Volleyball picks up the slack for Pitt sports over weekend
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
12:22 am
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While Pitt's soccer teams didn’t fare so well, volleyball picked up the slack by sweeping Virginia Tech for the Panthers' 13th straight win.
Volleyball sweeps Virginia in ACC opener
By Alex Lehmbeck, Staff Writer
September 20, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Panthers came into Wednesday night’s game riding a perfect 5-0 record in ACC openers, and extended that streak to six with a dominant 3-0 win over the Cavaliers.
Weekend recap: Volleyball, softball teams pick up two wins apiece
By Griffin Floyd, For the Pitt News
September 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt’s sports teams represented the University well over the weekend, going a combined 4-1.
Weekend Recap: Volleyball stays unbeaten, men’s soccer falls in nail-biter
By Stephen Thompson, For the Pitt News
September 10, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Panther teams faced off against a stacked lineup of nationally ranked teams in volleyball, soccer and cross country over the weekend, achieving mixed results.
Weekend Recap: Volleyball aces weekend games, remains undefeated
By Nick Carlisano, For The Pitt News
September 4, 2018
Filed under Soccer, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Panther's saw promise and defeat this weekend, as the volleyball, men and women's soccer, and cross country teams competed throughout the country. Through a tough tournament, the women's volleyball team remains undefeated.
Panther Spotlight: Kayla Lund, Edward Kizza, Anna Rico
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
August 28, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Soccer, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Although the fall sports season is barely a week old, several Panthers have already begun to establish themselves as playmakers on their respective teams.
Panthers reminisce on time with Coach Aprile
By Tessa Sayers, For The Pitt News
July 18, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Head coach Holly Aprile announced her resignation from Pitt Softball on Sunday. The announcement comes after the softball team’s most successful season yet, which included the program’s first ACC Coastal Division title in its history.
Mike Bell named new Pitt baseball head coach
By Hannah Schneider, Sports Editor
July 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Former associate head coach at Florida State Mike Bell will take over as head coach of Pitt Baseball.
Softball coach Holly Aprile resigns
By Hannah Schneider, Sports Editor
July 14, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
– Aprile coached the Panthers softball team for 10 years. She will coach at Louisville, who the Panthers beat this year to win their first division championship.
Oregon State wins College World Series
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
July 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Billy Buckner is a name that lives in infamy throughout the baseball world. Remembered for letting a ground ball pass right between his legs during the 1986 World Series, he cost the Boston Red Sox what would have been their first World Series Championship in 68 years. Instead, the New York Mets took...
Joe Jordano resigns as baseball coach
By Hannah Schneider and Joanna Li
June 21, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Joe Jordano resigned as head coach of Pitt’s baseball team Thursday night, according to a report from the Post-Gazette. An official announcement released by the University Friday afternoon confirmed his resignation. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this program with integrity, pas...
5 Panthers drafted to MLB
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
June 20, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
After finishing the regular season as the 12th seed in the ACC Tournament, the Pitt men’s baseball team pulled off two incredible upsets against eighth-seeded Georgia Tech and top overall seed North Carolina. Although the Panthers would go on to lose in the semifinal to Louisville, it was a strong ...
2 Panthers drafted into MLB
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 7, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Two Panthers were selected into the MLB on the second day of the 2018 draft, marking the sixth year in a row that Pitt has had at least one player picked to join the league. RJ Freure The Houston Astros drafted Pitt rising junior relief pitcher RJ Freure in the sixth round with the 192nd pick of the...
Pitt swimming and diving signs 12 new athletes
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
June 2, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Pitt’s swimming and diving program announced 12 new additions to the upcoming 2018-19 season on Friday. These dozen athletes join the seven other members of the Class of 2018, announced last November. “We believe that each of these kids has the potential to leave Pitt as an accomplished student and a phenomenal athlete,” Pitt head coach John Hargis sai...
Pitt baseball falls to Louisville in ACC semifinal
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
May 26, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While it was an exciting run, all good things must end — and that’s what happened for the Pitt baseball team Saturday afternoon when a 5-2 loss to the No. 5 Louisville Cardinals put an end to the No. 12 Panthers’ ACC Baseball Championship bid in the semifinal round in Durham, North Carolina. A...
