Pitt defeats two Big East foes on the road

The Pitt volleyball team won both of its matches this weekend, and the Panthers are now… The Pitt volleyball team won both of its matches this weekend, and the Panthers are now winners of five straight and nine out of their last 10.

In their first match, the Panthers (11-3 overall, 2-0 Big East) easily dispensed of Providence College (1-16) in straight games. The second match of the weekend proved to be more challenging, but after losing the first game, Pitt swept the next three to defeat Boston College (11-4, 1-1).

Pitt 3, Providence 0

Pitt dominated the host Friars in three matches 30-17, 30-13 and 30-23.

Middle hitter Megan Miller led the Panthers’ attack against Providence, registering match highs of 19 kills and a .792 hitting percentage.

Outside hitter Wendy Hatlestad contributed with 13 kills and seven digs, while middle hitter April Puzauskas had 15 kills and a .700 hitting percentage.

“I think April just had a phenomenal weekend. She’s done great since she’s been a starter. She has really stepped up,” head coach Chris Beerman said.

Setter Lindsey Macke had a match-high 41 assists, and outside hitter Sarah Rollman added a match-high 13 digs for the Panthers.

Katie Fleming led the way for the Friars with 10 kills.

Pitt 3, Boston College 1

The Panthers traveled to Chestnut Hill, Mass., on Sunday and left with a 3-1 win over Boston College.

Pitt dropped the first game 26-30, but rebounded to win the next three 30-21, 34-32 and 30-26.

Hatlestad led the Panthers with team highs of 19 kills and three solo blocks. Rollman added another 18 kills for Pitt.

Miller contributed to the attack with 11 kills, and Puzauskas registered eight kills and a match-high .538 hitting percentage.

Macke posted a team-high 50 assists, and libero Megan McGrane had a match-high 11 digs for the Panthers.

Alison Shepp and Allison Anderson led the Eagles with 23 and 22 kills, respectively.

“They put a lot of pressure on us, but I thought we really grinded out a victory. We played in a really hostile environment and we really came through in the end,” Beerman said. I’m actually pretty proud of our team. I thought we did a good job of getting the W.”

The Panthers return to action on Saturday with a match against Big East foe Villanova.