James Madison University’s softball team lost the opening game of its Sun Belt Conference series against Marshall, according to an April 30 announcement. The Dukes were defeated 7-3 at Dot Hicks Field in Huntington, West Virginia.
The result is significant as it impacts both teams’ standings in the Sun Belt Conference. Marshall improved its record to 37-14 overall and 16-5 in conference play, while James Madison dropped to 25-23 overall and an even 11-11 in the Sun Belt.
Marshall secured the win by hitting six home runs during the game, finishing with seven runs on eleven hits. James Madison managed three runs on seven hits. Emma Jo Evans led the Dukes offensively by going two-for-three with two solo home runs. Payton List also contributed a solo homer for JMU in the sixth inning.
Marshall opened scoring with a solo home run from Sydni Burko in the first inning. Evans tied it up for JMU with a solo shot of her own in the third, but Marshall responded quickly with back-to-back home runs to take a 4-1 lead after three innings. The Herd added two more homers over the next two innings, extending their advantage to 7-1 after five frames.
List hit her solo home run for JMU in the sixth inning before Evans delivered her second homer of the night in the seventh. Despite these efforts, James Madison was unable to close the gap further.
The series continues Friday evening when James Madison faces Marshall again at Dot Hicks Field, with first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. on ESPN+.
