After playing its first thirteen games away from Huntington, Marshall Softball will play in its home opener against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Dot Hicks Softball Field, 3 p.m. Wednesday. Marshall is currently 6-8 after competing in early season tournaments in Alabama and Florida.

The Herd is no stranger to beginning the season in enemy territory. Considering the variable weather in the Tri-State area in early February, preseason tournaments located south of the Mountain State are common for the green and white. Marshall played 18 games before its home opener in 2017, and 17 games before opening at home in 2016. Head coach Jen Steele said the Herd faithful is anxious to see the Herd at home.

“We have a lot of fans who have reached out to us and can’t wait to be here and to see what the team looks like opening day at home,” Steele said. “I’m really excited. I hope the weather cooperates.”

Steele said she hopes the fans come out to support, despite it being a midweek afternoon matchup.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Steele said. “We hope we can get a good fan base out there even though it’s an early game.”

In 2017, Marshall posted a 15-1 record at Dot Hicks Field. The UAB Blazers knocked off the Herd 11-8 in the first game of a doubleheader on the final day of the regular season to end the Herd’s 15-game home winning streak.

The Herd and the Golden Flashes last met in 2012 in Huntington as part of the Marshall Invitational. Marshall won the first meeting 3-2 behind a nine-strikeout performance by former pitcher Andi Williamson, but Kent State defeated the Herd in the weekend finale 6-4 to split the season series.

The Kent State Golden Flashes (7-3) come into Wednesday having lost to Villanova on Sunday by two runs. Marshall (6-8) is coming off a four-run shutout victory over Winthrop.

Luke Creasy can be contacted at [email protected].