The 2025 Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge, East Carolina University’s annual business competition hosted by the Miller School of Entrepreneurship, displayed ECU students' bright ideas and determination from across campus. This year’s competition was renamed in honor of Gene T. Aman, whose family gifted ECU a transformational gift.
This is now the eighth year the competition has featured student-led teams and represented over 50 academic programs across the university.
“Our goal is to reach a diverse body of students with the power of entrepreneurship,” said David Mayo, director of the Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge. “Provide tools and mentorship to accelerate student business growth and to provide funding to found, grow, and expand student businesses.”
The 2025 Aman Pirate Challenge is a threeround competition that started in October at the Mall, followed by a mentorship round in February and the final pitch on April 15. This year's challenge started with 80 teams, then dropped to 12 in February, and finally ended with six finalists who pitched their businesses at the finals.
The first-place winner, Campus Cribs,
ECU Alumni Association selects winners for scholarship
founded by Quincy McKay and Gavin DeGregorio, makes the off-campus housing process much easier for students and property owners by pairing with landlords and marketing their properties directly to college students.
Campus Cribs tackles a common frustration in college life.
“I was inspired to start this business because I struggled with finding off-campus housing myself,” first-place winner Quincy McKay said.
“When all of my friends had the same issues, I realized I needed to fix this problem.”
Despite the setback of not having enough money to build a website, McKay and DeGregorio persevered and built momentum. Now that the Aman Pirate Challenge is complete, Campus Cribs is ready to start their mobile app and take over Greenville.
“I am 100% positive this will be a profitable business, it's just a matter of time. And the entrepreneurship challenge has now made that dream come so much quicker,” he said.
Joanna Mathew, founder of AnatoVault, placed fourth. As a biology major, she created her company to make 3D printing technology more accessible for medical education. This idea started as a research project and quickly turned into a commercial initiative once they found their market niche.
“Normally, I am happy being a biology major, but in this competition, it was a slight handicap,” she said. “I simply did not have the same experience in pitching and was not as comfortable with business lingo as my College
Every year, the ECU Alumni Association picks a series of awardees for their scholarship award. These students are nominated based on their academic achievements and their personal leadership abilities.
“We’re looking for students who have excelled academically and as student leaders,” said Jeremy Perry, Director of Alumni Events & Student Engagement.
This opportunity has been around for over ten years and has awarded many scholarships. This year's awardees are: Hannah Blackburn, Christine Chan, Alexander Fisher, Alessio Fratarcangeli, and Jethro Libutan. Blackburn, a Biomedical Engineering major, founded the ECU chapter of The Helping Hand. This initiative is built on helping those in need using resources such as disaster relief. Chan, a Biology and Environmental Studies major, advocated for environmental issues and voting initiatives. Fratarcangeli, a Biology major, coordinated a project where he and other student volunteers gathered 50,000 pounds of produce for people in need throughout the area.
Being from Hickory, Biochemistry major Fisher strived to create the first Campus EMS, which, in addition to responding to EMS calls made on
of Business or entrepreneurship peers were. However, I took comfort in my knowledge of my own product, and despite being ‘out of my element,’ I was able to adapt.”
She is now using her prize money to officially file for an LLC, finish model prototypes, and launch AnatoVault’s online platform.
According to Mayo, this year’s Pirate Challenge was one of the best, reaching $1 million in prize money.
Registration will begin in the summer for the 2026 Gene T. Aman Pirate Challenge. It is open to all students at ECU, regardless of previous business experience or major. With the Aman family endowment, the reach of the competition will continue to grow.
Garett Skillman TEC STAFF
East Carolina University football fans get their first glimpse of the 2025 squad on Saturday afternoon as the Pirates take the field for their annual Purple-Gold spring game at Dowdy Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, N.C. This year’s spring game will be the 40th annual Pigskin Pig-Out festivities, and the first under head coach Blake Harrell.
Sponsored by Piggly Wiggly, the Pigskin Pig-Out is a family friendly, festival style event centered around the annual spring game. The weekend will feature barbecue, tailgating, and a pig-cooking contest, offering a fun filled atmosphere for fans of all ages. It’s a chance for families to come together, enjoy great food, and celebrate Pirate football.
The game is scheduled for 12 p.m. and admission is free to the public. After finishing the 2024 season 8-5 and 5-3 in the American Athletic Conference, Pirate nation will get to see what the new era of ECU football will look like with a full season of head coach Blake Harell under the helm. In 2024, Harell was named the Interim head coach mid-season after the firing of former head coach Mike Houston.
