Marshall University Athletics
@HerdSB Offense Explodes for Double Header Win
9/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
HUNTINGTON, W.Va - The bats were popping for the Marshall softball team in the fall exhibition season opener. The Herd defeated the University of Charleston 16-2 and 7-3 in the double header.
Marshall got the offense going right from the start scoring two runs in the first inning. The Herd really exploded in the third inning pushing 10 runs across the plate off of nine hits with 15 players coming up to bat. Junior Morgan Zerkle (Milton, W.Va.) recorded two hits in the inning including a three-run home run with two outs in her second at-bat of the inning. Freshman Ali Burdette (Buffalo, W.Va.) also came through with two hits in the inning, scoring once and driving in a run.
The home run parade for the Herd continued in the fourth inning as sophomore Kylie Howard (Glen Easton, W.Va.) led off with a blast to left-center. Four batters later freshman Cheyenne Meyer (Port Republic, N.J.) sent one for the railroad tracks past the leftfield fence on the first pitch of her very first at-bat of the game.
"It is always exciting to watch freshmen come in and get their first strikeout on the mound, single or home run in their first collegiate at bat, swipe their first bag and make a great play," Head Coach Shonda Stanton said in speaking about the play of her youngsters.
The offensive onslaught moved on into game two with the Herd scoring four runs off five hits in the first inning on the way to the 7-3 win. Senior Katalin Lucas (Agua Dulce, Calif.) finished the second game 2-4 with a double, a solo home run in the fifth inning, scored two runs and drove in two runs as well. The returners came through in true veteran fashion completing three double plays in game two, and swiping 12 out of 14 combined stolen bases during the double header. Sophomore, and reigning CUSA Freshman of the Year Elicia D'Orazio (Clermont, Fl.) led the way with four thefts in the first game and five total for the day.
Coach Stanton knows that it is always key to see the returners come back and lead the team. "Even more reassuring is to watch our returners lead the way in the dugout and between the lines from the first to the last pitch."
Four different pitchers for the Herd were given time in the circle to get some work against outside competition including junior Jordan Dixon (Edmond, Okla.), senior Brittanie Fowler (Avon, Ohio), and freshmen Abigail Tolbert (Barboursville, W.Va.) and Meyer.
Coach Stanton was very happy with what she saw from her team, "My coaching staff could not be any more pleased with how we have started fall ball. This is a great group of young ladies and every student-athlete contributed in today's wins. With the depth we have on our roster we will enjoy managing starts and in game options. The challenge will be for our athletes to understand their role and make the most of an opportunity when called upon."
Next up for the Herd, Marshall will travel to Athens, Ohio to take on old MAC foe the Ohio Bobcats for a double header Sept. 26. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
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