CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — University of Charleston's Brianna McCown was locked in for the opening game of the NCAA Tournament, giving up no runs and just one hit.

The former Nitro star struck out six against Bloomsburg as the Golden Eagles picked up a 3-0 win. Like most competitors, though, McCown felt she could've done better.

"I was pretty zoned in, but I can tell you it wasn't my best day," she said. "I mean, I didn't have as many strikeouts as I usually have, but my defense really helped me behind me, and that's what being a team is. I can say, just getting the first win under our belt and moving on to the winners' bracket's a big thing for us."

UC leads the country in defense and that's a pitcher's best friend. Bri is a senior, 31 wins this season, and she's not ready for the ride to end.

"I can say just stepping on this field with everyone behind me and having all my teammates, one of the best coaches in the country, I can say that that's something that we just fight for," McCown said. "We fight for each other, and we just want to win."

McCown will head to the circle again on Friday and she wants the ball in every big moment.

"I'm someone that wants to work for my team, and I want to win, and you give me the ball, I'm going to do whatever I can do to get us that win and fight for everyone that plays behind me and hits for me," McCown said.

Head coach Michelle Frew said that's the kind of leadership that has made the team successful.

"Bri just sets the tone for everything," Frew said. "Coming from Marshall, she is just a big leader for us and I mean just a good kid. Our kids are great, great kids."