Volleyball: Panthers perform well in their own tournament

Home-court advantage is not myth. The Pitt women’s volleyball team learned that when it posted… Home-court advantage is not myth. The Pitt women’s volleyball team learned that when it posted a 3-1 record in its own invitational tournament this past weekend.

“Playing on our home court really makes a difference,” head coach Toby Rens said. “It feels more comfortable than playing on an opponent’s court, or even at a neutral site.”

The Panthers (4-10) had struggled in their early season tournaments, but their success at the Pitt Invitational could be a sign of growing confidence and experience.

“The match victories allow all of the players, especially the less experienced members of the team, to gain a sense of confidence in their play that will hopefully continue,” Rens said.

The Panthers dropped their first match of the tournament to No. 9 Washington but finished the weekend with three consecutive victories over Robert Morris, Bowling Green and Saint Francis (Pa.).

Washington 3, Pitt 0

Despite the home-court comfort level, the Panthers were not able to match the play of the undefeated Huskies, as Pitt fell in three sets with scores of 25-19, 25-11 and 25-12.

In the first set, the Panthers managed to keep the score close, and according to Rens, play at a high level.

“During the first set, there was some great volleyball,” Rens said. “Each point was earned with hard work, and there were intense rallies throughout.”

Still, the Panthers lost the hitting battle, as the Huskies collected 42 kills to Pitt’s 23. Blocking was also a deciding factor, as Washington’s Bianca Rowland recorded more kills individually than the entire Pitt team.

Another battle that the Panthers lost came in the form of experience.

“After the match, I spoke to the team and reminded them that Washington returned many of their starters from last year and that they have been playing together for a long time,” Rens said. “A team like Washington helps us to discover our weaknesses.”

Pitt 3, Robert Morris 0

The lessons learned against Washington carried over into the next match against Robert Morris where the Panthers earned set wins of 25-21, 27-25 and 25-22.

Seniors Amy Town and Imani Harper led the way offensively for Pitt. Both recorded double-digit figures in kills.

Harper, who was named to the All-Tournament team, particularly impressed Rens with her play.

“Harper had an outstanding weekend,” Rens said. “She finished with an overall hitting percentage above .400, and her blocking added another dimension to our team play.”

Harper’s 15 kills against Robert Morris made for a season-high figure, and her weekend total of blocks came to 19.

Town, in addition to her match-leading 17 kills, contributed eight digs to the defensive efforts.

Pitt 3, Bowling Green 2

In perhaps the most exciting match of the tournament, the Panthers came away with a hard-fought win against the Bowling Green Falcons.

A key element in the victory was the entire team’s defensive play, and the communication among the six players on the court.

“I was pleased with our back-row defensive players,” Rens said. “They were instrumental in enforcing team communication and chemistry, which is an important intangible in volleyball.”

Senior Tara Rohall finished the match with 11 digs, and her classmate Melanie Feldman recorded six. Sophomore Margy Acton came up with 10 digs against the Falcons.

“Tara, Melanie and Margy played their roles well this weekend,” Rens said. “They knew what they needed to contribute, and they did that.”

Rohall’s performance was both a match best and a personal career best.

Pitt 3, Saint Francis 1

The Panthers finished the week strong by defeating Saint Francis 25-14, 25-18, 23-25 and 25-17.

With her play in the match, junior middle blocker Kiesha Leggs earned All-Tournament honors along with Harper.

Leggs earned 33 kills and eight blocks in the tournament, as well as praise from the head coach.

“Leggs has been working hard in practices to develop as a middle blocker,” Rens said. “Her play this weekend is evidence of that work and its payoff, and I have been impressed with our middle blocking as a whole.”

Also of interest to Rens was his team’s ability to respond to a third-set loss with a win to secure the match victory.

“The team has really developed as far as team chemistry goes,” Rens said. “During timeouts, the players had helpful feedback to give their teammates, which is evidence of a growing comfort with each other.”

The Panthers will play their next match at home against George Washington.

Editor’s Note: This story has been changed to correct an error in game time. The Pitt News regrets the error.