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...
UNC beats Pitt in final seconds, 68-67
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
January 7, 2018
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
Sophomore guard Jasmine Whitney was just two foul shots away from giving Pitt the victory against UNC Sunday afternoon, but failed to hit either as Pitt lost, 68-67, and stayed winless in the ACC at 0-3. The Panthers (8-8) led the Tar Heels (11-5) 16-14 in the first quarter, after a 6-0 run at th...
Panthers fall to Hokies, 81-67, in third-straight ACC loss
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
January 6, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories
Despite shooting an impressive 46 percent from three-point range, Pitt men’s basketball fell to Virginia Tech on the road, 81-67, marking the team’s third consecutive ACC loss. The Panthers (8-8 overall, 0-3 ACC) came into Saturday’s game as a team looking to prove that they could be compet...
Wake Forest tops Pitt, 58-49
By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor
January 4, 2018
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
Yacine Diop hit a three-pointer to bring Pitt within one point of Wake Forest with 2:53 remaining in the fourth quarter. The three gave Diop 26 points on the night, a team high; but they would be the last points both she and Pitt scored as it fell to Wake Forest 58-49 on Thursday night. After a t...
Louisville dominates Pitt, 77-51
By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor
January 3, 2018
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories
The last time the Pitt men’s basketball team faced off against Louisville was last January in a 106-51 defeat. While the deficit never got up to 50, Pitt’s most recent game with Louisville was similarly uncompetitive as Louisville beat Pitt 77-51 on Tuesday night. After starting conference play with a 67-53 ...
Defensive coordinator Josh Conklin leaves Pitt
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
January 2, 2018
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt defensive coordinator Josh Conklin will be leaving the team for Wofford College, head coach Pat Narduzzi confirmed Tuesday. Reports Monday night said Wofford — an FCS school in South Carolina — would hire Conklin as the new head coach of the Terriers, which Pitt confirmed Tuesday. “We...
Panthers tear into Cougars, 87-49
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
December 31, 2017
Filed under Sports, Top Stories, Women's Basketball
The Pitt women’s basketball will be entering the new year fresh off a win after dominating Chicago State Sunday afternoon, 87-49. With the win, the team advances to an overall record of 8-6 before conference play later this week. Junior center Kalista Walters led the winning charge, scoring a ...
Hurricanes blow out Panthers, 67-53
By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor
December 30, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt men’s basketball (8-6) closed 2017 and opened conference play with a 67-53 loss to the No. 15 Miami Hurricanes (12-1) on Saturday afternoon at the Petersen Event Center. After an up and down month of non-conference play, Pitt entered Saturday’s game on a three game winning streak against ...
Women’s basketball falls to Virginia, 62-50, in ACC opener
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
December 29, 2017
Filed under Sports, Top Stories, Women's Basketball
Despite an outstanding three-point shooting performance from first-year guard Pika Rodriguez, the Pitt women’s basketball team fell to Virginia (8-6 overall, 1-0 ACC), 62-50, Thursday night in its first ACC game of the season. Rodriguez made five of her eight three-point shot attempts, but it wasn’t enou...
Panthers pounce during early signing period
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
December 26, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
The ink has dried on 16 letters of intent for Panther football so far, as new faces signed up to be sporting blue and gold at Heinz Field in 2018. The first early signing period in NCAA college football history — from Dec. 20 through Dec. 22 — concluded Friday with 16 of 17 commits officially ...
Pitt tops Towson, 63-59
By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor
December 23, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories
After trailing for most of the game, Pitt took a late lead on a teardrop floater from redshirt senior guard Jonathan Milligan with 51.7 seconds left in the game. Milligan’s shot would be the deciding score as Pitt defeated Townson 63-59 in comeback fashion. Pitt (8-5) had to fight back after finding t...
Pitt narrowly beats Delaware State, 74-68
By Jordan Mondell and John Hamilton / TPN Staff
December 19, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt men’s basketball survived a Delaware State comeback Tuesday attempt to avoid losing to a team without a Division I win this year. The Panthers (7-5) had doubled the Hornets (2-11) by halftime and led by as many as 27, but won by just six, with final score of 74-68 at the Peterson Events Cent...
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...
Pitt lands two recruits before signing day
By Grant Burgman | Sports Editor
December 19, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
With no bowl games to look forward to over the holiday season, the Pitt Panthers football team got to work improving next year’s team early this year. Two recruits announced their intent to sign with Pitt via Twitter on Monday. Marquis Williams, a senior cornerback at Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort ...
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 top McNeese State by double-digits, 72-51
By Jordan Mondell / Assistant Sports Editor
December 16, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories
After a sluggish start, the Panthers basketball team found their momentum late in the first half and pulled away from the McNeese State Cowboys, winning 72-51. With senior forward and de facto team leader Ryan Luther out for the game due to a right foot injury, the panthers looked to other top seas...
O’Neill declares for NFL draft
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
December 15, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt will now lose its third player from this year’s roster to the NFL. Redshirt junior offensive tackle Brian O’Neill joins juniors Quadree Henderson and Jordan Whitehead in declaring for the draft this April. O’Neill announced his decision in a statement released to the media on Friday morning. ...
DiNucci announces transfer from Pitt
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
December 14, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Backup Pitt quarterback Ben Dinucci has announced his decision to transfer, according to a Tweet posted Thursday afternoon. The redshirt sophomore and Pine-Richland High School graduate announced, with two years of eligibility left, he will be moving to an undisclosed school in January of 2018. ...