The interim tag was officially removed from the former defensive coordinator, Harrell on Nov. 27, 2024, after he led the Pirates to four straight wins following his initial appointment as interim head coach. The annual spring game serves as an early look at what the Pirates could look like come August and offers fans a chance to see how Harrell’s
system is shaping up. For players, it gives an opportunity to make an impression heading into the summer.
While it’s only an exhibition, Saturday’s scrimmage will shed light into what changes need to be made before the start of the season on Aug. 28 against in-state rival NC State. The NCAA transfer portal will close on April 25, one day before the spring game, allowing the coaching staff to have an understanding of what the final roster will look like.
Fans will be allowed on the field at
the conclusion of the game to get autographs from players and coaches. The spring game will mark the last official practice until pre-season camp opens up prior to the start of the 2025 season. With new players, a new system, and a fanbase eager to see Pirate football on top, all eyes will be on Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium as the journey toward the 2025 season officially begins.
Giuliana Barberio TEC STAFF
Candon Johnson TEC STAFF
David Mayo
Jeremy Perry
Student EMS team enhances campus emergency response
A new student-led emergency medical service is gaining attention at East Carolina University for its quick response times. Campus EMS was founded by biochemistry majors Alex Fisher and Matthew Geib and was launched in the spring of 2025 to provide basic life support on Thursday through Saturday nights.
Backed by Student Health Services and Greenville Fire and Rescue, the team has already responded to several emergency calls. The group includes Honors College students skilled in logistics, training and outreach. Their program not only improves on-campus response times but also gives pre-health students hands-on experience.
ECU’s Intergenerational Pickleball Showdown
ECU’s Sport & Community Development Lab is hosting an Intergenerational Pickleball Tournament on Wednesday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Greenville Pickleball Club. No experience is needed, just an interest in learning and having fun. Teams will consist of one ECU student, faculty or staff member paired with a community member at least 20 years older or younger. The double-elimination tournament includes three age-gap divisions with the registration fee set at $20 per player, which also includes a T-shirt. Friends of the Sport & Community Development Lab get $10 off. Sign up by Friday, April 25, through the Pickleball Den app. If you don’t have a partner, you’ll be matched with someone of a similar skill set.
CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS
If you feel there are any factual errors in this newspaper, please contact editor@theeastcarolinian.com.
Series of graduation events held across campus
ECU has begun holding a series of graduation-related events across campus to celebrate the Spring Class of 2025. These events will last until the commencement ceremony on May 9 at 10 a.m. at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.
APRIL 22
Cappy Hour is a time for graduating students who have obtained their cap and gown to show off their artistry in a competition. The event will last from noon to 4 p.m. It is hosted by the ECU Alumni Association and ECU Student Transitions, organizations that support students in their journey before, during, and after ECU. The winner will receive a gift courtesy of the Alumni Association.
APRIL 24
The First-Gen Graduation Celebration is also hosted by ECU Student Transitions and will honor the first-generation students of ECU at the Main Campus Student Center Ballrooms. The first event will last from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The second event will last from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Students who attend will receive a first-gen stole during the celebration.
A light reception will be provided after the ceremony. Reservations must be made on the Pirate Experience website.
APRIL 25
The Ascendance Celebration is an event hosted by the Ledonia Wright Cultural Center to honor those who have connected with the center throughout their time at ECU. It will last from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Campus Student Center Suite 100. Stoles and light snacks will be provided. Students not able to attend during this time will be able to pick up stoles the following week based on their availability.
MAY 7
The Student National Dental Association will host a celebration for SNDA students graduating from the School of Dental Medicine. The event will be held at the Health Sciences Campus Grand Room 202 from 5 to 8 p.m.
MAY 8
GradBash is an annual celebration commemorating spring graduates only. This year, it will start at 5 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. on the
North Side of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. There will be food and drinks, a live performance from country musician Cooper Greer, as well as a senior toast.
MAY 9
The Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. All graduating students will need to complete the RSVP form that can be found on the ECU commencement website. Individual schools will host their own ceremonies through May 9–10. The schedules for these events can be found on the ECU commencement website.
The American flag causes issues for Camping World
RV company Camping World’s CEO
Marcus Lemonis is refusing to take down a giant U.S. flag at the behest of Greenville, North Carolina’s City Council. Greenville has taken legal action against Lemonis for violations of city ordinances. The Greenville City Council voted 4-2 to take legal action against the company.
Even though the company is being sued, Lemonis has been very defiant and very vocal in refusing to take the flag down. “Not when they sue, not when I lose, not if they take me to jail, the flag is not coming down,” Lemonis told WITN.
His refusal has even reached social media: “The flag will not come down,” Lemonis wrote on X.
According to Newsweek, the flag exceeds city limits, measuring at 3,200 square feet on a 130-foot pole. The flag, which is the same size as a football field, has been up since October 2024.