Pitt Softball loses ACC Championship game
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
May 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
The Panthers softball team finished its most successful season yet with a 33-18-1 record, earning head coach Holly Aprile the ACC Coach of the Year honor. With two victories over Louisville earlier this month, the Panthers ended the season as ACC Coastal Champions for the first time in school history — and...
Softball team secures first ACC championship in program history
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
May 5, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
The Pitt softball team earned a crucial 9-8 victory over Louisville Friday afternoon to clinch first place in the ACC Coastal Division — marking the team’s first division championship in its 20-year history. The Panthers then took a victory lap on Saturday with a 10-2 win in their second game against...
Lyke Plans to “Flip the Pete”
By Joanna Li | Senior Staff Writer
April 25, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Athletic Director Heather Lyke wants to “flip” the basketball court at the Petersen Events Center. She announced that the Athletic Department will be changing the layout of the court at a media roundtable discussion at the Pete Wednesday morning. According to Lyke, when Pitt built the eve...
Q&A: Expert gives tips to stay fit for finals
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
April 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Students hardly have time to work out during the semester, but finding time for physical activity becomes even more of a hassle when finals roll around. Putting time in to study for finals may take precedent this week, but there are plenty of benefits to finding a way to work in a quick run or worko...
Weekend recap: Panthers break records, keep winning on track and field
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
April 23, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Panthers come out of this weekend with records set on the track and with both the baseball and softball teams continuing their winning ways on the diamond. As students fight through finals this week, the Panthers are sprinting through the finish line. Baseball Pitt went 2-1 this weekend against Miami, moving th...
Panthers put out Golden Flashes, 6-4
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
April 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt softball moved to within two games of first place in the ACC coastal division after winning their second game in a row, 6-4, against the Kent State Golden Flashes Wednesday. Coming off a series win against Georgia Tech, the Panthers (23-16-1) looked to remain on track on what’s been a somewh...
Golden Flashes blind Panthers, 2-0
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
April 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
After winning a huge series against Georgia Tech this past weekend, Pitt baseball looked to stay hot and get revenge on nonconference opponent Kent State. In the second of two matchups between the two clubs this season, Pitt failed to get a runner across home, losing 2-0. The Panthers (19-15) suffered a shutout loss...
Weekend sports: Track tabs top-10s, tennis trips up
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
April 15, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
This past weekend for Pitt Athletics looked like a repeat of the one before it. Track athletes again set personal bests and nabbed top finishes as softball and baseball each won two of three and tennis continued to struggle. Baseball Like tennis and softball, the baseball team also hosted Georg...
Mountaineers maul Panthers, 12-1
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
April 12, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Pitt’s bats fell silent on Wednesday as they were unable to score more than one run for the third straight game, losing 12-1 to the West Virginia Mountaineers in Morgantown. West Virginia’s (15-15) offense found life against Pitt (17-13) in the 195th Backyard Brawl and handed the second straigh...
Kent State clobbers Pitt, 4-1
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
April 10, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
After falling behind early in the game, the Pitt baseball team was unable to catch up to Kent State, ultimately falling 4-1 to the Golden Flashes Tuesday. The Panthers (17-12 overall, 6-9 ACC) lost to the Golden Flashes (18-10, MAC) in an out-of-conference matchup at the Charles L. Cost Field. ...
Pitt gymnastics sets the bar with record-breaking season
By Jon Shaiken | Staff Writer
April 10, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Looking back on Pitt’s season, it is hard not to be impressed with the progress the gymnastics team has made under first-year head coach Samantha Snider. Despite finishing at a meager 7-18, new program records and history-making performances defined the Panthers’ season. The Panthers closed out their 2018 season Ap...
Panther Spotlight: Liam Sabino, Kayla Harris, Claudia Bartolome
By Alex Lehmbeck | Staff Writer
April 10, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Conference play is well underway for spring sports, with some Pitt teams performing much better than others. As regular seasons come to a close, here are some standout athletes of the last few weeks. Liam Sabino After dropping its first three series in ACC play against Virginia Tech, North Ca...
