saturday March 22 at 5:00 p.m. (MT). All three games will be played at the Helen of Troy Field.
Senior All-American Rachel Folden continues to pace the Herd with a .427 average, a Conference USA best. The Baldwin Park, Calif., native has a team-high 13 doubles, one behind Tulsa's Laura Lindsay. She's also second on the team with four home runs, increasing Marshall's all-time record to 45.
Fellow senior Deanna Tourville leads the team with 22 RBIs with seven doubles and a team-high five home runs.
Marshall's outfielder Rachael Sofie is batting .378 on the season with 28 hits. She's recorded 11 RBIs as she has started every game for the Herd in either left or right field.
Sophomore pitcher and outfielder Caitlyn Jackson has displayed her versatility as she's been able to play two positions defensively for the Herd along with registering 18 RBIs at the plate. With her .349 batting average and a conference-high three triples, Jackson has been a key component in the Herd's success.
Marshall is coming off its home opener against Houston. The Cougars spoiled the Herd's grand opening of Dot Hicks Field as they defeated Marshall 17-2 in the first game at the new complex. Houston added more offensive firepower in the second game resulting in a 10-2 victory. During the final game of the series, the Cougars outscored Marshall, 9-1 to complete the sweep. Rachael Sofie and Samantha Rodriguez generated the majority of the Herd's offense over the weekend both hitting home runs. Sofie recorded her first home run of the season, while the shot to left field was the fourth on the season for Rodriguez.
The Miners are backed behind their power slugger right fielder Camilla Carrera. Carrera has a team-high 23 RBIs and five home runs. Stacie Townsend has four home runs with 19 RBIs and is Houston's primary second baseman and pitcher.
In the pitching circle, Nichole Tunget has the lowest ERA with a 1.94 effort. Townsend has seen the most action in the circle pitching 75 innings accumulating nine wins. She's also produced 87 strikeouts for the Miners.
UTEP and No. 8 Arizona squared off Tuesday, March 18 for a mid-week doubleheader. The Miners and Wildcats had a split decision with the Miners capturing game one, 9-6. The Wildcats stormed back in the finale, 8-2. It was the first ranked victory for UTEP during the season.
Following the C-USA showdown, the Herd will travel to No. 1 Arizona State, March 25, at 5 p.m. (MT) for a doubleheader with the Sun Devils. No. 8 Arizona awaits the Herd to conclude the week long road trip, March 26, at 5 p.m. (MT).
GameTracker will be provided for all of the Herd's away games and live streaming of the Herd's game against UTEP can be viewed if an All-Access pass is purchased via www.HerdZone.com.