Lemonis, who is from Lebanon and was
adopted by a Miami family who owned a car dealership, also had an American flag. “I remember as a little child telling my family, I’m going to have a flag in my business and it’s going to be bigger than this one,” Lemonis told WITN.
Many Greenville council members have voiced concerns about the company not being truthful while completing its permit application, according to WITN. However, Lemonis places blame on the flag company that was in charge of putting the flag up. According to Greenville officials, Camping World has failed to pay fines, and a lawsuit is the only way to hold them accountable for zoning and code violations.
This is not the only lawsuit that Lemonis is facing. He is also facing a lawsuit in Tennessee for similar violations and has refused to take the flag down there as well. He is expected to go to court for the Tennessee violations on April 15, according to Newsweek.
COURTESY OF ECU NEWS
Students hugging during their graduation at East Carolina University. ECU has begun holding a series of graduation related events across ECU's campus. DIEGO LERMA I THE EAST CAROLINIAN
company Camping World's CEO is refusing to take down a giant U.S. flag at behest of Greenville
Jordan Adams TEC STAFF
Dakota Hamm TEC STAFF
OUR VIEW
We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe that watching Can’t Look Away, the new Bloomberg Originals documentary, was extremely upsetting and exposed us to the realities of our world today. The film follows parents who are suing tech giants after losing their children to mental health crises as a result of social media. This is truly a reminder that social media is damaging kids, and tech companies are doing absolutely nothing to stop it.
We are living in a society that is very similar to how Big Tobacco was exposed in the ‘90s. It wasn’t until lawsuits and public pressure that people saw how cigarette companies were intentionally making their products addictive and hiding the health risks. That’s when the culture started to shift. Social media is in the same boat. These lawsuits from parents could be what finally holds tech companies accountable and pushes about real change.
Device makers like Apple and Google could make parental controls simpler and more effective, but so far, they haven’t. So maybe the answer isn’t better controls. Maybe it’s saying no. People must begin to accept that kids just shouldn’t be on these platforms at all; they were never meant to be. The tech industry, unfortunately, is only worried about making money. Mental health is not at the top of their priorities, however, it should be on ours.
The author argues that one of the most effective ways to protect today’s youth might be to make social media appear not as desirable. Just like cigarettes lost their appeal, social media needs to loosen its chokehold among teenagers. When young people start recognizing these platforms as manipulative, harmful, or just a waste of time, change can begin to occur. At that point, tech companies won’t have a choice but to adapt.
PIRATE RANTS
East Carolina University has been experiencing an increase in disharmony between students and the institution and faculty within.
ECU’s students have spoken up about sexual assault crimes committed against them and their peers, and the affliction they feel from the institution’s lack of action towards fixing and stopping it. ECU’s campus has been host to multiple protests now. However, the effectiveness of said protests seems to be dwindling.
I commend the brave students who participated in protesting the inadequacy of ECU faculty’s response to the issue. It takes confidence and courage to stand with such a small group of people to object to an issue as large as this. However, more than just protests need to be done to invoke change.
While many other Pirates probably
As the countdown to graduation begins, the final stretch of college feels more like an academic torture rather than a celebration.
Instead of enjoying the final moments, I find myself exhausted, drained and stressed.
Since transferring to East Carolina University in 2023, there have been a lot of ups and downs. I’ve done countless assignments and projects, some I genuinely enjoyed and others I’d be happy to never revisit again.
But I honestly enjoyed my time at ECU, especially my first year. Living in a dorm and getting a taste of independence and college life made the whole experience feel like a movie. I made lots of friends and learned so much from my professors.
agree that adjustments need to be made regarding the efforts put into preventing these infractions, most fail to show up to protests calling for this change. Why is this, you may ask? The answer is as simple as embarrassment.
Our generation has grown so comfortable hiding behind a screen. So, when we’re offered the chance for our face to be the center of such a publicized message, such as a protest on campus, we choose the easier route of spectating rather than participating.
We, as students, can see the infographics and repost in a second, but when we are called to action, this is where we fail to show up. So, while we have the right idea and are moving in the right direction for change to be implemented and justice for our fellow pirates to be gained, we fall short in rallying activism.
Justice and innovation can be achieved with ongoing protests, but the organizers have to be aware of their pending demise,
which rests on their ability to rally the masses. It will also rely on their efforts to involve students in positions of power to demand the institution’s attention.
I, myself, question the silence from students in positions of power who can influence the institution to increase efforts in resolving and preventing these crimes. I wonder why they disregard their chance to stand up and defend the students they pledged to represent and advocate for.
