Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Kent State
Herd Softball Prevails over Kent State 3-2
3/2/2012 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 2, 2012
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Despite non-favorable weather, Marshall softball was able to start the Marshall Invitational off with a win, defeating Kent State 3-2 Friday at Dot Hicks Field.
The Thundering Herd would use a three run second inning to be victorious. Strong pitching out of MU's top pitcher Andi Williamson helped the Herd fight off a valiant effort from the Golden Flashes and collect their eighth win of the season.
Williamson threw a complete game, allowing only one earned run, five hits, walking two and striking out nine. The junior improved to 5-4 on the year. Her defense gave her the assistance she needed, committing only one error through the duration of the contest.
Kent State kick started game and got on the scoreboard with a home run from Kim Kirkpatrick to claim a 1-0 lead following the top of the first inning.
In the second inning, the Herd offense woke up. Alysia Hively led off with a double and Taylor Thompson, who ran for the junior, scored off a Jessica Hughes bunt to notch the score at one. Hughes, after moving to third off a stolen base and an ensuing error from the KSU catcher, gave her squad the lead when she crossed plate as Melissa Loesing laid down a bunt single. Excellent base running from Loesing allowed her to plate MU's third and final run when the third bunt single of the inning, this time from Ashley Gue, was laid down.
Hughes finished the tilt with a 2-for-2 effort, scoring once, driving in one run, and swiping two bases.
Kent State (4-8) got on the board one more time with Dani Ramos came across the plate for the Flashes second run. In the end though, the Herd shut down any remaining threats from the opposition to claim a one run victory.
Game 2 vs. IPFW
The second game of the afternoon for both Marshall and IPFW was suspended after two and half innings. The game was halted with the Herd up 2-1.
In the suspended contest, IPFW stepped out to a one run lead when Ashleigh Bousquet hit a home run that just cleared the fence in the top of the first. MU responded quickly as Rebecca Gamby drove in Gue with single to tie the game at one apiece.
Shonda Stanton's squad took the lead in the following inning as Victoria Marvin provided the go-ahead double that brought pinch runner Emileigh Cooper around for a 2-1 lead.
Natalee Pulver threw all three innings of action and struck out six, while allowing only two hits.
The schedule for the remainder of the invitational has been adjusted to allow for the halted game to be completed. Marshall and IPFW will resume their contest at 1 p.m. Saturday. The updated schedule is below. Stay tuned to HerdZone.com, the Invitational Central Page, and through twitter at @Herd_Zone for updates all weekend.
Saturday
9am Kent State vs. IPFW
11am Bucknell vs. IPFW
1pm Marshall vs. IPFW (Completion of suspended game)
2pm Marshall vs. Bucknell
Sunday
10am Kent State vs. Bucknell
12pm Marshall vs. Kent State
2pm Marshall vs. Bucknell
