ECU's Trustees Award for Distinction
TheEast
Carolinian
The Trustees Award for Distinction is established to recognize those who have provided leadership to East Carolina University. According to ECU distinction is the excellence that sets someone apart, and often includes leading, influencing and motivating others to achieve a common goal. This award will honor a Pirate who demonstrates the leadership and innovation needed to meet ECU’s mission of student success, public service and regional transformation. The Trustees Award for Distinction is intended to be one of the most prestigious awards given at ECU each year.
For the nomination process, the nomination form (can be found at distinction.ecu.edu), letter of nomination and optional letter(s) of support should be submitted to Assistant Secretary to the Board, Megan Ayers (ayersm@ ecu.edu), through the nomination portal on the Board of Trustees website by 5 p.m. Sept. 13, 2024. Incomplete nominations will not be considered. An anonymous selection committee will review each nomination carefully and select the recipient.
For ECU a nominee for this award should have some combination of the following characteristics:
• Demonstrates an uncommon and unwavering commitment to the strategic vision of ECU and unparalleled dedication to ECU’s mission of student success, public service, and regional transformation.
• Champions partnerships to promote the institution and surrounding communities.
• Contributes to ECU’s success through philanthropy, public influence, and/or service.
• Exhibits strong character and ethical professionalism.
Current members of the ECU Board of Trustees are not eligible to receive this award. Former trustees remain ineligible for two years after the completion of their services as a trustee. Additionally, employees of East Carolina University are not eligible to receive this award and must be separated from the university for more than 12 months before being considered. Nominations can come from all constituencies of the university.
The Trustees Award for Distinction will be presented at the Nov. 22, 2024 meeting of the ECU Board of Trustees.
For more information, contact Megan Ayers at (252) -328-6105 or at ayersm@ecu.edu.
ECU clashes against ODU
East Carolina University Football (1-0, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) will travel to Foreman Field in Norfolk Virginia this Saturday to face Old Dominion University (0-1, 0-0 Sun Belt Conference) in a highly anticipated matchup on the Monarchs' home turf. Coming off a home win, the Pirates are striving to keep the momentum going into week two of college football.
East Carolina is off to a promising start this season. Their defense was in top form in the season opener, holding Norfolk State University to just three points. The Pirates showed a balanced offense with big performances from both the running game and quarterback play. Head Coach Mike Houston will aim to keep the team's focus sharp heading into a more challenging matchup against Old Dominion.
Over on ODU’s side, the Monarchs are coming off a loss to University of South Carolina’s Gamecocks in a game that came down to the last six minutes. Old Dominion tied it up on a field goal with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell after a late touchdown in the fourth. Starting quarterback Grant Wilson committed two crucial fumbles which ultimately led to two touchdowns for the Gamecocks.
Despite the loss, ODU showed a lot of potential after facing a tough Gamecocks team, who has seen a lot of success the last few years. The Monarchs, who went 6-7 last season and 5-3 in conference play, will be looking to make the most of their home-opener after a disappointing end to last season in a 38-35 loss to Western Kentucky University in the Famous Toastery Bowl game.
The last time these two teams faced off was in 2022, with ECU winning 39-21 at Dowdy-Ficklen stadium. The Pirates dominated offensively, with quarterback Holton Ahlers passing for 283 yards and two touchdowns. ECU's run game was unstoppable, led by running back Keaton Mitchell, who rushed for 160 yards and two touchdowns.
East Carolina’s Head Coach Mike Houston and Old Dominion’s Ricky Rahne will be crucial in their team’s preparations. Coach Houston, who is known for his defensive schemes, will try to roll over the Pirates exceptional defense from last game to this game. Meanwhile, Coach Rahne will be focusing on a more creative offense if he wants to throw off ECU’s defensive coordinator.
East Carolina and Old Dominion will prioritize ball security in this matchup, as both teams had some issues with turnovers. Despite the Pirates dominant win, protecting the ball remains a key focus for both squads. East Carolina committed six turnovers to Norfolk State in the blowout, and the Monarchs committed four, which played a huge role in their loss to South Carolina. How quarterbacks Jake Garcia and Grant Wilson handle the pressure will likely decide the outcome of this game.
