GREENVILLE — East Carolina University has begun the process to dismiss its head coach and associate head coach for softball after an internal inquiry into program complaints.

In addition, the university will proactively review operational processes, policies and procedures across athletics, Chancellor Steve Ballard said.

Head softball coach Tracey Kee and associate head coach Natalie Kozlowski are no longer affiliated with ECU softball, Ballard said. The two were suspended Aug. 31 pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The initial investigation found an emotionally hostile environment in the program, identified potential NCAA violations and noted shortcomings related to oversight of property and fiscal matters, according to Ballard.

On May 15, Ballard received an anonymous letter detailing concerns and on May 16 initiated an inquiry by the Office of Internal Auditing and the University Attorney’s office. The investigative team also included the faculty athletic representative, the university’s athletic compliance officer and the Office of Equity and Diversity.

The investigative team interviewed players, coaches, staff and athletic administrators and reviewed historical information going back 10 years, along with recent travel and expense records for the softball program and correspondence relating to it.

Among the investigative team’s conclusions: Individuals on the softball coaching staff were not forthcoming to investigators; inappropriate comments were made to student-athletes in the softball program; and the coaching staff encouraged the violation of university policy by others.

Women’s golf

UNC: The North Carolina women’s golf team continued its fall season at the Mason Rudolph Championship and is in 13th place after the first round. North Carolina began the event with 22-over-par 310 total, and the Tar Heels’ Casey Grice is tied for eighth place in the individual race.

Grice, from College Station, Texas, went into her last four holes 3-over-par, but birdied two of the last four to finish the round with a 1-over 73. The junior posted four birdies on the day to keep her in contention for the individual race.

Texas took the lead in the first round with a 6-over-par score of 294. The Longhorns are four strokes ahead of the second place finisher, Arizona. Kentucky ended just one stroke behind Arizona with an 11-over 299 for the round.

Tennis

P eace: Barton College defeated William Peace University 9-0 at the Barton Tennis Complex in Wilson.