Softball freshman adjusts to college

A freshman standout is making a mark on the softball team.

Jazmine Valle, freshman third baseman from Lake Elsinore, Calif., is using her sunny personality and work ethic to contribute to the Thundering Herd softball team.

Marshall has posted a 24-25 record so far this season. Valle said there have been struggles, but she doesn't dwell on it.

"I know we have been struggling, we only have two series left," she said. "We need to start positive and focus on winning. We can't focus on the past."

However, Valle does have a favorite memory from this past year.

"My first home run against East Carolina was my favorite thing. It felt great," she said.

Valle leads the team with 33 RBI, a .331 batting average, and a .541 slugging percentage. Nevertheless, she insists there is nothing special about her routine.

"There is no secret," she said. "I just keep working hard and believing in myself."

She added confidence enhances a player's game.

"Confidence has a lot to do with it. If you believe you can do it, you can achieve it," she said.

Valle said her asset to the team is to be a positive influence, a person to lighten up the mood and a shoulder for her teammates to lean on.

Valle said she has played softball since she was a little girl.

"I've been playing since I was four years old," she said. "I love the game. If I was having other problems, I could go outside and play catch and be fine."

Valle said she decided to attend Marshall for several reasons.

"I liked the coaching staff and I liked the feeling of the town," she said. "I like how the community is, it's a big town with a small town feeling. Everyone knows each other and is so friendly. It's not like that in California."

Valle said juggling school and sports is a tricky proposition.

"I'm a nursing major on top of playing sports, so I have to use my free time wisely," she said.

Marshall is 3-15 in Conference USA play this year.

"Next year, I hope we do better in conference play and we get more wins in," she said.

Marshall plays a three game series against Houston this weekend. First it's a double-header at 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, followed by a game at noon on Sunday.

"I expect a three game sweep," Valle said.

Kristen Hainkel can be contacted at hainkel@marshall.edu.