CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Marshall’s softball team was unable to keep pace with the NPF All-Stars in an 8-1 loss Tuesday at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, W.Va.
The exhibition game was a part of the National Pro Fastpitch’s Back-to-School tour which will play 22 games across 21 stops. This was the second game of the tour after the opening contest at Missouri State.
The Thundering Herd was stifled by the pro’s pitching. MU collected just three hits in the game while striking out 17 times.
The NPF notched their first run in the second inning after Jamee Juarez singled to left to drive in a run. The all-stars added three more runs in next inning with a GiOnna DiSalvatore single and a two run Marshall error which gave the guests a 4-0 lead after three innings.
DiSalvatore add her second RBI of the game in fifth when she drove in Juarez to extend the NPF lead to 5-0.
Following another NPF run in the top of the sixth, the Herd scored its first and only run in the bottom of the inning with a Jazmine Valle home run to left field. The solo shot would trim the all-stars lead to 6-1.
A home run off the bat of Kelly Kretschman and an Andrea Duran RBI single in the seventh would set the final score at 8-1.
Former Marshall players Rachel Folden and Amanda Williams started and played in the game for the NPF.
Andi Williamson started in the circle for MU. She went 5.2 innings while striking out eight. She struggled however, walking nine in her action. Freshman Halie Vance relieved the senior pitcher and went the remainder of the game.
The NPF’s starting pitcher was Juarez, who threw four innings and recorded eight strikeouts. Jen Mineau was the team’s second pitcher, throwing the final three innings and striking out nine.
Two other seniors collected hits in the game. Ashley Gue had a double while Alysia Hively had a single in the fourth inning.
Marshall’s fall schedule resumes this weekend as they play two on Saturday and Sunday each. The Herd goes against Ohio Valley and Charleston at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday while MU and West Virginia State will play two Sunday at noon.
Courtesy of a National Pro Fastpitch League Press Release.
About NPF:
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.
About USSSA:
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World’s Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!
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