Pitt teams hit the road as they begin Big East play

The fall sports are now in full swing, with every Pitt team getting into its Big East… The fall sports are now in full swing, with every Pitt team getting into its Big East conference schedule. Here are all of the news highlights and things to look forward to this week in Pitt sports.

Are you ready for some football (again)?

The Pitt football game against South Florida has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4. The matchup was supposed to take place on Sept. 6 at Raymond James Stadium but was postponed because of Hurricane Frances.

“We are pleased to announce a rescheduled date for the game so that our fans can make plans for the Dec. 4 weekend,” Pitt athletic director Jeff Long said in a prepared statement. “The circumstances forcing the game’s postponement were highly unfortunate, and certainly our thoughts are with those communities affected by the hurricanes.”

The game was originally part of ESPN’s Labor Day special, but there is currently no commitment for television. However, the two schools and ESPN continue to discuss live coverage opportunities for the new date.

“We look forward to visiting our new Big East partner in December and hope that our continued dialogue with ESPN will maintain the original plans of a national telecast,” Long said.

Volleyball goes for 12th title.

The Pitt women’s volleyball team is the reigning Big East champion and will begin to defend that title on Friday, Oct. 8 as they travel to New York City to take on St. John’s in a match slated for 7 p.m. Before coming home, the Panthers will play Manhattan on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Pitt (10-5) is coming off a weekend split that included a victory over Indiana State (3-1), and a loss to Illinois State (3-1).

Road trip, anyone?

Pitt’s men’s soccer team is taking its show on the road this week for two away games. The Panthers (3-2-3 overall, 1-1-1 Big East) will take on No. 14 Notre Dame on Thursday, Oct. 7 in South Bend, Ind. Pitt will then face Western Michigan on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Last weekend, the Panthers defeated No. 21 Seton Hall, 2-1. Goalkeeper Justin Lowery made a save on a penalty kick that allowed junior Justin Genes an opportunity to kick the game-winning goal, the first of his career.

Women’s soccer hosts “Backyard Brawl.”

Pitt hosted No. 20 West Virginia last night at Founders Field. Be sure to read tomorrow’s Pitt News for coverage of the game.

The Panthers (4-4-1 overall, 1-2-1 Big East) travel to Baltimore, Md., on Sunday, Oct. 10, for a game against Maryland-Baltimore County.

Tennis team heads to Morgantown.

The Pitt women’s tennis team is competing in the Martha Thorn Invitational on Friday, Oct. 8 through Sunday, Oct. 10 in Morgantown, W.Va.

The Panthers are coming off a great showing at last weekend’s Bucknell Fall Classic in Lewisburg, Pa. Senior Jill Williams, freshman Carlie Smith and freshman Michele Petrasko all came away with Flight Singles titles.

Albrecht named to NCAA Committee.

Dr. Susan Albrecht, Pitt’s NCAA Faculty Representative, has begun a four-year term as a member of the NCAA’s Academics, Eligibility and Compliance Committee.

The committee meets three times per year to discuss rule changes, regulations and guidelines for NCAA compliance issues. This includes student-athlete eligibility and adherence to academic policies.

Albrecht has been at Pitt for over 25 years and currently serves as associate dean and associate professor in the School of Nursing.

“Dr. Albrecht’s status as a member of the committee is a real advantage to the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department,” Associate Athletic Director for Administration, Student Life and Compliance Donna Sanft said. “Her expertise and insight will be helpful to the committee, and the feedback received from the committee will help our staff and student-athletes understand the rules and regulations.”

Rollman on a roll in Spain.

Former Pitt volleyball standout Sarah Rollman has continued her playing career overseas in the Spanish Superlliga for the Sant Cugat team (suburb of Barcelona).

Rollman is one of the key players on the team and is currently an outside hitter. Pitt volleyball coach Chris Beerman believes that Rollman’s work ethic and talent should make her a standout in Spain.

“The Spanish Superlliga is a big-time league, and Sarah put in the work necessary to be successful overseas,” Beerman said in a statement. “She’s really in her prime now, and I would expect her to make major contributions to her team like she did here.”

Pitt football on Channel 4.

Pitt’s football game Saturday against Temple is ESPN Regional’s “Big East Game of the Week” and will be aired locally on WTAE-TV. Dave Sims will handle the play-by-play, and former Pitt quarterback John Congemi will provide the color in the broadcast.