Duke's Offensive Showcase Shines in Victory Over East Carolina
In a thrilling display of offensive prowess, the No. 23 Blue Devils secured an 18-10 victory against East Carolina at Koskinen Stadium. The dynamic trio of Avery Doran, Quinn Whitaker, and McKenzie Olsen each notched hat tricks, leading Duke's charge with finesse and flair.
Duke's offensive depth was on full display as McKenzie Olsen, Ava Biancardi, Sadie Stafford, and Eva Pronti each added two goals to the tally, while Maddie MacDonald chipped in with one. Doran was instrumental in orchestrating the attack, dishing out three assists to complement her scoring.
Ellie White was a force in the draw circle, achieving a career-high 16 draws, setting the stage for Duke's dominance. On the defensive end, Amanda Paci showcased her skills with two ground balls and caused turnovers. In goal, Hope Schoudel stood tall, recording a career-best six saves.
Game Breakdown
East Carolina struck first, but Duke quickly responded with a trio of goals from Whitaker, Pronti, and Doran, taking a 3-1 lead early in the first quarter. The teams traded goals, and Duke entered the second quarter with a 6-4 advantage.
The second quarter was all Duke, as they went on a 7-1 run. Doran's playmaking was pivotal, scoring and assisting on key goals, including two connections with Biancardi. Duke's relentless attack pushed their lead to 13-5 by halftime.
The third quarter saw ECU tighten up defensively, keeping Duke scoreless while adding three goals of their own, narrowing the gap to 13-8.
In the final quarter, MacDonald quickly reignited Duke's offense, scoring just 18 seconds in. Pronti and Stafford added to the tally, and Whitaker sealed the deal with a late free position goal, ensuring an 18-10 victory.
Key Highlights
- Duke now holds a 3-2 record, while ECU drops to 2-2.
- Head coach Kerstin Kimel celebrated her 367th career win.
- Duke extends its perfect record against ECU to 9-0.
- White achieved a personal milestone with over 150 career draw controls.
- Doran equaled her season-high with six points, showcasing her dual-threat capability.
- This game marked the first instance this season where three Duke players scored three or more goals each.
- MacDonald and Schoudel both achieved career highs in ground balls and saves, respectively.
Looking Ahead
The Blue Devils remain at home to face California in an exciting ACC matchup this Saturday. Fans can expect another high-energy performance as Duke looks to build on their momentum.