Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
5-3
FIU
6-1
Sydni Burko Ties National Home Run Lead as Marshall Earns Friday Split
2/13/2026 7:27:00 PM | Softball
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Marshall Softball (5-4) powered past FIU (7-1) with a 7-0 victory before battling No. 5 Florida (8-0) in a 6-3 defeat Friday at Pressly Stadium, launching five home runs and notching a shutout behind Paige Maynard to open Florida Classic tournament play.
Two of the Herd's longballs came from sophomore Sydni Burko, bringing her season's total to six - a number which is tied for the NCAA DI lead at the time of the completion of MU's game Friday.
First Game: Marshall 7, FIU 0
The Herd came out swinging in the opener against FIU, taking command with a four-run 1st inning. Bella Gerlach set the tone with a two-run home run to left, and Haleigh Adkins followed with a two-strike, two-out RBI double, putting Marshall ahead 4-0. Burko and Ramey George added solo shots, with George finishing 2-for-3 and launching two long balls in the 4th and 6th innings.
SHE GOT ALL OF THAT ONE! 🚀
Sydni Burko goes yard again! #5 on the year for Burko makes it 5-0 Herd! pic.twitter.com/OR2MhQfZyC— Marshall Softball (@HerdSB) February 13, 2026
Paige Maynard dominated in the circle, tossing 6.1 shutout innings while scattering four hits and walking just one. The Herd's pitching staff worked efficiently, as junior Kaleea Washington finished off the Panthers with a strikeout. Defensively, Paige Simpson was phenomenal at short, with six assists and a putout on a snagged liner, a feat she would replicate in game two to double off a Florida Gator baserunner.
Second Game: #5 Florida 6, Marshall 3
In the nightcap, Marshall challenged a top-ranked Florida squad, closing the gap to 3-2 in the 4th when Burko smashed a two-run home run after Gerlach reached on a double. Florida countered with a three-run 5th.
Adkins led the Herd at the plate, recording two hits and driving in a run in the 7th, while Ava Blake reached base twice and scored.
In the circle, Maddie Veal was solid in four innings of relief, with her and starter Jules King combining against the Top-5 foe.
Up Next
Marshall continues Florida Classic action Saturday against Georgia Tech at 11:30 a.m., followed by a rematch with No. 5 Florida at 4:30 p.m.
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Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Maynard, Paige (2-1)
L: J'Dah Girigorie (2-1)
Batting:
2B: Burko, Sydni 1 ; Hoskins, Chandler 1 ; Adkins, Haleigh 1 ; Simpson, Paige 1
3B: Leslie, Diamond 1
HR: Gerlach, Bella 1 ; Burko, Sydni 1 ; George, Ramey 2
RBI: Gerlach, Bella 2 ; Burko, Sydni 1 ; Adkins, Haleigh 2 ; George, Ramey 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Leslie, Diamond 1 ; Gerlach, Bella 1 ; Burko, Sydni 1 ; Darnley, Abby 1 ; Hoskins, Chandler 1 ; George, Ramey 2
CS: Taylor, Makayla 1
