Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Softball Adds Three Transfers to 2026 Class
6/29/2026 3:35:00 PM | Softball
ACC, Big Ten, and SEC talent join Herd coming off NCAA Tournament berth
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University softball Head Coach Morgan Zerkle announced the addition of three transfer portal signees prior to the start of the 2026-27 athletics year.
The three newcomers - Bekah Duck, Lottie Landmesser, and Madi Heine - come to the Herd from Power 4 conferences.
I'm thrilled that Bekah, Madi and Lottie have entrusted my staff and Marshall with their development for the next few years, said Coach Zerkle. All three display the physical qualities and have the personal values we were looking to add to our program. Bekah gives our bullpen a lefty arm, while Madi and Lottie give us extra depth defensively.
Bekah Duck - Rising Junior Pitcher
Maryville, Tenn.
Maryville High School
Transfer from Pitt
Bekah Duck is a lefty pitcher from Maryville, Tennessee. The Pitt transfer made 19 appearances as a sophomore in 2026, pitching two complete-game shutouts. Hitters were limited to a .251 batting average against Duck in 2026. With Maryville High School, she had 179 strikeouts as a senior, being named All Blount County Pitcher of the Year. A three-time National Honors Society member in high school, Duck graduated with a Magna Cum Laude.
Welcome to the Marshall family, Bekah! 💚 pic.twitter.com/i4TjLDIRlz
— Marshall Softball (@HerdSB) June 29, 2026
Lottie Landmesser - Rising Junior Infielder
Canton, Ga.
Cherokee High School
Transfer from Ohio State
Lottie Landmesser comes to Marshall after making 37 appearances for the Buckeyes in 2026. Landmesser hit six home runs in 2026, including one against Texas - the eventual National Champions. The left side infielder finished third on the team with 63 assists and four double plays turned. In high school, she set her high school single-season record in runs scored and was named the Cherokee County Player of the Year. She was named the Cherokee High School Female Athlete of the Year in both 2022 and 2023.
✍️ Welcome to the Marshall Thundering Herd Lottie! 💚 pic.twitter.com/FnlHvMGdob
— Marshall Softball (@HerdSB) June 29, 2026
Madi Heine - Rising Redshirt Freshman Catcher
Cumming, Ga.
West Forsyth High School
Transfer from Ole Miss
Madi Heine is a transfer from fellow NCAA Tournament team Ole Miss where she redshirted as a freshman in 2026. Heine entered college as a four-time All-Region and All-County player with West Forsyth High School. She was named her region's Defensive Player of the Year as a catcher in 2024. She also hit 30 home runs that season.
Welcome the newest member of the Thundering Herd fam, Madi ‼️🔥 pic.twitter.com/q5s79tZUSB
— Marshall Softball (@HerdSB) June 29, 2026
Marshall has seen success in the portal under Coach Zerkle and staff. Sydni Burko is the reigning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and First Team All-Conference member after coming home to the Herd last summer. Rising seniors Haleigh Adkins and Jules King have also earned All-Conference honors after joining MU the prior summer as transfers.
The Herd returns plenty of production from its NCAA Tournament team in 2026, with 89 home runs hit by players coming back in 2027, a number which ranks 5th nationally. Six of the team's eight field position players return with Abby Darnley and Paige Simpson graduating after multiple seasons in the program under Coach Zerkle's Herd.
With Marshall being one of the few schools in the country to not lose any starters to the portal, we are grateful for the loyalty our athletes have shown and the new individuals hungry to be a part of such a special program, said Coach Zerkle.
For all the latest information about Marshall Softball, follow @HerdSB on Twitter and Instagram.
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---HerdZone.com—