Weekend sports: Softball causes upset, gymnastics competes at regionals
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
April 8, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Though some students may be struggling with the stresses that the end of the semester brings, Pitt athletes weren’t cracking under the pressure over the weekend. Track athletes continue to set personal bests, the baseball team improved on their impressive win percentage and the softball team registere...
Gymnastics competes at NCAA regional competition
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
April 8, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Pitt gymnastics team competed in the NCAA Regional Championship in the St. John Arena at Ohio State University Saturday, placing fifth overall out of six teams and finishing with a score of 195.125. This season — Samantha Snider’s first year as head coach — was the first time since 2013 ...
Q&A: Desiree Garland gets gold for Pitt
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
April 6, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Senior Desiree Garland never intended to become a collegiate sprinter — she began her high school career as a jumper. But after she finished with the best 400-meter time in replacement of a missing teammate at one high school meet, Garland’s path as a sprinter was set. She claimed Pitt’s fi...
Randy Waldrum brings change, experience to Pitt women’s soccer
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
April 3, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Sports Features
For a team that won just three games last year, hiring one of the most successful women’s soccer coaches in the country might seem unlikely. But that’s just what athletic director Heather Lyke announced in December with the hiring of Randy Waldrum to lead the struggling program. Waldrum has been coaching soccer for the last 30 years. He comes to Pitt as one of the winningest head coaches ...
Cultures come together on Pitt’s tennis team
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
April 3, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
A quick glance at the men’s top 10 world tennis rankings reveals that no two players share the same country of origin. The same can be said for the top eight women in the world — an unusual trend considering certain nations tend to specialize and often dominate in other sports. A microcosm of...
Panthers baseball pounces on Penguins, 9-5
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
April 3, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt baseball snagged their third victory in a row this season with a 9-5 win over Youngstown State Tuesday night. The softball team was also set to take on Penn State the same evening, but the game was canceled due to rain. The Panthers (15-10, 4-8 ACC) swapped runs with the Penguins (8-18, 6-3 Horizon) th...
Pitt cheerleaders and dance team showcase skills before heading to championships
By Marissa Perino | Staff Writer
April 3, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
On quiet upper campus yesterday evening, an eager crowd gathered to support the Pitt cheerleaders and Dance Team. Under the bright lights of the Petersen Events Center, the teams showcased their polished routines, which will debut at the National Cheer Association and National Dance Association Colleg...
Weekend sports: Panthers split across the states
By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor
April 1, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Panthers’ track and field team found both faltered and found success from coast to coast during the weekend while Pitt baseball, softball and tennis stayed home for conference matchups. Track and Field The Pitt track and field team had a jam-packed weekend, with athletes competing in fou...
Panthers fall flat on the track in Texas
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
March 30, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
In the scorching Texas heat, five Pittsburgh track athletes competed in the annual Texas Relays — the second biggest relays in the country — at the University of Texas at Austin. The Panthers sent four women — seniors Morgan Harvey, Quadaisha Newkirk and Lalia Ismail and first year Breanna Phil...
Softball falls to Ohio, 6-1
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
March 27, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt softball (17-12-1) traveled to Athens Wednesday to take on Ohio University (15-12) in a non conference matchup. Pitt baseball was scheduled to take on West Virginia University in the 156th Backyard Brawl in Morgantown, but the game was canceled due to rain. In Ohio, the Bobcats shut down the P...
Weekend sports: Panthers provide weak performances
By Jon Shaiken | Staff Writer
March 26, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Basketball season may be officially over for Pitt, but it was still a packed weekend for athletics, as four teams took the stage with varied results. Gymnastics saw strong individual performances once again and softball swept their series. Baseball had a mixed bag against a ranked Duke, and tenn...
Weekend recap: Pitt track leads the way in disappointing weekend
By Michael Nitti | Staff Writer
March 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
It was an up-and-down weekend for Pitt athletics, as some Panthers were at the hands of crushing defeat, while others found themselves above all the rest. Although baseball and women’s tennis struggled and gymnastics came up just short, softball and track and field both found success in North Carolina...
Swimming and diving seniors sent off at championships
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
March 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Uncategorized
The Pitt swimming and diving team said goodbye to some of its most accomplished female divers in program history at the NCAA Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships in Columbus, Ohio, this past weekend. The Panthers had four athletes compete across seven events, with two earning top-25 finishes...