The early season matchup presents an opportunity for ECU to continue building confidence and establish themselves as a team to watch in the American Athletic Conference. Old Dominion, on the other hand, is hungry to prove they can compete with some of the top-tier programs in the NCAA. The game should be a competitive one, with ECU looking to stay undefeated and ODU eager to notch their first win of the season.
Garett Skillman THE EAST CAROLINIAN
PRYOR SHELTON I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
ECU fans hold up the traditional "No Quarter" flags at the start of each fourth quarter in football as they prepare for the final moments
Main Campus Student Center at East Carolina University.
BRIEFS
Soccer success translates to nursing promise
Rachael Wilsynski, a former
ECU forward for the ECU soccer team, graduated ECU's nursing school in May and landed a job as a nurse for the MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. During her soccer career, Wilsynski tore her ACL three times in her youth. It was during the time spent recovering in physical therapy that Wilsynski decided that she wanted to pursue a career in Nursing.
ECU recognized in new national ranking guidebook
The university’s commitment to serve and social mobility has earned it a top spot in a national ranking done by the publication Washington Monthly. ECU was placed in the top 10 percent of Washington Monthly’s best bang for the buck schools within the southeast. Specifically, ECU was ranked 29th out of the 277 schools located in the southeast.
ECU health recognizes 19 nurses
Over 19 nurses from East Carolina University were named to the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina list. The recognition comes from the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina board of directors. The recipients who are acknowledged are done so for the outstanding professional work and contributions towards improving health care services within their respective communities.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact Kiarra Crayton at editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
CRIME LOGS
Editor's Note: The East Carolinian Crime Logs are derived from East Carolina University Police Department’s (ECU PD) public crime logs accessible to all individuals. Crime Logs are not done within the partnership of ECU PD and The East Carolinian, as this publication is meant to act as an additional resource for Pirate Nation. Below are listings of criminal activity that has occurred on or within proximity of main campus.
Aug. 27, 2024
Injury to Real Property took place at Jones Residence Hall At 12:05 a.m. This situation is an Open Investigation.
Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Schedule 11 happened here in Greenville at 4:50 p.m. This situation is an Open Investigation.
Aug. 29, 2024
Damage to Real Property took place at Fletcher Residence Hall between 10 and 10:15 p.m.. This situation is an Open Investigation.
Aug. 30, 2024
At 1:25 a.m., a Simple Affray incident took place at 5th & Summit and the Prosecution Declined/Referral.
At 3:12 a.m., Larceny took place at 4th & Harding and the incident was Cleared by Citation/Referral.
A Hit and Run-Failure to stop incident took place at the ECU Parking Deck between 11:37 a.m. and 1:47 p.m. This situation is an Open Investigation.
Match and Market connects with ECU
Rangaraju THE EAST CAROLINIAN
The Match and Market Program offers students the chance to gain hands-on experience while helping local small businesses thrive in Greenville. This program is ideal for any ECU student looking to put their marketing skills into practice.
According to the Greenville, North Carolina Neighborhood and Business Services, the Match and Market Program connects East Carolina University students with small and local businesses around Greenville. This is a 10-week long program from October 7 to December 13
of 2024, and through this time period, students will be presented the opportunity to market for these businesses.
Being a participant in this program means students will work with the Neighborhood and Business Services department to perform a variety of marketing related tasks. This includes crafting a digital marketing strategy, designing social media campaigns, producing compelling content, setting up regular posting routines and strengthening the online visibility of the businesses you collaborate with.
According to Mehak Rathore who works in Greenville Neighborhood and Business Services, “This program is an excellent opportunity for ECU students because social media
marketing skills are increasingly essential in today’s digital landscape. By participating in the Match and Market Program, students gain versatile skills that are applicable in numerous career paths, enhancing their employability and enabling them to contribute creatively and strategically in any professional setting.”
In addition to gaining the benefits of students being able to apply their marketing expertise, students will receive a weekly stipend of $75 and earn a certificate of completion. Students will have the opportunity to meet and work with a variety of entrepreneurs around the area and form lasting connections.
