A Tale of Two Halves Sees ECU Fall to Clemson, 17-7

Tuesday, April 2

Greenville, N.C.

5 PM

East Carolina University

3-9

Clemson

9-4

Clemson

East Carolina

April 02, 2024 | Lacrosse

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. - An inspired first half of play proved to be not enough on Tuesday as the East Carolina lacrosse team was held scoreless by the Clemson Tigers (RV) in the final 30 minutes in what turned into a 17-7 route in Johnson Stadium.

The Pirates (3-9, 0-3 AAC) did not trail in the first half, leading by as many as a pair in an epic display of team lacrosse. Five players scored a goal with Leah Bestany and Erin Gulden leading the charge with two apiece. And it was a team effort in the truest sense with even Alexandra Giacalone registering a point with a first-half assist on one of Gulden's tallies. Giacalone went on to have a terrific game with five ground balls, three caused turnovers and the one assist.

But, sometimes sport lets us see when the winds shift and there was a bad moon rising at the turn of the midway point in the game with Clemson (9-4, 2-4 ACC) scoring a goal to level the score at seven with just 11 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The Tigers used that momentum to turn in a 5-0 third quarter, then another 5-0 effort in the fourth.

Emma Tilson and Jasmine Stanton led the visitors on the day with six goals and five goals, respectively, leading what quickly became a dominant second half.

Brynn Knight got the nod in goal for the Pirates on Tuesday and was solid with 11 saves but was left on an island at times with Clemson firing 28 shots on goal and 34 total. Part of why the Tigers were able to get so many shots in the game was the draw circle. The Pirates' almighty struggle to get draw controls continued in the game with Clemson dominating to the tune of a 24-4 final margin.

Of note, Frances Kimel did not play in the game. It was the first game she has missed in her time at ECU, having started all 71-consecutive games in her career dating back to 2020. Kimel entered the game with a streak of 30-consecutive games with a point as well, a run of offense that the Pirates certainly missed on Tuesday.

Up Next
The Pirates return home to host No. 10 Florida on Saturday at noon. The game will serve as Senior Day as the Pirates honor their highly decorated senior class.