WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Junior Gabriella Hessenthaler made a stunning defensive play in the top of the fourth inning to help UNCW Softball (8-15) defeat the East Carolina Pirates (10-17) 1-0 Wednesday evening at Boseman Field.

The Seahawks led 1-0 after the bottom of the first inning when junior Jada Santiago hit a double to allow freshman Tayler Vitola to score. With UNCW leading by such a small margin, tensions were high when the Pirates put runners on second and third in the top of the fourth. With two outs and junior Janel Gamache pitching, the next at-bat was crucial.

Pirate freshman outfielder Sydney Yoder fouled to right field, but Hessenthaler was faster and made a diving grab to catch the ball and get out of the inning.

The Seahawks went on to win the game, and move to 8-15 overall on the season. They will play a three-game series with conference rivals James Madison this weekend, April 10-11, at Boseman Field.