Panthers tap out early at NCAA championships
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
March 18, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The NCAA Wrestling Championships took place this past weekend at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. Pitt was represented by senior Dom Forys, redshirt sophomore Taleb Rahmani and redshirt seniors Nick Zanetta and Ryan Solomon. Forys and Rahmani provided the only highlights of the Panthers’ tournament...
Panther Spotlight: Giorgiona Zeremenko, Matt Pidich, Lydia Rosenthall, Dom Forys
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
March 15, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While the Pitt swimming and wrestling teams send their top individuals to compete at end-of-season tournaments, the baseball and softball squads are just beginning to get into the swing of things. Here are some of the Panthers’ top performers during the transition from winter to spring sports. Gio...
Touching base with the Panthers after break
By Max Sirianni | Staff Writer
March 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Spring break was anything but for the Pitt baseball and softball teams, as both found themselves involved in heated competition over the past week. Both teams found mixed results, the baseball team earning its first conference win of the season and the softball team ending break with a three-game losing ...
Panthers stay busy on break
By Jon Shaken | Staff Writer
March 13, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
While students fled to warm weather and sandy beaches over break, Pitt sports had a busy week. The women’s diving team saw members qualify for nationals, but gymnastics fell short despite a solid performance. Tennis had mixed results and is still seeking the team’s first ACC win, even with near p...
Few bright spots for Panthers in cloudy sports weekend
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
February 26, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
As winter sports athletes are attempting to close out their seasons, the spring sports are just getting started. And while some members of the track and field team set personal bests and both baseball and softball hit the diamond with winning weekends, both Panthers basketball squads and the tennis ...
Pitt runners compete, set personal bests at ACC Indoor Championships
By Jon Shaiken | Staff Writer
February 25, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Though some Pitt runners brought home personal bests from the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships this weekend in Clemson, South Carolina, the men’s and women’s teams both struggled overall. Senior Desiree Garland made program history Saturday, earning Pitt’s first-ever ACC women’s in...
Panthers set individual records at ACC Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships
By Jon Shaiken | Staff Writer
February 25, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt Men’s swimming and diving partook in the 2018 ACC Men's Swimming and Diving Championships at the Greensboro Aquatic Center in North Carolina on Saturday, setting records and placing multiple athletes. Sophomore Brian Ramsey set a school record in the Saturday morning races in the 200m breaststroke with ...
Photos: Wrestling against Virginia
By Chiara Rigaud | Staff Photographer
February 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Visual
Much like last week against Duke, the team registered seven victories to take down the University of Virginia Friday night for the final home match of the season at the Pete. The win moves the team to 4-10 on the season and 2-3 in the ACC. Click here to read the weekend recap ...
Weekend sports: Baseball opens season, wrestling tries to pack the Pete
By Stephen Cuddy | Staff Writer
February 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
It was a quiet weekend on upper campus as Pitt sports traveled across the states to take on new and familiar foes. While many students stayed in Oakland this weekend, the baseball team travelled to Florida to compete against Oakland University. And while Pittsburgh experienced some snow, baseball and s...
Women’s swimming and diving breaks records at ACC Championships
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
February 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Despite being outperformed by eight of the 12 other teams, the Pitt women’s swimming and diving team showed significant signs of improvement, breaking 11 school records last weekend at the ACC Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. Though they improved on last year’s score by 66 points, the Pa...
Panthers swing in to spring: Baseball and softball preview
By Michael Nitti | For the Pitt News
February 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Uncategorized
While the Pirates just sent their pitchers and catchers down to Bradenton, Florida, for spring training, the Pitt baseball and softball teams are already getting started in their 2018 campaigns. Both Pitt squads are coming off of difficult seasons that saw each team finish with losing records in ...
Weekend sports: Panthers experience strong starts, struggling streaks
By Stephen Cuddy | For The Pitt News
February 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While some Panthers started off seasons strong this weekend, others continued painful bouts of loss. The softball team dominated their opening weekend in sunny California, and wrestling saw the clouds part on a four-game losing streak, the men’s basketball got drenched in another record-setting ...
