Zerkle candidate for national softball POY

Marshall University softball junior outfielder Morgan Zerkle continues to rack up the accolades.

Zerkle was named to the Top 50 “Watch List” for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, the Amateur Softball Association announced Wednesday.

“It’s not a secret anymore, the elite student-athlete we have in Zerkle,” Marshall head coach Shonda Stanton said. “She will be recognized throughout her career with numerous honors.”

As a sophomore last season, Zerkle performed at a historic level never seen by the Marshall program. Zerkle set program records in batting average (.506), hits (89) and runs scored (62). She also began the season with a 27-game hitting streak.

Zerkle also accumulated eight doubles, four triples and a pair of home runs last season to go with a .631 slugging percentage.

Her statistical impact, however, went beyond her performance at the plate as Zerkle led the country in steals with 47 earning her the Golden Show Award.

As impressive as Zerkle was last season, her work ethic only raises the zenith of her potential impact said Stanton.

“She is an exciting athlete to watch play the game, and she continually works to get better every day,” Stanton said.

If Zerkle won the award, she would be the first player outside of Power Five conference to do so.

The Top 25 Finalists for the award will be announced April 13 with the list being cut to 10 May 11 and three May 25. The winner of the award will be revealed May 31.

The Herd will begin its 2016 season Feb. 12 in the Trojan Invite in Troy, Alabama where it will play Evansville University.