East Carolina University
11-9,3-6American
Charlotte
15-6,6-3American
Pirates Dominate in Sweep Against Charlotte
October 22, 2025 | Volleyball
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina volleyball avenged its earlier season loss to Charlotte in dominant fashion Wednesday night, sweeping the 49ers 3-0 (25-23, 25-9, 25-21) inside Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum. The Pirates (11-9, 3-6 American) built on their home-court momentum to secure their victory.
The opening set was tightly contested, featuring 12 tie scores and several lead changes as both teams traded points early. Sydney Buchanan and Aulie Huff provided key kills late in the frame, while Taryn Gilreath distributed the ball efficiently to keep Charlotte's defense off balance. A late push from the Pirates, capped by a kill from Gilreath herself, sealed the 25-23 win to open the match.
ECU's offense erupted in the second set, storming out to a 9-3 lead and never looking back. Violet Hakan dominated at the net, registering three early kills in the frame as the Pirates hit an impressive .500. Buchanan continued to find success, tallying multiple kills in a set, with Kai Bailey right behind with four kills. The Pirates' defense also held Charlotte to just nine points—the fewest ECU has allowed in a set all season—as Kathryn Schuele anchored the back row with impressive play, recording a season-high 10 digs. The last time the Pirates left their opponents in a single-digit set was in August 2024, against Loyola (Md.), where the set score was also 25-9.
The third set saw Charlotte battle back with renewed energy, but ECU maintained its rhythm. Strong serving from Teegan Charapata and timely kills from Huff and Bailey kept the Pirates in control. Hakan added three more kills to help close out the frame, continuing her steady offensive performance that proved crucial throughout the match. ECU's balance on both sides of the ball ultimately powered them to a 25-21 clincher and their second win at home.
The Pirates are back in Minges Friday to host South Florida for their second matchup of the season.
