GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Wichita State's powerful middle combination of Natalie Foster and Morgan Stout delivered a combined 23 kills to propel the Shockers to a 25-23, 25-19, 25-23 straight sets win over East Carolina on Wednesday night at Minges Coliseum.

The win is the 10th consecutive victory for Wichita State against ECU, six of which have been sweeps.

Entering the night ranked in the top-30 nationally in opponent hitting percentage, Wichita State's defense smothered ECU into 22 attack errors and a .113 hitting percentage. The Shockers (7-4, 1-0) hit just .119 themselves, but Stout and Foster fired away at a .381 and .348 clip, respectively, to provide WSU with the match's best source of offense.

It was a slugfest of an opening frame, as the Shockers hit -.023 with 11 attack errors to 10 kills. Wichita State saw an early 13-6 lead disappear in the middle stages, as the Pirates (9-3, 0-1) came all the way back to take a 20-19 edge. An ECU block several points later made it 23-21 and prompted a timeout from head coach Chris Lamb. Out of the stoppage, the Shockers found four straight points, capped off by a solo block from Emerson Wilford for a 25-23 win.

Foster and Stout took over the second set, each pouring home five kills as the Shockers never trailed in the stanza. Stout was a perfect 5-for-5 on kill attempts, and Foster also provided two of her career-best five service aces to keep the Pirates at bay. ECU pulled to within 22-19 late in the set but committed two errors before Wilford again closed out the set with a quick reaction kill.

Both teams found their footing offensively in the third set as the Pirates hit .273 and the Shockers .290, though neither team led by more than three points throughout the frame. WSU trailed 18-15 following another ECU block, but battled back to level the ledger at 20-20 via a Brylee Kelly ace. The Pirates moved back in front with two quick points, but once again a Wichita State timeout proved to be a turning point. Barbara Koehler delivered a crucial sideout with her third kill, then Foster fired in consecutive aces for a 23-22 advantage. Brittany Wood committed an attack error to give WSU match point, and one point later Stout hammered home the winner on a quick middle set to seal the sweep.

Izzi Strand dished out 31 assists in the three sets and a staggering 10 Shockers recorded multiple digs, led by freshman Reagan Anderson's career-best eight.

Angeles Alderete paced the Pirates with 12 kills, and former Shocker Lara Uyar had a match-best 20 digs.

The Shockers return to the friendly confines of Charles Koch Arena for the American Athletic Conference home opener on Saturday against Charlotte. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 pm.