East Carolina University
10-8,2-5American
North Texas
14-5,4-3American
Pirates Come Up Short at UNT
October 17, 2025 | Volleyball
DENTON, Texas – East Carolina volleyball battled through four competitive sets on the road Friday night but came up short against North Texas, falling 3–1 (25–19, 15–25, 25–20, 25–15) at the UNT Volleyball Center.
The Pirates (10–8, 2–5 American) earned a dominant second-set win behind a strong offensive rhythm and balanced team effort before the Mean Green (14–5, 4–3) regrouped to take control in the final two frames.
Set 1 – North Texas 25, East Carolina 19
ECU found its footing early with kills from Sydney Buchanan and Kai Bailey, but North Texas strung together a mid-set run to take a 14–7 lead. The Pirates closed the gap late thanks to Bailey's six kills in the frame and strong setting from Taryn Gilreath, yet the Mean Green closed it out 25–19 behind efficient hitting from Lilly Croshaw and Reagan Bedell.
Set 2 – East Carolina 25, North Texas 17
The Pirates flipped the momentum in the second, jumping out to a 5–1 lead on an ace by Carlia Northcross and back-to-back kills from Bailey. ECU's offense clicked throughout, hitting .320 as a team with Bailey, Buchanan, and Northcross combining for 11 kills. Northcross also contributed a pair of key blocks to help stifle the UNT attack. Gilreath guided the offense with poise, and ECU's defense held North Texas to just a .121 hitting percentage to even the match at 1–1.
Set 3 – North Texas 25, East Carolina 20
The third set proved to be a back-and-forth battle early, but North Texas pulled away after a series of kills by Jahniya Jackson and Croshaw. Buchanan and Northcross each delivered four kills for ECU, while freshman Aulie Huff added three with an efficient .750 hitting mark. Despite hitting .500 as a team, the Pirates couldn't overcome UNT's hot offense, which posted a .536 clip in the set.
Set 4 – North Texas 25, East Carolina 15
The Mean Green carried their momentum into the fourth, opening with three straight points and never looking back. ECU fought to close the deficit midway through the frame with kills from Bailey, Northcross, and Buchanan, but Croshaw proved too much down the stretch, finishing with seven kills in the set alone. ECU's defense tallied four team blocks, yet UNT's serving pressure and transition play sealed the 3–1 decision.
The Pirates travel to San Antonio for their UTSA matchup on October 19.
