Marshall University Athletics

Wednesday, October 29
Huntington, W.Va.
7:00 PM

Marshall University

8-5-4, 4-2-4

5
vs
0

Southern Miss

2-14-1, 1-9-0

1
2
F
Southern Miss.
0
0
0
Marshall
3
2
5
Angel Fowler
Photo by: Austin Ray

Herd Cruises Into Postseason With 5-0 Win Behind Fowler’s Hat Trick

10/29/2025 10:01:00 PM | Women's Soccer

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall (8-4-4) delivered a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Southern Miss on Wednesday evening at Hoops Family Field to close its regular season, setting the program's highest win total since 2015 and furthering its Sun Belt Conference tournament seed. 

Senior defender Angel Fowler led the Herd with three goals, marking the Herd's first regular season hat trick since Abi Hugh on Mar. 28, 2001 in the covid-moved spring season. Marshall's last hat trick in a conference game was Ashley Schillig against Ball State on Oct. 25, 2002.

"It's not every day the center back makes a hat trick," Coach Rafa Simoes said. "Really happy for her, this could be her last home game so what a way to remember for her."

The final Fowler goal came from the penalty spot, but the first two came on corners delivered by Fernanda Dantas. Dantas finished the night as the Sun Belt Conference leader with 11 assists—currently tied for fourth nationally in NCAA Division I.

Emma Durand anchored a disciplined back line and secured the clean sheet with five saves as Marshall held Southern Miss to six shots. Kajsa Ekstrom exited the contest in the 60th minute for rest, marking the first time the Swedish defender has left the pitch all season long. Her ironwoman campaign included playing 1,410 minutes out of a possible 1,440 minutes. Ashley Seltzer in 2018 was the last Herd player to not leave the field for the entire season. 

Marshall outshot the visitors 22-6 (12-5 on goal) and earned a 9-2 edge in corners, with goals and assists spread across four players. Luana Gusmao and Bailey Fisher netted Marshall's other two goals, making Fisher the team leader in goals and points for the third-consecutive season. 

The win also marked the Herd's first over Southern Miss since 2017 and capped a dominant regular season home slate at 4-1-2.

Support Marshall women's soccer as they head to the postseason by contributing to the Championship Fund. All proceeds benefit the team.

UP NEXT

Marshall advances to the Sun Belt Conference Women's Soccer Championship in Foley, Ala. Tournament details and schedule will be announced by the league.

Follow the team on Twitter and Instagram @HerdWSoccer for coverage all season long of Marshall Women's Soccer.

To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules, and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS or Android!

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#3 Seed ULM

Nov 3 (Mon)

Noon ET / 11:00 AM CT
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Team Stats

USM
MAR
Goals
0
5
Shots
6
22
Shots on Goal
5
12
Saves
6
5
Corners
2
9
Fouls
13
6
Scoring Plays
Logo

Luana Gusmao (1)

Assisted By: Bailey Fisher

GOAL by MAR Gusmao, Luana Assist by Fisher, Bailey.

25:38

Logo

Bailey Fisher (6)

MAR Bailey Fisher PENALTY KICK GOAL.

34:56

Logo

Angel Fowler (2)

Assisted By: Fernanda Dantas

GOAL by MAR Fowler, Angel Assist by Dantas, Fernanda.

41:03

Logo

Angel Fowler (2)

Assisted By: Fernanda Dantas

GOAL by MAR Fowler, Angel Assist by Dantas, Fernanda.

59:48

Logo

Angel Fowler (2)

MAR Angel Fowler PENALTY KICK GOAL.

83:55

Game Leaders

Shots
3
SOG
3
Goals
3
Assists
0
Shots
10
SOG
6
Goals
1
Assists
1
Shots
4
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
0
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
2

Players Mentioned

D
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
M/F
/ Women's Soccer
D
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's Soccer
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Saturday, October 25
Marshall Women’s Soccer: Coach Rafa Simoes/Dantas/Gent (Post-Arkansas State)
Sunday, September 28
NEW SERIES| Inside the Herd | Madison Townes: Women's Soccer
Thursday, September 25
Marshall Women’s Soccer | Rafa Simoes/Katie McCutcheon (Post-Georgia State)
Monday, September 22