East Carolina University
11-11,3-8American
Rice
14-8,10-1American
ECU Falls to Rice at Home
October 31, 2025 | Volleyball
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina volleyball battled throughout the evening but came up short in a straight-set loss to Rice (20-25, 17-25, 16-25) on Friday night inside Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.
Set One - Rice 25, East Carolina 20
The Pirates opened the night with confidence, trading points early behind kills from Violet Hakan and Aulie Huff. ECU held steady through the midpoint of the frame, tying the score at 15-15 following an ace from Hakan. Despite the strong start, Rice responded with a late surge, taking advantage of a few ECU attack errors to close out the set 25-20. Hakan led the Pirates with five kills in the opener, while setter Taryn Gilreath tallied multiple assists to keep the offense balanced.
Set Two: Rice 25, East Carolina 17
ECU once again kept the pressure on in the second set, using a 5-0 run midway through to pull even at 12-12. Hakan continued her hot start, recording a stretch of three straight kills, while Carlia Northcross added key points from the middle. Elle Jackson provided steady defense in the back row, picking up several digs. However, Rice capitalized on a late push to take control and win the set 25-17.
Set Three: Rice 25, East Carolina 16
In the final set, ECU found offensive rhythm behind Huff, who posted an impressive .714 hitting percentage with five kills. Gilreath kept the attack moving with quick sets, while Jackson added nine digs to anchor the defense. Despite the Pirates' effort, Rice's consistent attack proved too much, and the Owls secured the match with a 25-16 win.
Hakan finished the night with a career-high 14 kills, followed by Huff's strong showing at .556 hitting efficiency, while Jackson led the back line with nine digs.
The Pirates fall to 11-11 overall and 3-8 in conference play and play at home once again on November 2, taking on Temple for the second time this season.
