Pirates Lose Conference Opener to South Florida, 23-9

Saturday, March 22

Greenville, N.C.

12:00 p.m.

East Carolina University

2-5

South Florida

8-2

South Florida

ECU

March 22, 2025 | Lacrosse

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. - The East Carolina lacrosse team began American Athletic Conference play on a sour note as they fell to South Florida, 23-9, on Saturday afternoon in Johnson Stadium. The Pirates were led by Leah Bestany's five goals but had no answer for a dominant Bulls offense.

The Pirates (2-5, 0-1 AAC) only led briefly, 1-0, after Bestany scored the game's opening goal. The Bulls (8-2, 2-0 AAC) took over from there, leading by as many as 14 goals in the game.

South Florida scored their 23 goals on just 33 shots with three ECU goalkeepers combining for only six saves in the game. The Bulls had 15 shots on goal in the first quarter alone, resulting in 10 goals.

In total, 15 players scored a goal and 16 registered a point for South Florida, with no single player scoring more than three goals as Juliana George led the way with six points on three goals and three assists. Sofia Chepenik also had a hat trick with three goals.

For the Pirates were led by Bestany's five goals, also adding an assist, but got little support offensively with only three other players scoring in the game.

Ironically, the game was even 17-17 on the draw, giving ECU chances aplenty to remain level, even gaining a 9-5 lead on the goal in the first quarter. It failed to translate to the scoreboard.

Up Next
The Pirates are back at home on Tuesday at 5 p.m. as they welcome a nationally-ranked Duke squad to Johnson Stadium.