DUNCAN, S.C. — The UNC Pembroke softball team jumped out to an early lead to start the day against Chowan during a Conference Carolinas Tournament elimination game, and would defeat the Hawks 3-0 on Saturday at Tyger River Park.

In another elimination game, UNCP battled Barton where the Bulldogs batted through the lineup in the top of the first inning and took an early 3-0 lead. The Braves rallied to tie the score in the bottom of the fifth, but BC picked up a trio of insurance runs over the final two innings to hold off UNCP 6-4.

The loss to Barton eliminated the Braves from the tournament, ending their season.

vs. Chowan

In the first inning against the Hawks, Kynley Brewer drew a four-pitch leadoff walk, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Alex Serbio and would score on a double to left field from Alona Hanna. Samantha Allred smacked a single to the outfield gap to score Hanna and give the Braves (27-25) a 2-0 lead.

The Braves’ Serbio and Chloe Locklear each had two hits, including a double for Locklear, and Allred had a hit and an RBI. Summer Bullard, who was the pitcher of record in both of Saturday’s games to finish the season 12-10, earned the win against Chowan with a complete-game six-hit shutout, striking out four.

Haileigh Boone (8-9) took the loss for the Hawks (20-28), while Abby Rutledge struck out six in 4 2/3 innings of relief.

vs. Barton

Makenzie Cyzick drew a leadoff walk in the first inning for Barton (27-22), stole second and advanced to third on a single through the right side from Ali Bunch. Ronnetta Gurley singled down the left field line to drive in a pair of runs and give Barton the early lead. The Bulldogs loaded the bases after Savannah Olson drew a walk and Sydney Wade singled to left field, but an ill-timed fielding error score the third Barton runner of the opening inning.

UNCP’s Locklear drew an eight-pitch walk in the fifth, moved to second on a long fly out, reached third on a wild pitch and would score on a wild pitch as well. The Braves put runners on the corners after Kynley Brewer drew a walk and Serbio reached on a throwing error, but a single from Kaitlynn Hunt through the right side score Brewer. Allred knocked an RBI single up the middle to not the game at 3-3.

After Barton took a 5-3 lead in the sixth and the Braves cut it to 5-4 in the bottom half, Barton put runners on first and second in the seventh after Savannah Olson singled down the right field line and Madison Mercer reached on a fielder’s choice. Sydney Wade brought home Olson for an insurance run with a sacrifice fly as the Bulldogs held a 6-4 lead heading into the bottom half of the inning.

Hunt had two hits and an RBI for UNCP. Bullard pitched 6 1/3 innings — totaling 13 1/3 innings for the day — with two strikeouts.

Gracelyn Massey had a double with two RBIs for Barton and Gurley also had a hit with two RBIs; Wade had one hit with an RBI. Kierstin Cooper (13-11) was the winning pitcher.