Liberty snaps ECU Lacrosse's winning streak

ECU's three-game winning streak came to an end as the Pirates fell to Liberty 18-6 on Wednesday afternoon.

ECU (5-2) loses for just the second time this season, both on the road. Liberty (5-2) finished with its best offensive outburst of the season.

Much like the Pirates’ early loss to North Carolina, ECU fell behind on Wednesday and did not have the firepower to mount a comeback. The Flames set the tone by scoring off the opening draw, a goal that kicked off a 10-0 run to open the game. Anna Keebler had a hat trick among those first 10 goals while Emily Browne and Brianna McCaffrey each had a pair of goals.

ECU broke its scoring drought at the 12:03 mark when Ally Stanton scored off free position shot. Liberty though, rattled off another 3-0 run after Stanton’s goal to take a 13-1 lead. Reigning AAC Midfielder of the Week Nicole LeGar got one goal back for ECU with 17 seconds remaining in the half, sending ECU into the break trailing 13-2.

The second half was nearly even between the two teams, but the damage was already done. ECU got goals from Megan Pallozzi, Emma Bowman and Megan Tryniski while Brittany Borchers a goal and an assist in the half. ECU never got closer than 10 at any point during the final 30 minutes, as Keebler added two more goals and an assist.

Liberty had a 23-12 edge in shots on goal while ECU held a 14-11 advantage in the draw circle. Liberty dominated the ground ball battle 16-10 and forced 20 ECU turnovers to just 14 for Liberty.

Christina White played 45:15 in goal for ECU, making three saves. Savvy Smith played the final 14:45 in the cage and made a pair of stops of her own.

ECU will return home for a game against Vermont on Sunday, March 10. The game is slated to start at 12 noon inside Johnson Stadium.