CHARLESTON, S.C. – The UNCG softball team ended its first weekend of play with an 8-0, six-inning loss to Marshall Sunday morning at the College of Charleston Softball Stadium. The Spartans fall to 2-3 overall while the Herd improves to 5-0.

Senior infielder Dominique Madruga and senior outfielder Tatiana Alcala recorded a hit apiece to lead the offense. Alcala's hit was a triple, her first of the season.

Junior RHP Nicole Thomas (2-3) took the loss and recorded every decision for UNCG over the weekend. She threw four innings and allowed two runs on six hits, striking out four as well. Freshman RHP Mackenzie Winslow went the rest of the way, allowing six runs on nine hits.

UNCG put together a two-out threat in the top of the first as Nicole Thomas drew a walk and moved to second on a passed ball. However, Vega struck out swinging to end the half inning. Marshall struck first in the bottom of the inning, using a pair of singles to put runners on the corners with no outs. A dribbler on the infield that resulted in a fielder's choice allowed the run to score, but that would be it for the Herd as Thomas produced a strikeout to escape further damage.

Marshall extended its advantage to 2-0 in the bottom of the second, receiving a one-out home run to left from Katalin Lucas. The Herd would load the bases later, but a 1-2-3 double play turned by the Spartans shut the threat down. The Blue and Gold had great chances to score in the top of the third and fourth innings as Marshall outfielders committed a two-base error to leadoff both frames, but UNCG could not capitalize.

The Herd broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth, scoring four runs on six hits and a Spartan error to take a 6-0 advantage. Marshall then added two more in the sixth inning to complete the shutout.

UNCG will open its home schedule next weekend, hosting George Washington in a three-game series at the UNCG Softball Stadium. The teams will begin the set with a doubleheader Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.