GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Junior libero Johanna Bertini recorded a career-high 20 digs and junior outside hitter Erica Wilson led three players in double figures with 13 kills as East Carolina defeated UNC Wilmington (0-1) in three games, 30-18, 30-17 and 30-19, Wednesday evening in Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. Sophomore setter Heidi Krug posted a double-double with 41 set assists and 13 digs as ECU (1-0) won its season opener for the second straight season.

UNC Wilmington's Kate Bennett led the team with eight kills while setter Lacey White added 18 assists. East Carolina hit .324 in the match putting down 55 kills and 11 blocks. ECU Newcomer Paige Howell recorded 11 kills and five blocks in her debut for the Pirates. Sophomore middle blocker Jaime Bevan added 11 kills and four block assists.

The Pirates broke an 8-8 tie with a 6-0 run to go ahead 14-8 in game one. Wilson and Howell each had kills during the run. After UNCW drew back within 15-14, the Pirates used a 7-1 run behind Bertini's two service aces to take a 22-15 lead. The Pirates extended their lead to 28-17 before Pam Ferris ended game one with consecutive kills for ECU.

The Pirates took game two, 30-17, behind eight digs from Bertini and six kills from Howell. ECU jumped out to a 12-4 advantage before the Seahawks came within 19-12. ECU outscored UNCW, 11-5, to take the second game.

The Seahawks built an early 3-0 advantage in game three behind three East Carolina errors. A kill by Bevan tied the game, 3-3. Lindsay Moffitt's kill gave the Seahawks a 10-8 lead in game three before the teams tied again, 12-12. Wilson's kill and an ace from Bertini gave the Pirates control as ECU rattled off a 6-1 run to go ahead, 18-13. East Carolina ended the game with a 12-6 run. Freshman Kelley Wernert ended the match with a kill as the Pirates knocked off UNCW for the second straight season. Junior outside hitter Pam Ferris added seven kills for the Pirates. Freshman defensive specialist Caitlin Daly had seven digs for the Pirates in her debut. Bennett led the UNCW defense with nine digs.

East Carolina returns to action this weekend when the Pirates host the City Hotel & Bistro Pirate Invitational in Williams Arena. ECU welcomes Furman, Lamar, Mercer and High Point to Greenville for the tournament.