In total, the institution needs to take action against the perpetrators rather than being lenient towards their actions, only for it to continue. The organizers of protests need to accumulate more attendance to influence change. And lastly, students in the position of power need to acknowledge the crimes committed and use their advantage to command action to be taken.
Yes, I think schools should train teachers to respond with empathy and understanding. This helps students feel safe and supported, which improves learning. Focusing only on discipline can make students feel afraid and less connected to their teachers. Empathy builds trust and helps solve problems in a better way.
Fast forward to spring 2025, weeks away from graduating and I feel like I’m drowning with how much I have to do. For instance, I have to complete four presentations alongside final exams and major projects, so it’s not a surprise when I say that I’m burnt out.
Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s when your mind completely blanks out. It’s not just that lazy feeling of not wanting to do something. It’s when you genuinely don’t even know how to start.
I will literally sit and stare at my computer screen for a good five minutes before I even realize what I’m supposed to be doing. I’ll have to reread the instructions ten times just to understand them. And there are so many moments where I feel unmotivated, defeated and start wondering if any of it is even worth it.
I also know I’m not the only student who feels like this. There are other students
who are actually juggling way more than I am and it’s gotta be a lot. I know sometimes for us students we feel like everything is flying by while we’re stuck trying to make it through the semester.
One thing I appreciate is the special pop-up event ECU has at the main student center. I get so excited when I see tables set up and they have wellness awareness activities for students to participate in.
While we’re all going through it and the burnout is definitely real, it’s also a sign that we work hard and we care about our education. It shows that we want to succeed and we’re willing to go through the stress and sleepless nights to make it all worth it.
Still, that doesn’t make burnout healthy or even sustainable because the truth is
you will crash. So before you even get to that point, it’s really important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. I know by spending time with my friends and watching my favorite youtuber, I’m able to destress and feel like a human again.
So burnout isn’t a weakness and you shouldn’t give up, it’s a sign that’s telling you to slow down and take care of yourself. The truth is, you will make it, and you will make yourself proud with how much effort you put into everything. Remember to take a deep breath, drink lots of water and enjoy your last few weeks of college because that’s the whole point at the end of the day.
The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements made in Pirate Rants.
Alexa
TEC STAFF
Arts & Entertainment
EVENTS
TODAY
Bachata & Salsa Dance Classes
Purple Yoga Blossom Studio
302 South Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM 252-364-2917
Concert on the Common:
Dave Matthews Tribute
Greenville Town Common and Greenville Toyota Amphitheater
105 E. 1st St., Greenville, NC 27858
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM 252-329-4567
Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Greenville Town Common and Toyota Amphitheater
E. 1st St., Greenville, NC 27858
6:00 PM to 9:00
ECU’s GlasStation ignites community
Mark Roman TEC STAFF
4:00 PM to 10:00 PM 252-753-3832
Kidd G w/ Sterling Elza / Tyler Nance
The State Theatre 110 West 5th St , Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Stupid F**king Bird (Dramatic Comedy based on Chekhov’s The Seagull)
ECU/Loessin Playhouse
E 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM 252-328-6829
TOMORROW
Alexander Series - The Drifters ECU Wright Auditorium
Wright Circle, Greenville, NC 27858
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM 2527375444
Doggie Jams 2025 Five Points Plaza 5th and Evans Street, Greenville, NC 27858
2:00 PM to 11:59 PM Greenwave: Greenville Music Festival The State Theatre
West 5th St, Greenville, NC 27858
7:00 AM to 11:59 PM
Hank, Pattie & The
The third Friday of each month ECU’s GlasStation holds an open-house demo at 3732 West Wilson Street, Farmville, NC. On Friday April 18 they held the last one for the school year. Open to the public the event consisted of glassblowing demonstrations by Michael Tracy, who manages the GlasStation, and his assistant for the night Nick Bisbee.
The event began at 6:00 p.m. and the relatively small studio was filled very quickly, everyone attentive to the artistic process that was about to begin.
A couple of pieces were made, but the big and most important piece of the night was an easter egg made out of a purple-hued glass called murrine. Murrine is a pattern made from glass canes that can be used to make multiple designs in glassblowing.
It can be used to make everything from square or circular designs, like on the easter egg, or even complex designs like portraits of people.
The process of making the egg was a lengthy one, with a lot of blowing but it mainly consisted of constantly reheating the glass in order to keep it malleable enough to continue shaping it.
At the end, a purple easter egg was made and the crowd applauded in appreciation. Tracy showed the egg to the crowd before Bisbee quickly put on protective gear in order to handle the egg and put it into an annealing oven for it to cool down.
Nick Bisbee, graduate assistant at the GlasStation, said the whole purpose of the event is an “outreach program for Farmville, a community outreach effort to try to get people interested in the arts.”
