Rock Hill, S.C. -- The East Carolina softball team defeated the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 3-0 and the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs, 5-4, Saturday at the Winthrop Invitational. Juniors Stephanie Hayes and Brently Bridgeforth picked up the wins for the Pirates.

ECU (28-5, 2-1 C-USA) won game one of the day, 3-0, behind the pitching of junior Stephanie Hayes. Hayes (6-0) pitched a shutout, allowing three hits while striking out three. At the plate, the Pirates collected seven hits, led by senior Shirley Burleson who went 1-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

Bridgeforth (9-1) earned the win versus the Bulldogs, while Hayes finished the game for the Pirates, earning her second save of the year.

At the plate for the Pirates in game two, senior Mandi Nichols hit a three-run home run. Fellow senior Kate Manuse also collected a homer, hitting a two-run shot of her own. Senior Leigh Savoy added to the offense going 3-for-3 for the game.

The Pirates will be back in action Sunday in Championship round action when the team will face Winthrop at 11 a.m.