Pirates Dominate 49ers in Three Set Sweep in Conference Opener

Wednesday, September 23

Greenville, N.C.

6:00 P.M.

East Carolina University

8-5,1-0American

Charlotte

3-9,0-1American

Team	1	2	3	Final F
Charlotte	18	19	21	0
East Carolina	25	25	25	3

Pirates Dominate 49ers in Three Set Sweep in Conference Opener

September 23, 2026 | Volleyball

Box Score

GREENVILLE, N.C. - East Carolina opened American Conference play with a three-set win over Charlotte (3-9, 0-1 American) at Williams Arena in Minges Coliseum Wednesday evening. Ellie Pate led the Pirates with her eighth career double-double (13 kills/11 digs) as ECU improved to 8-5 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

SET ONE: CHARLOTTE 18, EAST CAROLINA 25
ECU came out strong in the opening set, building a 10-7 advantage behind kills from Huff and Pate and a pair of blocks involving Gilreath and Bailey. The Pirates maintained control and extended their lead to 15-10 after a Pate kill from Gilreath.

Charlotte responded with a run to pull even and eventually take a 19-16 lead. ECU battled back within two at 19-17, but the 49ers closed the frame on a 6-1 run to take the opening set, 25-18.

ECU recorded 14 kills with Alderete recording five. The Pirates left the 49ers at a low .111 hitting percentage, compared to the Pirates' .379.

SET TWO: CHARLOTTE 19, EAST CAROLINA 25
Charlotte grabbed an early 8-4 lead in the second set, but ECU continued to battle behind its offense. The Pirates trimmed the deficit to three at 13-10 and remained within striking distance through the middle portion of the set.

ECU received kills from Alderete, Bailey and Pate as it continued to pressure the 49ers, but Charlotte eventually extended its advantage to 21-15. The Pirates responded with three straight points to cut the deficit to 21-18, but Charlotte scored four of the final five points to claim the set, 25-19.

SET THREE: CHARLOTTE 21, EAST CAROLINA 25
The Pirates and 49ers battled through an even opening stretch in the third set, with the score tied at 7-7 and again at 10-10. ECU took a 13-12 lead before Charlotte answered with four straight points to take the lead, 16-12.

The Pirates kept fighting, cutting the deficit to 18-16 and later 22-20, with the help of a 5-point run from Ali Butrum. ECU then pulled within one at 22-21, but Charlotte scored the final three points to secure the 25-21 win and complete the sweep.

ECU again produced 17 kills in the third set, with the Pirates hitting .343. Pate finished the match with 13 kills and 11 digs for her first double-double since September 2025, while Alderete recorded 11 and Huff and Bailey each added 10, totaling four Pirates with double-digit kills on the night.

The Pirates continue American Conference play Friday, Sept. 25, at Rice, with first serve set for 7 p.m. ET.