But the studio is not a “gift shop,” Bisbee says, most of the time spent in the studio is class time. With classes of about six people, sizes are small for safety reasons, and they are 3-6 hours long with constant movement.
The open house demo is the last of the school year, and Bisbee said he wants those who attended to leave with “an appreciation for glasswork, an understanding of why prices are the way that they are, knowing that they know how it’s done.”
Next door to the demonstration was Pitt Community College’s ceramics studio, where they had several ceramic pieces on display and would give information to those in attendance about the class and how they can join.
Alexis Davis is a technical assistant and also teaches the continuing education classes and kids’ summer camps.
She says the studio holds “five-week classes for people who just want to try something new. Some take it with family members as a bonding opportunity.”
The studio is located in Farmville in order to do that, and have more room for kilns and wheels, people came in and out of the studio sporadically, with most being in attendance for the glassblowing demonstration.
Davis says that she likes being in the community and wants the people who attended to “Leave with maybe [the idea] to try something new or get into something they thought they might not be able to.” The event ended a little after 9 p.m. and saw about 40 people in attendance throughout the evening. Make sure to be on the lookout for more open demos in the fall and you can check out pictures of the glass blowing on the GlasStations Instagram page.
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
& Taps:
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Holly Alvarado THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER TNS
SATURDAY
Adult Pottery Workshop: Fairy Houses
Jaycee Park Center for Arts & Crafts
Cedar Lane, Greenville, NC 27858
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 252-329-4551
ANAHEIM, Calif. — As the desert dust settles from this year’s festivities, the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival organizers are already looking ahead to 2026. Goldenvoice has officially announced next year’s dates.
The iconic three-day, two-weekend festival will return to the Empire Polo Club in Indio on April 10-12 and April 17-19, 2026. Advance ticket sales begin at 11 a.m. on May 2 at coachella.com. Fans eager to secure their spots can also opt for hotel packages, which are available now.
Details about general admission and VIP pass prices, parking, camping and payment plans are expected to be announced soon. In the meantime, fans can sign up with their email
and phone number at coachella.com to receive the latest updates.
Coachella 2025 brought a dynamic blend of veteran icons and new-era chart-toppers to the stage. Lady Gaga, Green Day and Post Malone headlined the festival, each delivering unforgettable performances that lit up the Empire Polo Club across both weekends. Travis Scott also made waves with a special late-night set at the Coachella Stage on both Saturdays, drawing his large fan base. Still, some of the most jaw-dropping moments came from artists farther down the lineup. Charli XCX’s Saturday night set attracted one of the largest audiences of the weekend, complete with high-octane choreography, surprise guests, and a setlist packed with fan favorites. Rising pop star Benson Boone stunned festivalgoers
by bringing out Queen guitarist Brian May for a live rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” — and yes, Boone even pulled off a few backflips during his performance.
Surprise guests, genre-blending sets, and eye-popping visuals kept the crowd energized across the sprawling festival grounds. Whether you were front and center at the Coachella Stage or discovering a hidden gem at one of the smaller tents, this year’s event continued the festival’s legacy as a trendsetting cultural moment — and fans are already counting down the days until 2026.
Both Micheal Tracy (left) and Nick Bisbee (right).
Classifieds & Puzzles
Aries (March 21-April 19)
— Today is a 9 — It’s a time of intellectual insight and learning. The dynamics change. Keep your word. Stick to tested methods. When opportunity knocks, open the door.
HOROSCOPES
Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Stick to your budget as you generate income. Do what worked before. Follow rules and regulations. Take profitable action now and clean up later.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Personal discipline leads to long-term benefit. Aim for excellence. Pursue a golden opportunity. Persistence pays high dividends. Show up and do what needs doing.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 6 — Find a quiet place for peaceful productivity. Routines give you strength. Silence soothes. Plan your moves in detail for later action. Rest and plot.
COMICS
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Teamwork is required to get a big job done. Set up meetings, conferences or gatherings and invite participation. Share the load to advance.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Prepare for a testing phase. Stick close to basic structures before expanding. Experience pays off. Get outside support as needed. Expert advice pays off.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Go explore. An investigation requires a field trip. Make reservations in advance. Listen to a friend who’s been there. Make valuable connections. Discover treasure.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate with your partner to manage finances. Balance accounts and pay bills. Keep your files organized. Support each other to contribute to savings.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Take care of business with your partner. Win through disciplined coordination. Hold onto what you have. Take practical action and then treat yourselves.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Focus on maintaining health and work routines and practices. Selfdiscipline pays off. Get in a good workout. Put your heart into your actions.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Develop a romantic or creative idea. Play by the rules. Take it one step at a time. Learn as you go. Practice your arts.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Home and family take priority. Make domestic improvements and repairs. Clean a mess and reward your team with something delicious and a good movie.
by Jacqueline E. Mathews
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Caleb Johnson TEC Sports Reporter
ECU VS. TU Score Prediction?
