Calling the Shots: The final game … for now

Editor’s note: WNCT digital content producer/editor Courtney Layton is in season two of her duties as a color commentator on ESPN+ covering East Carolina University softball. We’ve asked Courtney to give our readers some insight into the opportunity and what she experiences during the softball season. Click here to see her “Calling the Shots” blog.

=====

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Conference tournament time can be bittersweet as it is the moment it all comes down to, but it can also be the place you play your last softball game.

East Carolina University softball faced the University of Alabama Birmingham in their last regular season games and lost two of three in the series. One of those losses was during Senior Day, which always feels a little personal.

Pirates fall in AAC second round of AAC Tournament

But, surprise surprise, these two teams faced off just three days later in the first round of the American Athletic Conference tournament, taking place at Wichita State. The Pirates were out for revenge after taking a close loss.

The Pirates grabbed a 4-0 win over the Blazers in that game, ending their season and moving on in the conference tournament. Their next opponent was North Texas which they knew was going to be a tough one.

After a hard-fought first few innings, North Texas inevitably got hot on offense and ended up run-ruling ECU 9-1, ending the season and four Pirates seniors’ careers.

My career ended in the first round of the conference tournament at Tulsa in 2021, and I can so vividly remember the feeling of knowing you’re never going to take the field again. Being up to bat and thinking “This is probably my last at-bat ever.” Waking up that morning thinking “Today could be the last time I put this softball uniform on.” That day, of course, had to come, but it came earlier than expected for me. I’m sure the girls who just wrapped up their time on the diamond feel as well.

Each girl that just put on their uniform for the last time already has job opportunities lined up and bright futures ahead of them. The time comes to open the next chapter, which is exactly what they’ll be doing.

As East Carolina University softball goes, they are on the up as coach Shane Winkler has top 100 recruits coming in and some transfers that have already shown interest.

The future for the Pirate program is bright.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.