Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
2-1
#7 Florida State
3-0
Marshall Softball Drops Doubleheader to No. 7 Florida State in Tallahassee
2/7/2026 10:10:00 PM | Softball
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Marshall Softball (2-2) was tasked with a Saturday doubleheader against No. 7 Florida State, falling 6-2 and 10-2 in five innings Saturday. Sydni Burko starred for the Herd, homering in both contests against the nationally ranked Seminoles. The sophomore transfer from Ona drove in all of Marshall's runs on the season's second day.
First Game: #7 Florida State 6, Marshall 2
Burko hit her first home run for the Herd on a full count with two outs in the 7th, scoring Diamond Leslie. The blast prevented a shutout but it was not for a lack of chances against the Preseason-ACC favorites. The Herd collected seven hits in the opener but stranded nine, unable to capitalize against a dominant Seminoles pitching staff.
Sydni Burko leaves the yard! pic.twitter.com/9JnSC5Gxse
— Marshall Softball (@HerdSB) February 7, 2026
Marshall's best chance came in the 4th with bases loaded and two outs when Haleigh Adkins was robbed by a leaping second baseman in what was a 1-0 game at the point.
Defensively, Marshall struggled to limit damage, committing three errors in the first game as FSU scored three in the bottom half of the 4th and two more in the following inning.
Rylan Miller provided a scoreless frame to close the opener in her collegiate debut. Miller was one of four first-years to see action Saturday gaining valuable experience against a Florida State program that reached the NCAA Super Regionals last year.
Second Game: #7 Florida State 10, Marshall 2 (5 Innings)
Timely hitting also proved elusive, as the Herd finished 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position in game two. Marshall had a chance to tie or take the lead in the 3rd with runners on second and third and no outs following a Burko RBI double but were unable to convert.
T3 | Syd with the RBI double down the line! 🔥 Deficit cut in half ‼️ pic.twitter.com/OjwnOUSvlt
— Marshall Softball (@HerdSB) February 8, 2026
In addition to Burko's game two RBI, Bella Gerlach added a pair of hits.
In the circle, sophomore Maddie Veal was solid out of the bullpen in game two, striking out three over 2.1 innings.
Up Next
Marshall closes opening weekend with a matchup against Iowa at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
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Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Francik, Jazzy (2-0)
L: Maynard, Paige (0-1)
Batting:
2B: Burko, Sydni 1
HR: Burko, Sydni 1
RBI: Burko, Sydni 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Burko, Sydni 1 ; Leslie, Diamond 1
SB: Taylor, Makayla 1
HBP: Titi, Tia 1
Batting:
2B: Ruggiero, Bella 1
3B: Torres, Isa 1
HR: Sturgis, Makenna 1
RBI: Sturgis, Makenna 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Frey, Madi 1 ; Torres, Isa 2 ; Sturgis, Makenna 2 ; Bueno, Angelee 1
SB: Griggs, Hayley 1 ; Sturgis, Makenna 1