Weekend sports: Pitt sets records high and low
By The Pitt News Staff
February 5, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
It was a weekend for the record books, as Pitt sports topped past streaks in wins and losses. The track and field team broke two school records with best times, while men’s basketball broke the record for longest losing streak in a season with 11 straight and wrestling, tennis and gymnastics fell...
First-year gymnast Haley Brechwald brings talent, poise to Pitt
By David Leftiwch | Senior Staff Writer
February 5, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
Gymnastics has always provided first-year gymnast Haley Brechwald a creative space to learn and have fun. “Gymnastics is a crazy sport because there is just always something new to learn,” Brechwald said. “You never really get bored or tired of it.” She fell in love with the sport when ...
Pitt remembers wrestling legend Rande Stottlemyer
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
February 2, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
When former Pitt track and field coach John Vasvary first came to Pitt, he was looking for someone to help him find his way. Help came quickly from Rande Stottlemyer. “I became head coach in 1982. I didn’t know anyone except the administrative staff,” Vasvary said. “Rande was one of the fir...
Weekend sports: records set on the track, in the pool
By The Pitt News Staff
January 29, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Though Pitt athletics experienced a few bright spots this weekend — which included record-setting performances and wins — there were usual losses for Pitt’s struggling teams. While both Pitt men’s and women’s basketball suffered double-digit defeats at home and wrestling lost a grapple to ...
Pitt wrestling icon Rande Stottlemyer dies at 62
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
January 28, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Rande Stottlemyer, an iconic former Pitt wrestler and longtime coach, died today due to complications of early onset Alzheimer's, according to the University. He was 62. Stottlemyer — whose association with Pitt spanned nearly four decades — was a three-time All-American wrestler for the Panthers. Enrolling...
Los Angeles FC select Pitt defender in MLS draft
By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor
January 22, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
With the 24th pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, Los Angeles FC selected Pitt senior defender Pol Calvet Planellas on Friday, Jan. 19. Los Angeles selected Planellas with the first pick of the second round. With this being LA’s first year in the MLS, Planellas became their third pick in club histo...
Weekend sports: Gymnastics sets records, wrestling gets pinned
By The Pitt News Staff
January 22, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
It was a packed weekend for Pitt sports, as teams both claimed historic victories and continued prolonged losing streaks. Pitt gymnastics made history setting a new program record, and the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams claimed decisive victories. Still, men’s basketball continued ...
Pitt swim finds mixed results in Morgantown
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
January 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Cold weather can’t stop a backyard brawl, only temporarily delay it. Originally scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 6, Pitt swimming’s meet against West Virginia was delayed due to frigid temperatures in the WVU Natatorium. In the rescheduled meet Thursday, the women’s team dominated while the men ...
Dante Watson: Circling tracks and rounding the floor
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
January 19, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Between lacing up his cleats for a race and spending late nights studying in Hillman, sophomore track athlete Dante Watson has a few other responsibilities: mediating disputes, doing rounds on dorm floors and being a good listener. In addition to being an athlete and a full-time student studying communic...
Take Five: coordinators, ‘Cutch, Cavaliers
By The Pitt News Staff
January 18, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The nonstop news cycle of the modern world keeps churning out more headlines than anyone can keep up with. That’s why The Pitt News sports desk is back for a second week in a row with five takes on five stories from this past week of sports news. Click here to see last week's five takes. One Down, One to Go Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially parted ways with off...
Panthers Spotlight: Haley Brechwald, Andin Fosam
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
January 18, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Pitt women’s gymnastics and track and field teams were both in action over the first weekend of the new semester. One of the program’s most established stars lifted the Panthers on the track, while a fresh face provided a boost for the Panthers in the gym. Haley Brechwald Despite losing a close compe...
Q&A: Pitt diver Meme Sharp makes history
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
January 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Sports Features
Finishing up her final season on the Pitt diving team, senior diver Meme Sharp will leave a legacy as one the greatest divers in the program’s history. Sharp has acquired a number of accolades and set several records during her diving career at Pitt. She currently holds the record in the 3- an...
Weekend sports: Panthers flip out, fall short
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
January 16, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While most of Oakland hunkered down because of the winter weather, three teams were in action on campus over the weekend. The track and field squad traveled to an equally snowy State College. The women’s basketball team earned its first ACC win, and the track and field team secured 22 top-five fi...