Shake Smart joins East Carolina University
Staff Report
In the Main Campus Student Center on ECU’s Main Campus, Shake Smart will be added, replacing Au Bon Pain. Shake Smart is a restaurant that specializes in freshly blended protein shakes, organic acai bowls and healthy on-the-go foods.
Shake Smart was started by two college students in 2011 who found it difficult to find healthy options, while living the college on-the-go lifestyle. Their vision was to make healthy eating more accessible and to have a balance of nutrients, focusing specifically on protein. Shake Smart has over 45 locations and is continuing to grow across universities nationwide and is also expanding into hospitals, airports and additional military installations. Their menu includes shakes, bowls, coffee, sandwiches, oatmeal and wraps. Some of the items on their menu includes:
Classic Shakes:
Chocolate Frosty (wendy has nothing on us)
• Vanilla Thrilla (the bean that gets you lean!)
• Cookies n’ Cream (need we say more?)
Shake Your Coffee (vanilla or chocolate protein, extras available)
Specialty Shakes:
• Banana Split (strawberry, banana, chocolate protein)
• Strawberry Fields (strawberry, vanilla protein)
• P-b^2 ( banana, chocolate protein, organic peanut butter)
• Grammy’s Goods (cookies n’ cream, organic peanut butter)
Greens & Veggies
Matcha Mentality (green tea matcha, vanilla protein)
• Organic Supershake (organic superfood, banana, vanilla protein, organic peanut butter)
Greens To Go (spinach, banana, pineapple, orange juice, protein)
Exotic Shakes
• A Perfect 10 (blueberry, banana, vanilla protein, organic peanut butter)
• Acai Energy (acai, banan, vanilla protein, organic peanut butter)
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry (strawberry, acai, chocolate protein)
Breakfast To Go (strawberry, pineapple, acai, orange juice, vanilla protein)
Mea Aloha (pineapple, banana, acai, apple juice, protein)
• Fruitopia (strawberry, banana, acai, apple juice, protein)
• Pink Cadillac (pitaya, pineapple, orange juice, vanilla, protein)
The hours are yet to be determined. Their full menu and more information visit shakesmart.com or contact (858) 461- 8313 and info@shakesmart.com
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
Carolina Creek bus route 506 discontinues
East Carolina University's student living apartment complex, Carolina Creek, discontinued the 506 bus route and is no longer affiliated with ECU Transit. The sudden news caused a stir among Carolina Creek residents, leaving them to make other accommodations.
"My biggest issue with this is that they knew they weren't going to continue the buses for months yet they decided to wait till the day before classes, right after their offices closed, to announce that there will no longer be buses
running", said resident of Carolina Creek and ECU student Kristina Cook. Carolina Creek left the route running until August 26, 2024, when they officially discontinued it. The student living complex informed its residents that this was due to the increasing costs of ECU transportation. In Cook's words, "ECU had offered multiple alternatives to lower the costs so students could still have reliable transportation. Unfortunately, Carolina Creek's management company got greedy."
discontinued
transportation for Carolina Creek residents. According to WINT, East Carolina University is working on ways to get its students to school inexpensively and comfortably.
As of now, the ECU Transit page does not mention any other bus routes being canceled or changed for the fall semester.
"This company has managed this situation very poorly, and they should not be upset that no one wants to live at Carolina Creek after this year."
Trisha
PRYOR SHELTON I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
East Carolina University transit discontinues bus route 506 that goes to the university's student living apartments, Carolina Creek on August 26 of 2024.
Giuliana Barberio THE EAST CAROLINIAN
JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Shake Smart is a restaurant that will be replacing Au Bon Pain's location in the Main Campus Student Center at East Carolina University's Main Campus.
OUR VIEW
Fans should continue to show pride for Pirate football
With the start of the fall semester, the season of East Carolina University Football begins. On August 31 the Pirates won their first football game against Norfolk State University and of course Pirate Nation showed all of its support with over 36,467 in attendance.
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian believe that students should continue to show all of their pride for Pirate football no matter what happens all throughout ECU’s football season.
East Carolina University is one of the colleges that is known to have one of the craziest fan bases when it comes to ECU’s athletics. Students at ECU should feel prideful knowing that they go to a school with a fan base that is very loyal no matter what.
