HATTISBURG, MS – Senior Jordan Dixon shutdown Western Kentucky’s batters, twirling her third career no-hitter and the second in Conference USA history, as the top-seeded Thundering Herd blanked the Hilltoppers 2-0.
Dixon allowed just two base runners in the opening game of the Conference USA Tournament on a walk and hit-by-pitch, while striking out eight.
While Dixon dominated in the circle, Marshall’s offense was led by the C-USA Player of the Year. Morgan Zerkle ripped her ninth homer run of the season in the third inning. The solo shot over the centerfield fence was more than enough for Dixon. Zerkle scored Marshall’s other run in the fifth inning.
“We reached a little bit more and that’s what we needed from this team. That’s what happens when you have a team behind a pitcher of the year. And then you have the player of the year, Morgan Zerkle, she goes yard. That sets the tone and lets you breathe a little bit more,” said coach Shonda Stanton.
“Then they gave us one. Offensively we weren’t at our strength, that’s our base running, and we made a few mistakes there. For me it’s about sitting on that bucket over there, staying out of their way and letting them do it.”
Marshall will face FIU in Friday’s semifinals. First pitch is set for 11 a.m.