Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Army
@HerdSB Starts Season with a Bang
2/7/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Marshall University Thundering Herd softball team opened its season with a pair of victories in the Charleston Challenge in Charleston, S.C.
The Herd opened the day with a 10-4 victory over Army and finished its day with a 3-1 win over the hosts, College of Charleston.
GAME ONE
Marshall scored its first run of the season from a familiar combo in the first. Sophomore Morgan Zerkle walked, stole second and third and was driven in by junior Kaelynn Greene. Elicia D'Orazo also recorded her first career hit, then run in the first inning.
In the game, Marshall produced several strong outings, including Greene's 2-5 with a run and 2 RBI. D'Orazio finished her first career game with a 3-5, 2 RBI and 2 run performance. Her fellow freshmen Kylie Howard (1-2) and Taylor McCord (2-2) also collected their first hits. That combined to complete the 10-4 win for the first game.
Freshman Marissa Bethke got some action in the circle as well, pitching one inning. Junior Brittanie Fowler got the win, going 3 innings with only 2 hits and 2 runs allowed.
GAME TWO
Marshall again jumped out early in the first inning. Zerkle would score the first run from third again, this time after a sharp hit down the right side by junior Shaelynn Braxton.
In the fifth, Zerkle advanced home again after a pitch hit Braxton with bases loaded.
Freshman Jordan Colliflower scored the final Herd run, coming home as a pinch-runner on an Emileigh Cooper single to the pitcher.
Sophomore Jordan Dixon earned the complete game win for the Herd, allowing only three hits and one run on the way to the 3-1 win. Dixon also threw 6 strikeouts.
STANTON'S STATEMENTS
Herd Coach Shonda Stanton on the Day:
"We talk all the time about starting fast and I'm proud of our team. We got great pitching. Fowler stepped up huge to give us the start in game one and Dixon was outstanding in game two. Our kids at the top of the lineup were really impressive and we beat a really good College of Charleston team. That was a 40 win team last season, so I am really pleased with day one."
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NEXT UP
Saturday:
Bethune-Cookman (9 a.m.)
UMass-Lowell (11 a.m.
Sunday:
UNC Greensboro (9 a.m.)
