GREENVILLE, NC -- After winning its first two games at the East Carolina University Pirate Clash Tournament on Friday, the University of Delaware softball team had a tough day at the plate on Saturday and dropped a pair of decisions to Liberty and Longwood at Conley High School.

The Blue Hens (2-2) managed just seven hits for the day on Saturday and fell to Liberty 3 1 in the opener and dropped a 1-0 decision to Longwood in the second game to finish in third place in pool play. Delaware will begin the single-elimination tournament playoffs vs. Longwood Sunday at 11 a.m. and if they win, will take on host and No. 1 seed East Carolina in the championship. The Blue Hens defeated ECU 6-1 in their opener Friday.

The Hens fell to Liberty in the opener as the Flames scored three runs on two home runs, including a two-run shot by catcher Ashley Williams, in the top of the seventh inning. Delaware came back in the bottom of the inning and scored its only run when Michelle Plant walked, stole second, went to third on a single by Jessica Kozlowski (at right), and scored on an error. However, the Hens couldn’t get another run across and suffered their first loss of the season and of the tournament.

Liberty pitcher Sarah Ellis scattered six hits and struck out four to get the win while Delaware’s Carolynn Sloat (1-1) struck out six but allowed seven hits. Kozlowski went 2 for 3 for Delaware.

The Hens lost another close one in the second game as Longwood scored the game’s only run in the bottom of the seventh inning when Cori Bonner’s infield single to shortstop plated the game-winner.

Longwood starter Rachel Mills struck out four batters and allowed just one hit, a fourth inning single by Delaware sophomore second baseman Allison Borchers, to earn the win. Lindsay Jones (1-1) took the loss for Delaware despite allowing just six hits and striking out five with just one walk.

Liberty Boxscore

Longwood Boxscore