For an athlete attending East Carolina University and knowing that the school’s fan base is so strong, it has to be encouraging for the players. It might allow them to continue doing their best no matter the outcome and knowing in the back of their minds that so many people will support them no matter what.
ECU football fans should also think about how much their lack of support can affect the players who are still students at the end of the day. The players are still people and even though fans might not like the outcome of any of the upcoming games, as a collective the comments fans make should always stay encouraging.
PIRATE RANTS
argue that these programs actually worsen the problems they’re intended to solve.
Los Angeles Times - Tribune News Service - As the U.S. becomes increasingly polarized, diversity, equity and inclusion — also known as DEI— efforts have been promoted as a way to bridge social divides and promote a sense of belonging for everyone, especially for those who have been traditionally excluded or marginalized.
But in recent years, a backlash has begun, with many institutions defunding their diversity and inclusion efforts in response to pressure from workers, lawsuits and even state governments. Among the companies recently curtailing DEI efforts are Ford, Lowe’s, Harley Davidson, Tractor Supply and John Deere. Relatedly, this year, Florida barred state funding from supporting DEI at its 28 state college campuses.
Ironically, critics of DEI efforts say the programs fail to include diverse perspectives. They contend the efforts emphasize certain backgrounds while neglecting others. Some
While it’s easy to dismiss the backlash as purely a result of bigotry — as not all criticisms of DEI are made in good faith— it’s important to consider how DEI efforts themselves can be made to be more inclusive, in order to garner crucial support. True inclusion cannot occur when people continue to feel alienated. To be clear, my proposed answer is not for employers to ignore identity entirely or take a “color-blind” approach — not least because that’s not what employees want. Instead, a better approach is for employers to be intentionally inclusive of people of all backgrounds, to allow everyone to feel a sense of belonging.
Unfortunately, many of the most popular DEI efforts — such as short, one-shot diversity training sessions — haven’t been found to be effective, at least not as they’re implemented. They haven’t been shown to improve
workforce diversity, especially in leadership. In fact, they can sometimes even be counterproductive, reinforcing microaggression and bias instead of reducing them.
Research suggests these problems result from how programs are structured and implemented. They often prioritize achieving quick, symbolic victories — such as merely providing certain training, which might be required by law or corporate mandate. This short-term thinking comes at the expense of tackling long-term systemic issues, and biased daily practices could continue unabated.
For example, it’s not uncommon for employers to set aside a few hours each year for workers to sit through a lecture-style diversity training. But this format often fails to change deeply rooted biases and behaviors.
So when are we going to have a trader joe’s in gville
Why is there a sudden increase in the amount of people getting covid
It really is a time to be alive, i’m kinda scared to see the results of the election
We are starting this football season off right Pirates!!!
soooooooo when are they going to finish construction on dickinson
I forgot how annoying being in greenville is during the school season, there are so many annoying freshman
Can we not ticket during the first month of school
Why is every single room in the
building have insanely different room temperatures
fraternities need to learn how to pick up after themselves their lawns are so nasty
Chicago Tribune - Tribune News Service
- The current Chicago professional sports landscape certainly looks like an arid desert, but fans encountered a rare oasis recently when former Chicago Bears Devin Hester and Steve McMichael were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hester is arguably the greatest kick returner in NFL history and McMichael was an anchor on the vaunted defense of the 1985 Super Bowl champions, a defense regularly invoked in arguments over the league’s best ever.
With all due respect to Hester, this story belongs to McMichael: It is not that the formidable defensive tackle was admitted to the Hall of Fame, but that he survived to see it.
Three years ago, McMichael developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive,
ultimately fatal motor neuron disease that robs people of muscle control, rendering them paralyzed but sparing their eye movements and leaving their minds intact. They generally die of lung complications because their muscles can no longer support coughing, which leads to pneumonia, and ultimately results in the inability to breathe, causing death by suffocation.
ALS currently affects about 30,000 Americans; in sports figures it may be associated with past head trauma. Although there is no cure, McMichael and others like him are receiving help from new assistive technologies that are prolonging their lives and improving their quality of life as well.
ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease because the great New York Yankee first baseman was the first notable
figure to be diagnosed with the disease (the subject of his famous “luckiest man” speech at Yankee Stadium in 1939). Gehrig lived less than two years after his diagnosis because tracheostomies, where suctioning can clear the lungs, were not performed, and portable ventilators, which “breathe” for patients, had not yet been invented. McMichael is fortunate to benefit from both — and more.
Although the survival time of ALS patients is reported to be two to five years after diagnosis, consider two patients whose cases illustrate how important assistive technology is in ALS: Stephen Hawking and Steve Gleason.
©2024 Chicago Tribune. Visit at chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Classifieds & Puzzles
Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate to adjust around a change in plans. Carve out private time together to work out the details. Find renewed passion in conversation.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Pick up the pace and focus to juggle a busy schedule with time for yourself. Exercise energizes you. Relaxation and good food restore.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Discover beauty, romance and harmony. Develop a passion. Connect with someone special to explore fun ideas in conversation. Practice your arts. Love is the answer.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Solve a domestic puzzle. Get family involved. Teamwork pays off. Visualize perfection. Build on strong foundations. Create a work of beauty at home.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Creativity percolates and bubbles over. Imagination sparks. Generate exciting possibilities in conversation. You can learn what you need to know. Share a brilliant idea.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Get into a lucrative groove. Close a deal or sign papers. Profit through communications. Your messages can go farther than anticipated. Invest in success.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 Take charge for the results you want. You’re especially irresistible. Develop a personal passion project. Share your vision and inspiration. You’re attracting attention.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Slow to reconsider. Revise plans. Incorporate what you love into your routines and practices. Guard time for yourself. Savor private rituals. Relax and recharge.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — S hare the load with friends and teammates. Coordinate to sidestep obstacles or surprises. Together you can win the next level. Discuss plans and possibilities.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — You’re attracting the attention of someone influential. Make technical upgrades. Prepare your presentation and ask for help when needed. Set and keep realistic goals.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — An adventure has your focus. Plot to expand territory. Technology can make things easier. Keep your objectives in mind and forge your trail.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate to pay shared financial obligations. Handle paperwork, contracts and invoices. Track budgets and timelines. Discuss lucrative ideas. Take advantage of a windfall opportunity.
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Created by Jacqueline E. Mathews
Arts & Entertainment
Pulses, Cat Company, With Sails
8
6 to 9 p.m. (252) 364 - 8921
TOMORROW
Carter Freeman Christy’s EuroPub
301 S Jarvis St, Greenville, NC 27858
7 to 11:59 p.m. (252) 758 - 2774 Drew Baldridge Concert Greenville Convention Center
303 SW Greenville Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858
6 to 10 p.m. (252) 321 - 7671
SATURDAY Latin Social Night Pitt Street Brewing Company
630 S Pitt St., Greenville, NC 27834
6 to 11 p.m. (252) 227 - 4151
Upcoming events at ECU’s LGBTQ center
The Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center at East Carolina University has supported the entire ECU campus since its founding in 2011. The LGBTQ center has provided students, faculty and staff in the LGBTQ+ community a comforting and accepting environment. Including a lending library, two computer workstations, a social area, a conference room and offices for the staff.
For years, the center has offered countless educational programs and events for students to grow in all different aspects. According to the center’s mission statement, “We foster student leadership, as well as personal, academic, and professional growth, through volunteer opportunities and collaborative partnerships across campus.”
Here are some of the upcoming events at The Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ center:
September
• Sept. 5: Fall 2024 Welcome and Social
• Sept. 11: Coffee House
• Sept. 16: Viva Sept. 23: Bi and Proud
October
• Oct. 1: Coming Out Series
• Oct. 11: National Coming Out Day Oct. 14: The Lavender Scare
• Oct. 21: Understanding Asexuality Oct. 26: Every Body
November
Nov. 4: Anything’s Possible • Nov. 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
December
• Dec. 2: World AIDS Day • Dec. 3: Stress Relief Study Break
On September 6, 2024, Downtown Greenville will host the First Friday ArtWalk, which will be the start of this year’s artwalk season. The First Friday ArtWalk is celebrated on the first Friday of each month. It is a time where galleries in Downtown Greenville showcase new exhibits, often coinciding with free open receptions. This is also a time for many to enjoy downtown’s restaurants, shops and live music venues.
