Mountaineers Aim to Maintain Momentum as They Host Sun Belt Co-Leader Marshall in Boone
BOONE, N.C. – The App State softball team is surging, having clinched four victories in their last five games, and they’re ready to welcome the Marshall Thundering Herd, who currently share the top spot in the Sun Belt Conference. This highly anticipated three-game series kicks off this Friday through Sunday, with action scheduled to commence at noon at the Sywassink/Lloyd Family Stadium.
A Historic Showdown
This weekend marks a significant moment as the Herd visits Boone for the first time since 2023. Originally, these two teams were poised to clash back in early March; however, weather conditions thwarted their plans, washing out two games. Historically, App State has struggled against Marshall, with their only victory dating back to 2019.
The Matchup
- Who: App State (13-20, 4-5 SBC) vs. Marshall (21-14, 7-2 SBC)
- Where: Boone, N.C. // Sywassink/Lloyd Family Stadium
- When: Friday, April 4 – Sunday, April 6
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- Live Stats: App State Sports
Last Time Out: A Weekend to Remember
App State’s last performance was nothing short of spectacular, as they effortlessly swept the James Madison Dukes on their home turf, outscoring them by a staggering 23-6. This offensive explosion included a remarkable average of 6.8 runs per game over their last five contests. The Mountaineers demonstrated unrivaled prowess at the plate, recording seven home runs, the most they’ve hit in a single weekend since April 2019. During this series, standout players including Makayla McClain and Macy Hamby both made headlines by achieving their first ever multi-homer games.
Notable Performances:
- McClain: First career two-homer game, five RBIs in one contest
- Hamby: Home run in three consecutive at-bats
Leading Off: Rising Above Expectations
The Mountaineers’ recent success marks their fifth series sweep since joining the Sun Belt in 2015—signifying not just a momentous achievement, but also a turning point for the season. With their four conference wins, they’ve already matched last season’s total, paving the way for a brighter future under the guidance of first-year head coach Whitney Jones.
Following their triumph over James Madison, both McClain and Sophie Moshos garnered Sun Belt weekly awards, underscoring their prominence in the league—marking the first time App State has swept such honors since 2009.
Defensive Excellence
Equally impressive was the defense, which did not commit a single error in the series. As they prepare for Marshall, App State is riding a five-game error-free streak—their longest since launching the 2024 season with a similar run.
Scouting the Mountaineers
App State’s offensive firepower has positioned them as one of the top extra-base hitting teams in the Sun Belt. With a team batting average boosted by underclassmen who have generated 76% of their hits and RBIs, the future looks bright. Notably, the team’s current slugging percentage of .450 is poised to make history as a program record.
- Key Contributors include:
- Leah Gore: Tied for 13th for home runs in the conference
- McClain: Leading the team in nearly every offensive category and looking to continue her momentum as two-time Player of the Week.
Coach Jones has emphasized an aggressive style of play that is already beginning to pay off, as seen in their improved base-stealing statistics—much to the credit of their dynamic roster.
Series History: A Challenging Road Ahead
Historically, the matchup favors Marshall, who boasts a 9-1 record against App State. The Mountaineers face a surging team that has won four straight contests in the series, with their last victory over the Thundering Herd occurring at a neutral site in 2019.
Looking Ahead
After this exhilarating series against Marshall, App State will swiftly shift gears to face the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs on Wednesday, marking their first midweek contest of the season at Brinkley Softball Stadium. First pitch is set for 5 p.m., and fans can catch the action via ESPN+.
Conclusion
With both teams eager to etch their names in the Sun Belt standings, this series promises to deliver thrilling moments and unexpected turns. Will the Mountaineers continue their upswing against the Thundering Herd? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the High Country is in for an electrifying weekend of softball!
