Volleyball: Team preparing for Big East’s elite this weekend

As the Pitt volleyball team returns from a 1-2 road trip, the familiar home setting of the… As the Pitt volleyball team returns from a 1-2 road trip, the familiar home setting of the Fitzgerald Field House should be an advantage as the Panthers look for a successful weekend against the Big East’s elite.

Based on the level of competition they will face, any such advantage will be welcome.

On Saturday, the Panthers will take on Louisville, the second-place team in the Big East Conference, then turn around the next day to face the conference leader, No. 21 Cincinnati on Sunday.

For head coach Toby Rens, the fact that the Panthers will play these strong opponents at home is a relief.

“We have been traveling for the past three weekends,” Rens said. “It takes a toll on the team and it will certainly be nice to get some rest before our next matches.”

Those next matches will be a test of the Panthers’ ability to compete for a Big East tournament title, which both Rens and his players consider to be up for grabs.

“I believe the championship can go to any of the teams that make the tournament this year,” senior setter Alyssa King said. “The season competition level is high this year and there are no easy matches.”

Rens echoed these sentiments, noting the parity that exists in the conference.

“Louisville and Cincinnati are at the top of the conference, but Louisville’s only loss has been to Seton Hall, a team that we beat,” he said.

The Cardinals fell to Seton Hall 2-3 in late September, whereas the Panthers earned a 3-2 victory over the Pirates one week later.

Cincinnati also has one loss in the season at the hands of Louisville, adding to the notion that the Big East standings are not immovable.

The Panthers are currently in seventh place in the 15-team conference with a 5-5 Big East record, but with five other teams nearby in conference record, Rens understands that a tournament berth is still a possibility.

“With the way the Big East standings are right now, picking up a few key wins this weekend will really improve our situation,” Rens said.

In order to accomplish that task, the Panthers must find a way to deal with the high-powered offenses of both the Cardinals and the Bearcats.

Louisville is led by outside hitter Lola Arslanbekova whereas Cincinnati looks to the Big East Player of the Week, outside hitter Stephanie Niemer for offensive performance.

Although these teams will bring a strong attack, the Panthers have consistently showed outstanding defensive efforts, led by sophomore libero Margy Acton and senior outside hitter Amy Town.

“Margy has been playing very well for us,” Rens said of his libero, who recently set the school record for most digs in a game with 45. “She brings great energy to our defense.”

Town often receives attention for her offensive kill figures, but Rens is quick to point out her importance in the defensive game plan.

“Amy is a strong hitter and that is most visible,” he said. “Yet, she frequently is one of the dig leaders on the team for a given match.”

In fact, Town has recorded seven double-double performances this season by collecting double-digit figures in both kills and digs.

The preparation plan for the Panthers this week will consist of analyzing the game systems of Louisville and Cincinnati while working on their own team goals.

“Each week, we try to work on overall team aspects of our game, specifically blocking form and serving accuracy,” King said.

“These team goals help us focus on the upcoming matches.”

Focus, combined with a superior level of play, will be key in the Panthers’ search for wins against the reigning elite in what King considers a “crazy conference.”