There will also be a free trolley named the Emerald Express Trolley that will run from 5 to 8 p.m. during this event. This trolley tour will circulate through Downtown Greenville from Dickinson Avenue to ECU’s Main Campus, making a loop every 20 minutes.
Some of the events include:
• 5th treet Hardware Restaurant & Taproom Live Music from 7 to 10 p.m.
• ECU Gray Gallery at Jenkins Fine Arts Building with Legacy Symposium Graphic Design Exhibition
• ECU Janice Faulkner Gallery at Joyner Library with The Alzheimer’s Fantasies Exhibition
ECU Proctor Younge House New Work by Angela Franks Wells with a performance by Robbie Quinn
• ECU Student Center on the Main Campus Ampersand with a show by MFA students
Emerald City Collective with Shayla Thornton’s solo exhibition
• Emerge Gallery & Art Center Austin Sheppard and Brandon Dudley with solo exhibitions and opening reception, 10% off in the sales gallery
• Farmers & Makers Market, open to shop products from local farmers, artists and
Giuliana Barberio THE EAST CAROLINIAN
JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center at East Carolina University is located inside of ECU’s Main Campus Student Center and will be hosting events through the fall
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Trevon McGlone Sports Editor
ODU VS. ECU Score Prediction?
ECU 24-17
Why?
ECU started the season strong against Norfolk State, and the momentum from that contest should carry over against Old Dominion, just in a closer contest. Old Dominion is a tougher opponent compared to Norfolk, but the Pirates will find a way to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2016.
Cannon Gates
WZMB Station Manager
ODU VS. ECU Score Prediction?
ECU 31-10
Why?
Coming off a massive win against a less than great opponent, I believe ODU is going to be a tough test coming off a close loss to South Carolina. I hope we can establish the run better in this game and Jake Garcia has another stellar game and we come away with the W.
Nick Green
WZMB Sports & News Director
ODU VS. ECU Score Prediction?
ECU 28-10
Why?
ECU is coming off a big win to Norfolk State in which our offense looked good despite having six turnovers due to wanting to be aggressive to make up for last year. Although Old Dominion played well last week, South Carolina came up empty on possessions they shouldn’t have. That’s why I’m rolling with the Pirates.
ECU volleyball set to host Pirate Invitational
East Carolina University’s volleyball team (3-0, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) returns home for their first home game of the season Thursday, September 5.
It marks the first game of the 2024 Pirate Invitational, the tournament hosted every year by the Pirates during the first home weekend of the season. This year, ECU will play host to in-state schools North Carolina A&T State University (2-0, 0-0 Coastal Athletic Association) and Western Carolina University (0-3, 0-0 Southern Conference), as well as Texas A&M University - Commerce (2-1, 0-0 Southland Conference).
ECU is fresh off a weekend sweep of the Hampton Inn and Suites Seahawk Classic, hosted by University of North CarolinaWilmington (2-1, 0-0 CAA). It marks the first time since 2016 that the program has started the season 3-0.
matchups over rival North Carolina Central University (0-2, 0-0 CAA) in their home and home series. It marks the first time in six years that the Aggies have started the season 2-0.
Freshman outside hitter Tyne Ross had a stellar record-breaking rookie debut, recording 15 kills, three aces, nine digs, and a block assist in game one. Ross’ 15 kills are the most ever recorded by an Aggie in their rookie debut. She went on to record 14 kills in the next game, as well as eight digs and a solo block. She was named the CAA Rookie of the Week following her performance.
Texas A&M - Commerce opened their season at home with the Lion Invitational, where they recovered from dropping their first game to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (3-0, 0-0 Ohio Valley Conference) to take the remaining two matchups. Their 2-1 start is the program’s best since 2021.
ble-doubles in the season opener against College of Charleston (1-2, 0-0 CAA), courtesy of junior outside hitter Ali Morris, senior outside hitter Bailey Hartsough, and senior setter Sarah Janourova.
