Panthers call Rens’ number

After nearly seven weeks of searching, athletic director Steve Pederson finally found what… After nearly seven weeks of searching, athletic director Steve Pederson finally found what he’s been looking for.

Pederson announced Monday the hiring of Toby Rens, who coached Long Island University for the past four years, as the head coach of the Pitt women’s volleyball team.

“I’m very familiar with the program and the Big East,” said Rens.

“It’s an opportunity to compete at a high level, which was very appealing to me.”

Pitt, which lost just two seniors to graduation, started last season strong but lost six of its last seven matches to end the season 15-16 overall and miss the Big East tournament.

The Panthers return Meagan Dooley, who earned All-Big East second team honors last year as a sophomore.

Rens, who also served as the head coach at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore from 2001 to 2003, said the team is set to report Aug. 8 and will begin practicing together the next day.

He replaces Chris Beerman, who resigned from the head coaching position May 13 to pursue other coaching opportunities.