Softball Wins Longwood Invitational Title
April 10, 2005 | Softball
East Carolina (47-13) scored the lone run of the championship game in the fourth inning. Seniors Kate Manuse and Mandi Nichols recorded back-to-back singles to begin the frame. Junior Krista Jessup followed with a one-double to drive home the game-winning run.
In the semifinals against UNCW, ECU plated two runs in the bottom of the seventh to rally from a 2-1 deficit. The Seahawks plated two runs in the top of the seventh to take the lead and set the stage for the Pirates' final at-bat dramatics.
Junior Alison Monce led off the seventh with a double and then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. Shirley Burleson drew a one-out walk and then stole second to move into scoring position as the game-winning run. Manuse then singled to plate the tying-run. Nichols then lifted a sacrifice fly to score the game-winning run.
Sophomore Keli Harrell (22-10) scattered six hits over seven innings and struck out seven to earn the victory.
The Pirates return to action Saturday with a Conference USA doubleheader against Louisville. Game one is scheduled for a 1 o'clock start in Greenville.
