Volleyball Hosts Rice on Halloween, Faces Temple Sunday
East Carolina University’s volleyball team is set to host two significant matches at Williams Arena in Minges Coliseum. The team will compete against the Rice Owls on Halloween, October 31, and will face the Temple Owls on Sunday, November 2. ECU comes into these matches with a record of 11-10 overall and 3-7 in the American Conference.
Upcoming Matches Overview
- Match 1: East Carolina vs. Rice
- Date: October 31
- Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
- Match 2: East Carolina vs. Temple
- Date: November 2
- Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
ECU’s Recent Performance
Last week, ECU achieved a 3-0 victory against Charlotte, but suffered a 0-3 loss to South Florida. As they prepare to face Rice, the Pirates aim to build on their momentum.
Rice Owls: A Strong Contender
The Rice Owls, currently boasting a record of 13-8 and 9-1 in the conference, present a formidable challenge. They are currently on a nine-match winning streak, with six of those victories coming in straight sets. Their last encounter with ECU in 2024 saw them sweep the match, expanding their all-time series lead to 10-2.
Key Players for Rice
Preston Taylor leads the Rice offense, ranking first in the conference with 354 points, averaging 4.85 points per set. He has also accumulated 20 service aces and 315 kills. On defense, Gaby Mansfield has recorded 288 digs, while Arissa Smith has contributed significantly with 81 blocks this season.
Looking Ahead to Temple
The Temple Owls, holding a record of 13-10 and 3-7 in the conference, will compete against Charlotte before heading to Greenville for their Sunday match against ECU. Earlier in the season, ECU narrowly defeated Temple after trailing in a five-set thriller.
Key Players for Temple
Christina Greene stands out offensively for Temple, with 310 points and 272 kills. Defensively, Olivia Hummels has made her mark with 221 digs, while Alyssa Finister has recorded 72 blocks.
Viewing Information
Both matches will be broadcasted live on ESPN+. Fans can look forward to an exciting show of skill and competition as ECU strives to maintain their winning streak against strong opponents on Halloween and Sunday.