Balancing act: Panthers gymnastics combine youth and experience
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
January 11, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Pitt women’s gymnastics team is set to begin the 2018 season under new leadership for the first time in 31 years with newly hired head coach Samantha Snider at the helm. Athletic director Heather Lyke hired coach Snider this past June. Snider will look to improve upon the Panthers’ 2017 seaso...
Staff picks: Making the most of winter weather
By The Pitt News Staff
January 9, 2018
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Everyone knows how depressing winter can feel in Pittsburgh. Low temperatures, gray skies and unpredictable precipitation force many to retreat indoors and suffer through long periods of inactivity while waiting for spring. The winter doesn’t need to be all bad, though. The Pitt News sports staf...
Winter recess all but a break for Panthers sports
By Grant Burgman and Jordan Mondell | TPN Staff
January 8, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Women's Basketball
While most Pitt students were at home relaxing and celebrating the holidays, Pitt swimming and diving, wrestling and men’s and women’s basketball teams were still hard at work. Throughout the break, the Panthers continued to compete on the mat, in the pool and on the court, with mixed result...
Pitt hires Randy Waldrum as new women’s soccer head coach
By The Pitt News Sports Desk
December 19, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories, Uncategorized
Pitt's Athletic Director Heather Luke announced Tuesday that Randy Waldrum will be the new women's soccer coach for the Panthers. "Coach Waldrum's proven experience of developing elite players and building and sustaining highly successful programs is most impressive," Lyke said in a press release. "It is evident his passion for positively impacting young people is what drives his success. His championship pedig...
Nittany lions pounce on Panthers, 59-48
By Trent Leonard / Staff Writer
December 17, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
The Pitt women’s basketball team (6-5) fell to Penn State (9-3), 59-48, Sunday afternoon at the Petersen Events Center, continuing Penn State’s consistent victories over Pitt this year. Pitt led early in the contest, but shot an just 16 percent on three-pointers and allowed Penn State junior guard Te...
Panthers back on track
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
December 7, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
After breaking six school records during the 2016-17 season, the Pitt track and field team enters this season needing to retool after the departure of several key contributors from last year’s team. The Panthers return five of the seven athletes that made it to the NCAA Outdoor Championships last...
Weekend sports: swimmers compete at nationals, volleyball goes dancing
By TPN Staff
December 4, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
It was a high-stakes weekend for Pitt sports, with celebrated wins and heartbreaking losses. As the volleyball team went dancing at the NCAA tournament, the swim team competed against former Olympians and men’s basketball reclaimed the City Game title. Volleyball Despite winning the ACC champion...
Panthers compete at USA Swimming Winter National Championship
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
December 4, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Six members of the Pitt swim team traveled to Ohio State University over the weekend to compete in the USA Swimming Winter National Championships. Competing in a highly competitive field — which included several 2016 Olympians — the team secured top spots. Senior Lina Rathsack led the team, notching ...
Penn State topples Pitt in second round of NCAA Tournament
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
December 2, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Despite winning the ACC championship for the first time in program history, Pitt volleyball’s year ended the same way as last year — in a loss to No. 1 Penn State. The Panthers (26-7 overall, 18-2 ACC) breezed by Virginia Commonwealth University (30-3 overall, 14-0 A-10) Friday in the first round of the ...
Panthers set for NCAA tournament
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
December 1, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
After the Pitt women’s volleyball team finished its season tied as ACC champions for the first time in program history, the Panthers (25-6 overall, 18-2 ACC) earned a trip to the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Tournament for the second straight year. The team will travel to the neutral site of Penn Sta...
TPN Panther spotlight: Yacine Diop, Marcus Carr, Nika Markovic
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
November 29, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While the Pitt men’s and women’s basketball teams rounded into form over the holiday break, the women’s volleyball team punched its ticket to the 2017 NCAA tournament. Whether the team wins or loses, some players are bound to stand out. Here are a few exceptional Panthers who have stepped up ...
Pitt sports gobble up wins over Thanksgiving break
By Brandon Glass and Trent Leonard | TPN Staff
November 27, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt sports had a lot to be thankful for over the holiday break. Aside from turkey and stuffing, teams saw historic wins and conference championship titles on the menu. While the Pitt men’s basketball team had uneven results on the court, football, volleyball and women’s basketball brought in...
