The Panthers were once again disappointed in tournament play this Saturday. This time, though,… The Panthers were once again disappointed in tournament play this Saturday. This time, though, it was the Pitt men’s volleyball club who encountered some March Madness of their own in the Divisional Championship tournament held at Grove City College.

Pitt was defeated in the first round of the four-team tournament by the No. 1 seed, Grove City. Grove City, who finished first in the North Division of the Penn-Ohio League, beat the Panthers, 2-1.

Though the Panthers finished in second place during the season in the South Division of the Penn-Ohio League with a 6-2 overall record, this first round loss eliminates them from advancing to the Regional Tournament that will be played this Saturday at Maryland University.

Despite the disappointment, however, the Panthers have reason to keep their heads held high, with an even bigger tournament to look ahead to.

Beginning April 10, the Panthers will travel to Ohio State University to participate in the National Tournament, for which Pitt has already qualified.

For the first time in its history, the Pitt club will enter this tournament, which consists of 60 teams at the Division I level.

“We’re definitely excited for nationals,” club president Leo Shim said. “It’s an opportunity for everyone to get some recognition.”

Pitt will travel to the National Championship Tournament with a lack of postseason experience and a shortage of men, because only 10 club members will be sent to participate.

The Panthers, however, fear nothing, as they will rely on their explosive offensive play to bring home a championship.

“We have a lot of outstanding hitters,” vice-president Connor Weiss said. “I think we’ll be able to put up a challenge and really make a name for ourselves.”

Players are confident even after falling short in the Divisional Tournament and feel that they know what needs to be done to advance in the brackets.

“This weekend showed our strengths and weaknesses in the team that will be going to nationals,” Weiss said. “This will allow us to work on those weaknesses and hopefully be rid of them.”