‘We didn’t miss a beat:’ No. 1 Pitt volleyball dominates Duke

No. 1 Pitt (23-1, ACC 13-1) overpowered Duke in a sweep on Sunday afternoon, making this its 12th win at home in the Fitzgerald Field House this season. 

Sophomore outside hitter Torrey Stafford had an outstanding game in front of the home crowd, leading the match in kills with 13 kills and ending with a .480 hitting percentage. Sixth-year outside hitter Valeria Vasquez Gomez also stood out, totaling eight kills and a .480 hitting percentage. 

“It was an efficient night for us,” head coach Dan Fisher said. ”I especially thought our pin hitters were really strong tonight, especially Torrey’s rhythm and connection with Rachel was the best it’s been in a while.” 

First Set:

Pitt got off to an early 14-5 lead over Duke, with five digs each from Stafford and senior libero Emmy Klika. Pitt won the first set easily 25-10. 

Coming in hot off their victory over the No. 25 Tar Heels on Friday, the Panthers were ready to take down their other visitors from North Carolina. Defensively, the Panthers put on a masterclass, holding Duke to a -.065 hitting percentage and earning five blocks — three block assists coming from redshirt junior middle blocker Bre Kelley— in the first set. Stafford finished the set strong with seven kills, hitting .857. 

Second Set:

Pitt maintained its dominance over Duke, keeping at least a six-point spread between it and the Blue Devils through the majority of the set. The Panthers’ defensive domination continued with Pitt winning handily 25-11.

Kelley had earned six blocks through two sets, stifling most of Duke’s attempts. Switching up the rotation to give key players a rest and test out the 6-2 the Panthers run from time to time, senior setter Nisa Buzlutepe and first-year middle-blocker Dalia Vírlan came through to help the Panthers earn some crucial points against the Blue Devils in the second and third sets. 

Third Set:

Like the first two sets, it was all Pitt during the third and final set. Torrey Stafford remained in control of the game, tallying three kills in the third set. 

Senior setter Rachel Fairbanks finished the match with 20 assists and Fisher was proud of the connection she had with Stafford.

“I really liked seeing Torrey’s connection with Rachel,” Fisher said. “We want them to be in rhythm all the time, and I thought she essentially was and even when she got [sets] a little bit off, that she kept herself in rhythm too.”

 When reflecting on the growing connection with her setter, Stafford attributed her improvement to preparation.

“I like being disciplined, not just in volleyball but in my life,” Stafford said. “So, it’s nice to perform my best after my preparation to be my best.” 

The Panthers comfortably won the last set 25-13, going on a 5-0 run to finish the match out. In both the North Carlina game on Friday and against Duke on Sunday, Pitt did not trail for a single point.

Next, Pitt will face Flordia State on Friday, Nov. 15 at home, followed by Miami on Sunday, Nov. 17. Both games are watchable on ACCNX.