Morris had two double-doubles, a performance which earned her a spot on the Carolina Classic All-Tournament Team. She tallied 30 kills and 37 digs. Janourova wracked up 66 assists and 19 digs. Hartsough ended the weekend with 41 digs and 28 kills. Throughout program history, ECU is a combined 8-2 against the teams competing in this year’s invitational. They’ve gone 8-1 against NC A&T, most recently losing to the Aggies at home in March of 2021. They’ve faced WCU only once, a loss that came back in 2015. This weekend is the first career meeting between ECU and Texas A&M - Commerce.
Graduate student right side hitter Fran McBride was selected as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, while junior middle blocker Carlia Northcross earned All-Tournament honors. McBride tallied 31 kills and nine blocks. Northcross wracked up 22 kills, while senior setter Payton Evenstad collected 60 assists.
NC A&T is coming off an opening weekend sweep of their own, taking both
Sophomore outside hitter Kitana Tuufuli tallied 36 kills. Sophomore setter Ellie Baumert posted 61 assists. Senior defensive specialist and libero Jade Smith recorded 79 digs through the three-game tournament, which is over 30 more than anyone else in the conference to this point. Smith was named SLC Defensive Player of the Week for her performance.
Western Carolina University has seen their season start off in much the opposite way as the others mentioned. Their season began in Chapel Hill, North Carolina at the Carolina Classic. WCU tallied three dou-
The first game of the Invitational will be ECU vs NC A&T, and tip-off is set for 7 PM, Thursday, September 5. Game two between Texas A&M - Commerce and WCU will be at 11 AM on Friday, while WCU and NC A&T will play later that day. ECU plays Texas A&M - Commerce in the nightcap at 7 PM on Friday.
The Invitational wraps up on Saturday, September 7, where NC A&T and Texas A&M - Commerce face off at 11 AM, followed by ECU vs WCU in the closing matchup at 3 PM. All games featuring ECU will stream on ESPN+.
Pirates
The East Carolina University soccer team (3-0-2, 0-0 American Athletic Conference) is coming off a big win against the University of North Carolina Wilmington (2-3-1, 0-0 Coastal Athletic Conference)and their next game is scheduled against Western Carolina University (2-2-1, 0-0 Southern Conference), their last non-conference game before the start of the AAC.
The Pirates have a history of playing the Catamounts since 2004. ECU has only lost once in the program’s history, losing the first game back in 2004. Since then the Pirates have been riding a seven-game win streak, with their last match in 2023 ending in a tie, 1-1.
So far this season the Pirates have yet to lose a match, but have had a couple of games result in ties. Those games came against Campbell University (1-2-3, 0-0 Big South Conference) and Coastal Carolina University (1-2-2, 0-0 Sun Belt). In their latest game, the Pirates had their most dominant victory against UNCW.
Some standouts of that game were junior forward Emma Sheehan, graduate student forward Sydney Schnell and graduate student defender Kylie Alvarez. All three of these players would contribute to the final score of 3-0. Alvarez has recently been named
defensive player of the week. The Virginia native has been part of the Pirates roster dating back to 2020, but would not play a match till the following year.
Western Carolina has mixed results so far this season with matching wins and losses. They are scheduled to play one more game before facing off against the Pirates. The Catamounts will face Gardner-Webb University (1-3-1, 0-0 Big South Conference) at home.
Junior forward Milla Syska and senior forward Kirsten Hahn are two players to look out for. Hahn is entering her fourth season playing for Western Carolina. Hahn has already had a career-best season, scoring four goals in just five games. Three of those goals came in one game, against the University of Asheville (1-3-1, 0-0 Big South Conference). Syska is now entering her third season with Western Carolina. She has tied her team with a total of four goals this season. The most goals Syska has scored in her career was last season, with a total of two. Most of Syska’s goals came in the game against Georgia State University (0-3-1, 0-0 Sun Belt Conference) The game against Western Carolina is scheduled for Sunday in Greenville at Johnson Stadium at 1 p.m. The game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Ashleigh Cash THE EAST CAROLINIAN
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
ECU sophomore right side Aulie Huff, junior middle blocker Carlia Northcross and senior setter Payton Evenstad celebrate inside of a huddle.
Diego Lerma THE EAST CAROLINIAN
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
ECU graduate student defenders Kylie Alavarez and Annabelle Abbott pictured in the background.
Fran McBride