Marshall University Athletics
ECU to Face Softball at the Dot
3/17/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 17, 2011
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Conference USA action continues as the Marshall University softball team will host East Carolina in a three-game series at Dot Hicks Field this weekend. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m. on Saturday followed by a 3 p.m. matchup. The series will conclude at noon on Sunday.
The Thundering Herd (10-13, 0-3 C-USA) will use the friendly confines of the Dot to vie for its first win in conference play as the team faces off against a Pirates squad that is 21-8 overall and 1-2 in conference. ECU is coming off a pair of midweek victories over Charleston Southern but is on a two-game skid in C-USA play.
Marshall's biggest hurdle it will face is ECU's Toni Paisley (15-4), who posts a 1.16 ERA in 126.1 innings of work. The senior averages 1.36 strikeouts per inning, 7.77 per game, which has held opponents to a .160 batting average this season.
At the plate the Pirates have two hitting above a .340 clip in Kristi Oshiro (.342) and Suzanne Riggs (.341). Oshiro has a team best 23 runs scored and 23 walks to post a .490 on-base percentage. Riggs complements with a club-high 28 hits, three home runs and 19 RBI.
MU's depth in the circle will keep opponents guessing as the Herd can call upon any in its staff in given situations. Andi Williamson is tops with a 2.76 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 63.1 innings; Natalee Pulver and Erika Bennett have each seen extensive time in the circle as well with 54.1 and 29.0 innings, respectively.
On the bases Marshall continues to pace the pack as the Herd is 65-of-73 attempts; owning double digit stolen base marks are Taylor Thompson (10-11), Ashley Gue (11-13), Jessica Hughes (11-12) and Morgan Cottrell (10-10).
Hitting has given the Herd diverse leaders in each category as Thompson and Alysia Hively have top batting averages at .364 and .345, respectively. Hively also has a team-best .828 slugging percentage and is one of the top leaders in home runs with four alongside Rebecca Gamby's five.
Regular offensive threats at the dish, Gamby sports 17 hits and a team-best 15 RBI and Jazmine Valle chips in with a club-high 18 hits and 13 RBI.
GameTracker will be provided for all Marshall games during the season and fans can watch live video of the Herd's home contests by following links posted on the softball schedule page through herdzone.com.