ECU 2-1
Why?
This team has been so inconsistent over the past few weeks. The last home weekend series was very underwhelming so I’m hopeful that the squad will bounce back. The Pirate’s will need every win they can get going forward for a chance at the postseason so give me ECU 2-1.
Cannon Gates WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. TU
2-1
Why?
I can’t even lie, I have no clue what to think of this team. Realistically, we should sweep Tulane, but I could also see us getting swept. The boys need to step it up because it’s about to be May and Tournament time is right around the corner. They’re going to have to win the conference tournament to make the NCAA postseason.
Garett Skillman TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. TU Score Prediction?
Why?
While I could see us sweeping Tulane, the Pirate’s have just not had much consistency. I do think we pull out the series win with us dropping the game on Sunday. There’s no excuse not to go win this series, given it’s probably the most important series of the year for the American standings. I think Norby bounces back on Friday and hopefully we see Pruett get the start on Saturday again because he’s been lights out.
Baseball series preview vs. Tulane
East Carolina University baseball comes back home to Clark-LeClair Stadium this weekend for an American Athletic Conference showdown against Tulane University (24-17, 8-7 AAC). The Pirates enter the three-game series with a 24-17 overall record and a 9-6 mark in AAC play, following a 9-16 loss at UAB in the series finale last Sunday. Despite the setback, ECU has won five of its last seven conference games and looks to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
This season, the Pirates have weathered injuries to several important players, including veteran outfielder Ryley Johnson, starting pitcher Brett Antolick, and reliever Ryan Towers. Despite those setbacks, head coach Cliff Godwin’s squad has seen the emergence of several young standouts and dependable veterans stepping up to fill the gaps.
Freshman infielder Braden Burress has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, playing well beyond his years both offensively and defensively as he’s batting a staggering 4.24 at the plate. Sophomore
Colby Wallace, a two-way player has also delivered in high-leverage situations, contributing on the mound and with key hits, at the plate as he’s second in RBI’s on the team with 32, trailing only freshman infielder Austin Irby with 34.
On the pitching side, Oklahoma transfer Brad Pruett has taken on a major role in the weekend rotation in his first year in the purple and gold. The bullpen has leaned heavily on a trio of dependable arms including junior pitcher Ethan Young, senior pitcher Jake Hunter, and sophomore pitcher Ethan Norby.
Tulane enters the weekend with a balanced mix of experienced transfers and homegrown talent. Under the direction of head coach Jay Uhlman, the Green Wave feature key players like graduate student pitcher Carter Benbrook and senior shortstop Gavin Schulz, who has been one of the AAC’s top hitters. Also making his return to Greenville is former ECU player Connor Rasmussen, now a member of Tulane’s starting lineup.
The Green Wave’s pitching staff is anchored by graduate student Garrett Payne and graduate student Wes Burton, a
pair of power arms who will look to quiet ECU’s offense throughout the weekend. This series carries some serious postseason implications, as both teams are looking for a higher position in the AAC Tournament seeding race. For ECU, the weekend presents a crucial chance to string together consistent performances and gain ground in the conference title chase. With key players still working back from injury, the Pirates will need continued contributions from their depth. The Pirate’s look to defend their home turf and keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The series will run from Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday night. With both teams neck-and-neck in the conference race, this weekend could prove critical in shaping the postseason outlook for the Pirates. Friday and Sunday’s game will be aired on ESPN+, while Saturday’s game will be on ESPNU.
East Carolina Softball swept on the road vs. Florida Atlantic
Tyler Buonocore
TEC
The East Carolina University softball team (25-22, 10-11 American Athletic Conference) were swept in their weekend series last weekend as they hosted conference leader Florida Atlantic University (38-9, 17-4 AAC). The Lady Pirates couldn’t pull out a win while putting up their fewest number of runs in a three game set all year. Combining for just five runs in the three games, the Owls elite pitching was too much for the Pirates to steal even one game.
For the Owls, junior pitcher Autumn Courtney continued her stellar season this weekend, starting in games one and three, and throwing complete games in both appearances. She gave up a total of six hits and three runs over the weekend and made sure the games weren’t competitive.
In Courtney’s game one, she gave up one run on two hits and secured all 21 outs for the Owls. The two hits for the Lady Pirates came off the bats of sophomore outfielder Kanisha Anderson and junior infielder Logan Sutton. Sutton would come around to score in the second inning when junior infielder Mary-Kathryn Scott layed down a sac-bunt and gave ECU their only lead of the weekend.
