Marshall University Athletics
Marshall University
Georgia State
Herd Softball Opens Sun Belt Conference Play at Georgia State
3/12/2026 9:45:00 AM | Softball
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Marshall Softball enters Sun Belt Conference play on an eight-game winning streak and having won 12 of its last 13. The Herd (17-8) travels to Atlanta for its first league series on the road against Georgia State (17-9), a team having already won five more games this season than all of 2025.
The series opener from Bob Heck Softball Complex is at 6 p.m. Friday evening.
Series Information
Dates: Mar. 13-15, 2026
Opponent: Georgia State
Place: Atlanta, Georgia
Stadium: Bob Heck Softball Complex
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: StatBroadcast
X: @HerdSB
Coach Morgan Zerkle
- Head Coach Morgan Zerkle enters her 3rd season as head coach at her alma mater. The 2017 All-American for the Herd led the team that season with a .476 average en route to a NCAA Tournament appearance. The Herd has made two NCAA Regionals in its history (2013 & 2017).
- Marshall vaulted up to a 2nd place finish in the Sun Belt Conference in season two under Zerkle. The Herd improved its win total by six games with five more SBC victories from the season prior.
- Zerkle - the Milton, West Virginia native - plays professionally for the AUSL's Chicago Bandits. She is also on the active Team USA Softball roster.
MARSHALL NOTES
- With SBC play starting, Marshall leads the league with 40 home runs, four more than App State. Sophomore Sydni Burko leads the Herd with a .408 average and 21 RBI. Her nine home runs are tied with Bella Gerlach for second in the league.
- During its eight-game winning streak, Marshall pitching is posting a 0.78 ERA. Sophomore Maddie Veal has thrown consecutive complete-game shutouts. Junior Jules King has posted 27 of her 66 total strikeouts this season, 5th in the conference.
- MU had 13 returners to the roster in 2026 which will look to build upon its 7-5 conference road record last season.
- As a program, Marshall has 995 victories across its 33 seasons. For more game notes, view HERE.
ABOUT GEORGIA STATE
- Georgia State has taken a step forward under second-year head coach, Becca Owens. With its 17 wins, GSU is on pace for its best season since the 2018 campaign (31-24).
- Junior pitcher Makayla Stephens has played a large role in the team's resurgence, leading the league in wins (12), innings pitched (95.2), strikeouts (115), ERA (1.61), and opposing batting average (.167).
- Marshall leads the all-time series, 13-2. The Herd swept the Panthers in Atlanta in a three-game set in 2024.
For all the latest information about Marshall Softball, follow @HerdSB on Twitter and Instagram.
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