Pitt volleyball makes NCAA championship tournament for second year in a row
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
November 26, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
After claiming the ACC Conference title this past weekend on a nine-game winning streak, the Pitt women’s volleyball team has secured a slot in the NCAA championship tournament. This is the second year in a row they have qualified for the NCAA tournament, the last time before that being 2004. The Panthers look to extend their season as the NCAA tournament begins Friday. Pitt wi...
Weekend sports: women sweep, while men suffer
By Trent Leonard and Jordan Mondell | TPN Staff
November 20, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
As the fall sports teams near the end of their regular seasons and the winter teams get underway, five teams took the field, court, pool and mat this weekend. Women’s basketball triumphed over Towson in double digits, and volleyball swept two ACC teams in straight sets, but the wrestling team was pinne...
Weekend sports: wrestling opens season, cross country wraps up, with wins
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 13, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt’s revenue teams may not have fared so well this weekend, but other teams made up for it with quality showings. The cross country season wrapped up with top performances from the men’s and women’s teams, while Pitt wrestlers impressed in their season debut. Women’s volleyball collected two mo...
Gallery: The Weekend in Sports
By TPN Staff
November 13, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Visual, Women's Basketball
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Katie Hazelton brings fighting spirit to Pitt diving
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 9, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
When an athlete suffers a severe, life-altering injury, it usually means the end of a career — time to hang up the jersey, pack up the gym bag and abruptly find a new way to pass the hours. Unless that athlete is Katie Hazelton. Hazelton, the new head coach of Pitt diving — brought on by Athletic Director Hea...
Four Pitt men’s soccer players earn all-ACC honors
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
November 8, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
For the first time since joining the conference in 2013, the Pitt men’s soccer team received four individual all-ACC honors Tuesday, according to the league. The ACC selected junior midfielder Javi Perez for the Second Team, while selecting senior defenseman Pol Planellas to the Third Team. In ...
Chinaza Ndee earns second ACC Freshman of the Week honor
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Sports Editor
November 7, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
First-year volleyball player Chinaza Ndee earned her second ACC Freshman of the Week honor after her standout performance during the Panthers’ weekend domination of the Miami Hurricanes and the Florida State Seminoles. Ndee recorded five kills in Friday’s match against Miami and nine in Sunday’s match ag...
Weekend sports: Swimming and diving dominate competition, tennis draws to a close
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
November 6, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While Pitt football might have had a bye week, other Pitt teams were either finishing their seasons or beginning them. The Pitt tennis team concluded its season over the weekend at the Harvard Invitational while the Panthers’ swimming and diving team competed in another meet in its 2017-18 campaign. ...
Pitt volleyball serves weekend of success
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
November 6, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Pitt volleyball team used not one, but two weekend wins to demonstrate why they belong at the top of ACC volleyball standings. The Panther volleyball team defeated Miami (15-5 overall, 9-5 ACC) and Florida State (12-10 overall, 6-8 ACC) at the Fitzgerald Field House to pull to 19-6 overall and 12-...
Pitt fires women’s soccer head coach Greg Miller
By Jordan Mondell / Assistant Sports Editor
November 3, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Pitt head women’s soccer coach Greg Miller will not return next season after six years with the program, according to a press release from Pitt Athletics Friday. In the press release, Athletic Director Heather Lyke thanked Miller for his time with the program and said she sees a brighter future for ...
Diving into a new season: Pitt swimming and diving back in competition
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
November 2, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Many of the Pitt aquatic athletes have left opponents in the dust — or more appropriately, in chlorine-laced dihydrogen monoxide — during their first meets. It’s early in the season, but Pitt is already showing promise for future performances. In their first dual meet this year, the Panthers split the outin...
Fighting Irish knock out Panthers, 5-0
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
November 2, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Pitt men’s soccer team might have defeated Notre Dame in the team’s first meeting of the season, but the Irish came prepared to fight for an ACC Tournament first-round win. Notre Dame (10-5-2 overall, 4-3-2 ACC) defeated the Panthers (8-10 overall, 2-7 ACC) 5-0 Wednesday, Nov. 1 — ultimat...