The Pirate’s lead would only hold until the fourth inning when FAU junior catcher Chloe Yeats hit a three run shot. Two batters later, junior infielder Yani Guzman would hit one over the center field wall to give FAU a 4-1 lead. The Owls would add another in the fifth and two more in the sixth to seal the game one victory 7-1.
Game two was the more competitive of the series with the final tally being 3-2.
Sophomore pitcher Taylor Apple got the start for ECU, giving up three runs on six hits and tallied five K’s in a complete game. The offense just couldn’t do enough against the pitching staff of the Owls who possess the 22nd best ERA in the country.
FAU grabbed the lead in the first inning when a bases-loaded double by sophomore utility player Ciara Gibson drove in two runs. The Owls tacked on another in the second inning to give them a 3-0 lead. ECU got their runs in the fourth inning when a two out error by the Owls started a rally. A single continued the inning and a double by freshman infielder Gabby Fowler drove in the two runners and made it a one run game.
FAU brought in senior reliever Ainsley Lambert in the fifth inning to try and shut down the Lady pirates offense for the remainder of the game. Statistically, Lambert is one of the best relievers in the country with a 1.78 season ERA, and allowed one hit over the three innings she pitched. Lambert got her nation leading ninth save of the season and clinched the series win for the Owls with a 3-2 victory.
Game three saw Courtney on the mound for the Owls once again. Courtney allowed just two runs on four hits and notched ten strikeouts, bringing her season total to 139, 27th in the country. FAU grabbed two runs in the first and second innings each to give them an early 4-0 lead.
ECU got one of their runs in the bottom of the second when a leadoff triple by graduate infielder Morgan Johnson set up a double by Sutton to cut the lead to three. The Owls responded with two more in the third and one more each in the fourth and fifth to extend
their lead 8-1. Johnson would try to ignite a rally for the Pirates in the seventh by blasting a solo homer but that was all ECU would get making the final 8-2.
Garett Skillman TEC STAFF
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
Senior left-handed pitcher Nick Moran watches the Pirates from the East Carolina dugout at home in Clark-LeClair stadium in Greenville, N.C.
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
East Carolina Univeristy Lady Pirate’s huddled up before taking the field against Florida Atlantic.
The East Carolinian Sports experts predict this week’s events
Caleb Johnson TEC Sports Reporter
ECU VS. TU Score Prediction?
ECU 2-1
Why?
This team has been so inconsistent over the past few weeks. The last home weekend series was very underwhelming so I’m hopeful that the squad will bounce back. The Pirate’s will need every win they can get going forward for a chance at the postseason so give me ECU 2-1.
Cannon Gates WZMB Station Manager
ECU VS. TU
2-1
Why?
I can’t even lie, I have no clue what to think of this team. Realistically, we should sweep Tulane, but I could also see us getting swept. The boys need to step it up because it’s about to be May and Tournament time is right around the corner. They’re going to have to win the conference tournament to make the NCAA postseason.
Garett Skillman TEC Sports Editor
ECU VS. TU Score Prediction?
Why?
While I could see us sweeping Tulane, the Pirate’s have just not had much consistency. I do think we pull out the series win with us dropping the game on Sunday. There’s no excuse not to go win this series, given it’s probably the most important series of the year for the American standings. I think Norby bounces back on Friday and hopefully we see Pruett get the start on Saturday again because he’s been lights out.
Baseball series preview vs. Tulane
East Carolina University baseball comes back home to Clark-LeClair Stadium this weekend for an American Athletic Conference showdown against Tulane University (24-17, 8-7 AAC). The Pirates enter the three-game series with a 24-17 overall record and a 9-6 mark in AAC play, following a 9-16 loss at UAB in the series finale last Sunday. Despite the setback, ECU has won five of its last seven conference games and looks to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
This season, the Pirates have weathered injuries to several important players, including veteran outfielder Ryley Johnson, starting pitcher Brett Antolick, and reliever Ryan Towers. Despite those setbacks, head coach Cliff Godwin’s squad has seen the emergence of several young standouts and dependable veterans stepping up to fill the gaps.
Freshman infielder Braden Burress has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, playing well beyond his years both offensively and defensively as he’s batting a staggering 4.24 at the plate. Sophomore
Colby Wallace, a two-way player has also delivered in high-leverage situations, contributing on the mound and with key hits, at the plate as he’s second in RBI’s on the team with 32, trailing only freshman infielder Austin Irby with 34.
