May 10, 2011

GREENVILLE, N.C. - For the first time in program history, East Carolina will host the Conference USA Championship. The Pirates (36-20) enter the tournament as the No. 5 seed after posting a 14-10 mark in C-USA action. ECU faces No. 4 seed Memphis (35-11) Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the first round. The Tigers finished 15-7 in league play.

East Carolina is looking to defend its C-USA Tournament title after winning the program's first a year ago in Houston. The Pirates defeated Southern Miss 8-0, the host Cougars 4-0 and UCF 3-1 to claim the championship. Toni Paisley was named the event's most valuable player after going 3-0 and striking out 20.

Can't make it to Thursday's game? Then join us as we do a live chat from the ECU Softball Stadium starting at approximately 4:00 p.m. The starting time of the live chat may vary slightly depending on if Thursday's early games stay on time.