Marshall takes series with second win over Texas State in another 2-1 decision 📸

By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

Texas State’s Kate Bubella (24) hits a foul ball during a Sun Belt Conference softball game on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Bobcat Softball Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

SAN MARCOS — For the second straight day, Texas State found itself in a tight, low-scoring game.

And for the second straight day, Marshall did just enough to come out on top.

The Thundering Herd used an early two-run burst and another strong pitching performance to defeat Texas State 2-1 on Sunday at Bobcat Softball Stadium, clinching the Sun Belt series with just their second win in San Marcos.

Marshall (25-10, 7-2) moved into sole possession of first place in the conference standings, while Texas State (21-15, 4-5) dropped into a three-way tie for fifth.

“I kind of felt like the exact same game as yesterday, even down to the score,” Texas State head coach Ricci Woodard said. “I thought we battled.”

Much like Saturday, offense was at a premium.

After erupting for 12 hits in Friday’s 6-1 win, Texas State managed just three hits Sunday and seven combined over the final two games of the series.

“We just didn’t make adjustments, and again … we’ve got to be better disciplined at the plate,” Woodard said. “It doesn’t do any good to swing at pitches that you shouldn’t be swinging at.”

Marshall capitalized early.

Sydni Burko opened the scoring with a solo home run in the first inning, and the Herd added another run in the second when Ava Blake delivered an RBI single to score Paige Simpson and make it 2-0.

Marshall’s Sydni Burko (18) celebrates at home plate after hitting a home run during a Sun Belt Conference softball game on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Bobcat Softball Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

That was enough support for Marshall pitcher Jules King, who went the distance. King allowed just three hits and one run while working around five walks to keep Texas State off balance all morning.

Texas State’s lone run came in the third inning. Kat Zarate and Megan Kelnar drew walks before Keely Williams lined an RBI single up the middle to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The Bobcats had chances but couldn’t deliver the big hit.

Texas State loaded the bases in the fifth inning but came away empty, and stranded two more runners in the seventh as Marshall closed out the win.

Texas State’s Kat Zarate (28) makes the throw to first base during a Sun Belt Conference softball game on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Bobcat Softball Stadium in San Marcos, Texas. (Michael Adams/Austin Sports Journal)

Despite the offensive struggles, Woodard pointed to her team’s competitiveness throughout the weekend.

“I thought we competed. We kept ourselves in every ballgame and gave ourselves a chance to win,” she said. “That’s a good Marshall club. They did what they needed to do offensively and did a good job pitching and keeping us off balance.”

Texas State pitching again kept the game within reach. Kaili Witherell allowed two runs in the opening inning before Madison Azua settled things down with six innings of one-hit relief.

But the early deficit and continued struggles at the plate proved too much to overcome.

The Bobcats will look to regroup quickly with a non-conference road game Tuesday at UTSA before traveling to Mobile next weekend for a key Sun Belt series against South Alabama.

“We’ve just got to be better,” Woodard said.