WKU Softball opened its weekend series versus conference opponent Marshall Friday night with a low-scoring 2-0 defeat.

The Thundering Herd led the game the entire night. Marshall’s record now sits at 30-11 on the season and 12-4 in conference play while WKU sits at 28-9 on the year and 11-6 in conference play.

Fifth-year senior Shelby Nunn started in the circle for the Hilltoppers. Nunn pitched a complete game, allowing two runs on five hits with five strikeouts, 

Redshirt junior Sydney Nester threw for Marshall. At the end of the night, Nester had a great pitching performance, throwing a complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts.

The Thundering Herd snatched the first lead of the night early in the top of the first inning on a two-run home run from senior Mya Stevenson. After this hot start, both programs went on a dry spell that lasted for the remainder of the game. 

In the second inning, Marshall picked up two hits but to no avail. Nester struck out the side in the bottom of the frame. The third inning wasn’t much different. The Thundering Herd put a runner on, only to leave them stranded while Nester struck out WKU in order. 

Nunn finally got a 1-2-3 inning before junior Brylee Hage picked up WKU’s first hit of the day in the bottom of the fourth. Hage was left stranded at third base later in the inning. 

The fifth and six innings were much of the same. Marshall picked up one hit through both innings while WKU put two runners on in the bottom of the sixth but left them stranded. 

Nunn gave the Hilltoppers one last push with a three up, three down inning to keep the score at 2-0. WKU put up a tough fight in the bottom of the seventh. 

Fifth-year senior Maddie Bowlds singled to lead off and a walk followed. With two runners on, three straight outs ended the game and gave Marshall the 2-0 win.

WKU will face Marshall again Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. for game two at the WKU Softball Complex.

Softball Reporter Lynda Eernisse can be reached at [email protected].