On the pitching side, Oklahoma transfer Brad Pruett has taken on a major role in the weekend rotation in his first year in the purple and gold. The bullpen has leaned heavily on a trio of dependable arms including junior pitcher Ethan Young, senior pitcher Jake Hunter, and sophomore pitcher Ethan Norby.
Tulane enters the weekend with a balanced mix of experienced transfers and homegrown talent. Under the direction of head coach Jay Uhlman, the Green Wave feature key players like graduate student pitcher Carter Benbrook and senior shortstop Gavin Schulz, who has been one of the AAC’s top hitters. Also making his return to Greenville is former ECU player Connor Rasmussen, now a member of Tulane’s starting lineup.
The Green Wave’s pitching staff is anchored by graduate student Garrett Payne and graduate student Wes Burton, a
pair of power arms who will look to quiet ECU’s offense throughout the weekend. This series carries some serious postseason implications, as both teams are looking for a higher position in the AAC Tournament seeding race. For ECU, the weekend presents a crucial chance to string together consistent performances and gain ground in the conference title chase. With key players still working back from injury, the Pirates will need continued contributions from their depth. The Pirate’s look to defend their home turf and keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
The series will run from Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday night. With both teams neck-and-neck in the conference race, this weekend could prove critical in shaping the postseason outlook for the Pirates. Friday and Sunday’s game will be aired on ESPN+, while Saturday’s game will be on ESPNU.
East Carolina Softball swept on the road vs. Florida Atlantic
Tyler Buonocore
TEC
The East Carolina University softball team (25-22, 10-11 American Athletic Conference) were swept in their weekend series last weekend as they hosted conference leader Florida Atlantic University (38-9, 17-4 AAC). The Lady Pirates couldn’t pull out a win while putting up their fewest number of runs in a three game set all year. Combining for just five runs in the three games, the Owls elite pitching was too much for the Pirates to steal even one game.
For the Owls, junior pitcher Autumn Courtney continued her stellar season this weekend, starting in games one and three, and throwing complete games in both appearances. She gave up a total of six hits and three runs over the weekend and made sure the games weren’t competitive.
In Courtney’s game one, she gave up one run on two hits and secured all 21 outs for the Owls. The two hits for the Lady Pirates came off the bats of sophomore outfielder Kanisha Anderson and junior infielder Logan Sutton. Sutton would come around to score in the second inning when junior infielder Mary-Kathryn Scott layed down a sac-bunt and gave ECU their only lead of the weekend.
The Pirate’s lead would only hold until the fourth inning when FAU junior catcher Chloe Yeats hit a three run shot. Two batters later, junior infielder Yani Guzman would hit one over the center field wall to give FAU a 4-1 lead. The Owls would add another in the fifth and two more in the sixth to seal the game one victory 7-1.
Game two was the more competitive of the series with the final tally being 3-2.
Sophomore pitcher Taylor Apple got the start for ECU, giving up three runs on six hits and tallied five K’s in a complete game. The offense just couldn’t do enough against the pitching staff of the Owls who possess the 22nd best ERA in the country.
FAU grabbed the lead in the first inning when a bases-loaded double by sophomore utility player Ciara Gibson drove in two runs. The Owls tacked on another in the second inning to give them a 3-0 lead. ECU got their runs in the fourth inning when a two out error by the Owls started a rally. A single continued the inning and a double by freshman infielder Gabby Fowler drove in the two runners and made it a one run game.
FAU brought in senior reliever Ainsley Lambert in the fifth inning to try and shut down the Lady pirates offense for the remainder of the game. Statistically, Lambert is one of the best relievers in the country with a 1.78 season ERA, and allowed one hit over the three innings she pitched. Lambert got her nation leading ninth save of the season and clinched the series win for the Owls with a 3-2 victory.
Game three saw Courtney on the mound for the Owls once again. Courtney allowed just two runs on four hits and notched ten strikeouts, bringing her season total to 139, 27th in the country. FAU grabbed two runs in the first and second innings each to give them an early 4-0 lead.
ECU got one of their runs in the bottom of the second when a leadoff triple by graduate infielder Morgan Johnson set up a double by Sutton to cut the lead to three. The Owls responded with two more in the third and one more each in the fourth and fifth to extend
their lead 8-1. Johnson would try to ignite a rally for the Pirates in the seventh by blasting a solo homer but that was all ECU would get making the final 8-2.
Garett Skillman TEC STAFF
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
Senior left-handed pitcher Nick Moran watches the Pirates from the East Carolina dugout at home in Clark-LeClair stadium in Greenville, N.C.
COURTESY OF ECU PIRATES
East Carolina Univeristy Lady Pirate’s huddled up before taking the field against Florida Atlantic.
