Softball Recap: Marshall Wins Going Away Against Flora

Lions

Margin (Wins)

05/09/25 @ Heritage	30
04/11/25 vs Northview	18
03/28/25 vs Salt Fork	18
03/22/25 vs Martinsville	15
05/15/25 @ Flora	14

Marshall hadn't done well against Flora recently (they were 0-4 in their previous four matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Lions put the hurt on the Wolves with a sharp 18-4 victory. Considering the Lions have won 15 matches by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Kyla Gustafson spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered three earned (and one unearned) runs on seven hits and racked up 15 Ks. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Avery Cornwell was incredible, firing off two home runs, five RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-5. Those two home runs gave her a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Lauren English, who went 2-for-5 with one home run, three runs, and three RBI.

They weren't the only ones making solid contact: Marshall kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 16 hits. They are 14-2 when they post 11 or more hits.

Marshall pushed their record up to 19-8 with the win, which was their third straight on the road. The road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 21.7 runs over those games. As for Flora, they have been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last seven games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 12-13 record this season.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Marshall will venture away from home to square off against Arcola at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Purple Riders have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 8.68 runs per game on average), something the Lions will no doubt try to take advantage of. As for Flora, they are taking a road trip to take on Salem at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. The Wolves' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Wildcats have averaged an impressive 7.6 runs per game this season.