Panthers fighting Irish in first round of ACC Tournament
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
October 31, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
When Pitt men’s soccer last faced Notre Dame, the Panthers marched into South Bend and pulled off a shocking 1-0 upset, handing the No. 7 Fighting Irish their lone home loss of the year. The victory marked the Panthers’ first win over a top-10 opponent since 2000. Pitt (8-9 overall, 2-6 ACC) must duplicate t...
Weekend sports: volleyball splits matches, while men’s soccer faces shut out
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 30, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Uncategorized
This weekend was cold and rainy in Pittsburgh, but it didn’t stop the Panthers from taking to the field, pitch and pool in heated competition. While football conquered their second ACC team in a row, and swimming and diving made waves, men’s soccer faltered and cross country didn’t quite lead t...
Eagles end Pitt women’s soccer season, win 3-2 in double overtime
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
October 27, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Pitt women’s soccer team suffered a tough double overtime loss, 3-2, against Boston College Thursday night at Ambrose Urbanic Field, finishing the season on a eight-game losing streak. The Panthers (3-12-3 overall, 0-9-1 ACC) fell to the Eagles (10-8-1 overall, 4-5-1 ACC), ending their seas...
Vidovich’s second season brings success to men’s soccer
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
October 26, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
The Pitt men’s soccer team only managed to score 12 goals in the entire season last year. This year, the team had 12 goals before October. Stats like these show how far the team has come in its second year with head coach Jay Vidovich, who has lead Pitt to an 8-8 record so far this season, with ...
Zips hold Panthers to nil, 3-0
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
October 25, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
The Pitt men’s soccer team couldn’t manage a single goal Tuesday night, dropping a match to their out-of-conference neighbor to the west, No. 14 Akron, 3-0. The Panthers (8-8-0, 2-5-0 ACC) couldn’t keep up with the Zips (11-3-1, 2-1 MAC) in their second-to-last game of the regular season on...
Panther spotlight: Darrin Hall, Alexander Dexter, Callie Frey
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
October 23, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Fall sports at Pitt are in full swing, with several teams reaching the season’s midpoint. The Panthers have had a bevy of standout performers across all sports this season. Here are a few recent top student-athletes: Darrin Hall The Panthers football team earned their first ACC win of the season thi...
Weekend sports: Panther soccer falters, while swimming and diving make a splash
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 23, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
Swimming and diving The Panthers opened their home season this weekend as they hosted Virginia and Louisiana State in a two-day tri-meet at Trees Pool. The weekend opened up Friday with the divers taking to their boards to start off the meet. Senior diver Meme Sharp took fourth place on the 3...
Pitt volleyball splits two-game home stand
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
October 22, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Panthers volleyball team’s 13-game winning streak came to an end this weekend — but they still sit at the top of the ACC. In a weekend homestand at the Fitzgerald Field House, Pitt volleyball (16-5, 9-1 ACC) easily defeated North Carolina (10-8, 7-3 ACC) Friday, but lost to NC State (14-7, 9-1...
Miami Hurricanes blow out Pitt women’s soccer, 3-0
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
October 20, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
In a battle between two teams in the basement of the ACC standings, Pitt women’s soccer dropped its match to Miami, 3-0, Thursday night to move into last place in the conference. The Panthers (3-9-3 overall, 0-6-1 ACC) traveled to Miami to face the Hurricanes (4-9 overall, 0-7 ACC) with a second-t...
Q&A with sole sisters: From course to track, Vlasics have each other’s back
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
October 19, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
Even though senior Melanie Vlasic is finishing up her final seasons with the women’s cross country and track and field teams, she has one particular teammate to look out for — her younger sister, Mikaela Vlasic. The Vlasic sisters hail from Hatfield, where they attended North Penn High School...
Empty-handed end for Pitt tennis at invitational
By Trent Leonard | For The Pitt News
October 17, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Despite a sampling of first-round success, no one from the Pitt women’s tennis team made it through Sunday’s bracket of matches. The Pitt women’s tennis team traveled to Blacksburg, Virginia, over the weekend for the ITA Atlantic Regional Championships at Virginia Tech. The Panthers compete...