Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Softball Concludes Weekend with Pair of Wins
10/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Oct. 4, 2009
HUNTINGTON, W.Va.- The Marshall University softball team wrapped up an exciting weekend that included the annual Alumni Game Saturday and wins against Charleston (9-2) and Shawnee State (11-3) on Sunday at Dot Hicks Field.
"It was an incredible weekend," said head coach Shonda Stanton. "We had about 30 members of the alumni return. It was exciting to watch them suit up in the green and white again. It was great to see them again and everyone be able to catch up with each other."
In the first game of the Marshall Tournament, the Herd beat Charleston 9-2. MU had 12 hits, eight stolen bases and no errors committed in the win. Pitcher Katie Murphree went the distance in the circle and chalked eight strikeouts.
"I'm excited about the progress I've seen in the circle," said Stanton. "We're going to be fighting for a C-USA championship this season. It's about making plays and not extending innings - that will be our focus throughout the rest of fall ball and in our off-season workouts."
Alianna Telles went two-for-four at the plate with one RBI and one homerun. Melissa Loesing also went two-for-four, with one RBI and a stolen base; while Jazmine Valle contributed with one run scored, two RBI and two doubles. Other MU players to notch a stolen base were: Taylor Thompson, who had a team-best three stolen bases, Victoria Marvin, Samantha Spurlock, Marcena Bertoldo and Bri Anna Hope.
Game two saw Jessica Ferrick and Rachel Rillo in the circle for the Herd. Ferrick pitched four innings before Rillo came in during the fifth to pitch the final inning and allow just one hit. The Herd out-hit Shawnee State 13 to 8 in the 11-3 mercy rule.
In the second inning, Jessica Hughes was plated by Thompson, who would later score off a squeeze play by Bertoldo to tie the game at 2-2. Telles then scored in the third to put the Herd up 3-2.
MU broke open with three runs in the fourth by Thompson, Caitlyn Jackson and Bertoldo. The Herd then closed the win with five runs in the fifth by Melanie Stoehr, Rebecca Gamby, Valle, Thompson and Jackson.
"We've played two days of fall ball and scored 25 runs," Stanton said. "Offensively we're producing and executing. We've hit and moved runners when we've needed too. We've also hit homeruns and I'm excited with what I'm seeing offensively."
Marshall will play its next game at home, as it hosts its second fall tournament on Oct. 10. The Herd will face West Virginia State at 10 a.m., followed by a noon faceoff against Wheeling Jesuit.
"It is always awesome to play at home," Stanton said. "We have a great facility, a great fan base, and our athletes continue to perform well at home."
The Herd will conclude the fall schedule on Oct. 11, when it makes the trip to Athens, Ohio, to face Ohio in a doubleheader that starts at noon (ET).
"At Ohio we want to finish strong," said Stanton. "I'm pleased with what I've seen out of this club so far. I want to end on a high note and to do that we need to play hard and take care of business."
For more information about Marshall softball visit www.herdzone.com.
