East Carolina takes down No. 7 Texas, 1-0

Pirates eliminate Longhorns

After staving off elimination by capturing a 3-0 victory against Iona, the East Carolina softball team was faced with the tough task of playing No. 7 Texas on its home field in another elimination game.

The Pirates (44-17) rose to the challenge.

Junior Toni Paisley (31-10) delivered her 22 nd shutout of the year, as she outdueled Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Blaire Luna and led East Carolina to a 1-0 surprise shutout of the Longhorns.

Texas (43-15) mustered just two hits, three baserunners and was able to advance only one passed first base.

Meanwhile, the Pirates were able to put runners on in each of the first five innings, but the game remained scoreless through five.

However, Marina Gusman-Brown would give Paisley the only run she would need with a solo shot to center to open the Pirates’ half of the sixth.

Texas went in order in the seventh and saw its season come to a surprising end after dropping consecutive games on its home field.

Charina Sumner and Cristen Aona had the only two other hits for East Carolina.

The Pirates advance to play BYU in Saturday’s championship game. They must beat the Cougars twice since BYU has yet to lose.