HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Coastal Carolina softball team took a 1-0 series lead after it defeated the Marshall Thundering Herd 2-0 on Thursday afternoon at Dot Hicks Field.

After a leadoff walk in the top of the fourth inning, the Chanticleers showed why they rank eighth in the nation in home runs when Keirstin Roose launched a two-run shot over the right-center field wall to give Coastal the lead.

Marshall threatened in the bottom of the fifth, loading the bases with two singles and a walk with one out. However, Coastal pitcher Nicolette Picone kept her composure, striking out the next two batters to preserve the 2-0 lead.

Delaney Keith kicked off the top of the sixth frame with a leadoff double, Roose followed with a single, and Maddy Jennings reached on a walk. Marshall responded under pressure, turning a double play to escape the bases loaded jam.

Picone shut the door in the final two innings to earn the win and improve to 21-5 in the circle. The senior matched her career high with nine strikeouts and recorded a complete-game shutout.

For complete coverage of CCU softball, follow the Chanticleers on social media at @CoastalSoftball (X), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), and facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.