SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – In the final day of the St. Mary's NCAA DII Classic, the East Central University softball team finished the tournament with a 2-0 victory over No. 12 St. Mary's.  The win gave the Tigers (3-4) a 3-2 record at the tournament and handed the Rattlers (3-1) their first loss of the season.

ECU was led at the plate by senior Jordynn VanPelt, who tallied two hits, scored twice and drew a walk.  Freshman Madison Thompson was the only other player to record a hit in the game.

Senior Lacey Paulk threw a complete-game shutout, allowing five hits and striking out four.

Both team's defenses were strong throughout the game, with no team scoring until the fourth inning.  ECU was the first to get on the board in the top of the fourth inning.

VanPelt drew a leadoff walk, was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by senior Lauren Reeves and third on a ground out from Thompson.  VanPelt then crossed the plate when senior Amanda Edmundson reached due to an error.

The Tigers added a second run in the sixth for a 2-0 lead.  After the first out, VanPelt hit a double to right center and stole third base.  Another out was recorded and VanPelt was then able to score when Thompson reached due to an error.

The Rattlers were able to get the bases loaded in the sixth inning, with one out, but the ECU defense held strong and didn't allow a run to cross the plate.

St. Mary's was able to get the first batter of the seventh inning on base, but again the Tigers held strong and held them scoreless for the 2-0 final.

ECU will have one more tournament on the road before starting the Great American Conference schedule.  The Tigers will compete in the UAM 8-State Classic, Feb. 12-14 in Bentonville, Ark.  ECU will play six games in the event against teams from across the region.