Whitehead announces entry into NFL Draft
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
December 11, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt football has lost yet another member of the squad to the NFL, as junior defensive back Jordan Whitehead declares for the 2018 draft. The Aliquippa native and former WPIAL player made his announcement Monday morning on Twitter. “After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided to begin prepar...
No timeouts: Balling over break
By Grant Burgman and Dominic Campbell | Staff Writers
December 11, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports Features, Top Stories, Women's Basketball
Being a Division I athlete comes with undeniable perks — official gear, tuition aid and the chance to be on television. But athletes miss out on a lot — including enjoying a full winter break of relaxation and family. “That’s one of the sacrifices you have to make if you want to play Division...
3 times Pitt beat the clock
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
December 11, 2017
Filed under Football, Men's Basketball, Sports Columns
It’s those last-minute moments, when the game is close and time is expiring, that make a game exciting for fans to watch. Whether it’s basketball, soccer or football, buzzer-beating scores can turn a game around. Pitt has played in many incredible last-minute games over the years, but there are...
Junior-college quarterback commits to Pitt
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
December 10, 2017
Pitt football just signed a junior-college quarterback for next season, extending their roster under center. Tyler Zelinski of Erie Community College said Sunday on Twitter he committed to Pitt as a walk-on. After some consistent performances at the end of the season, first-year Kenny Pickett emer...
Mountaineers take down Panthers in Backyard Brawl
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
December 9, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball
Down 18 at the half, Pitt men’s basketball nearly mounted a second-half comeback, but West Virginia’s aggressive defense held the young Panther team in the final minutes. Though Pitt came within two points with six minutes remaining, the Mountaineers pulled away to avoid the upset, winning 69...
Panthers defeat Seahawks, 74-55
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
December 9, 2017
Filed under Women's Basketball
Pitt women’s basketball secured an easy win against University of North Carolina Wilmington Saturday afternoon, finally ending its losing streak. The Panthers (6-4) defeated the Seahawks (5-4) 74-55, earning them a win after three consecutive losses, which included two last-second defeats again...
Panthers fall in Backyard Brawl, 73-52
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
December 7, 2017
Filed under Women's Basketball
The Pitt women’s basketball team traveled to West Virginia Thursday night to rekindle the Backyard Brawl rivalry that had been inactive since 2012. The Panthers were outmatched by their Big 12 opponent, however, and fell to the Mountaineers, 73-52. Pitt (5-4) entered the game riding a two-game losing streak afte...
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...
Narduzzi signs 7-year contract extension
By John Hamilton and Jordan Mondell / The Pitt News Staff
December 6, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Pat Narduzzi signed a seven-year contract extension, Athletic Director Heather Lyke announced Wednesday, keeping Pitt’s football head coach around until at least 2024. Pitt is coming off a relatively disappointing season in which the Panthers finished with a 5-7 record and were ineligible for a bowl...
Athletes, educators discuss activism in sports
By Brian Salvato | For The Pitt News
December 6, 2017
Filed under Campus, News, Sports, Sports Features, Top Stories
When former third-string Pitt kicker Ian Troost took a knee during the national anthem at the team’s Oct. 14 loss to NC State, his motivation was rooted in his background. “My reason, other than to highlight police brutality and social injustice in the United States, was because I came from a b...
Panthers top The Mount, 82-78
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
December 6, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
After securing a 15-point lead in the second half, Pitt men’s basketball looked to be on a clear path to victory over Mount St. Mary’s Tuesday night. But after giving up that lead, the Panthers needed a last-minute bucket and an overtime period to top their mid-major opponent, narrowly winning 8...
Pitt club hurling brings Irish sport to Oakland
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
December 5, 2017
Filed under Club Sports, Top Stories
Few people know what hurling is, and even fewer know that Pitt has a club hurling team that plays in multiple tournaments. Every phase of the game resembles a different field sport, all of them mixed into a hodgepodge of open-field violence. Club members, such as sophomore engineering student Joe Koni...
Quadree Henderson to enter 2018 NFL Draft
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Sports Editor
December 4, 2017
Filed under Football, Top Stories
Pitt junior wide receiver and return specialist Quadree Henderson announced in a statement on Twitter that he will be leaving Pitt’s football team to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. “My lifelong goal has always been to play in the National Football League,” Henderson said Monday. “After speakin...
Chawntez Moss leaving Pitt football team
By Steve Rotstein | Senior Staff Writer
December 4, 2017
Filed under Football, Top Stories
After missing six of Pitt’s final seven games of the 2017 season, sophomore running back Chawntez Moss will not be back with the team next year. Moss said in a Twitter direct message Monday he decided to transfer on his own, contradicting a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report that stated he had been...
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 ...
Pitt falls to Fordham, 58-55, in last-second decision
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
December 4, 2017
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
In another close game for the Pitt women’s basketball team Sunday afternoon, a game-deciding 3-pointer bounced off the rim and ended in a Fordham win. The Panthers (5-3) fell to the Fordham Rams (4-2) 58-55 in Bronx, New York, which was the second close loss in a row after a 58-57 loss to the Wis...
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 ...
City Game reclaimed: Panthers defeat Dukes, 76-64
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
December 1, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball
In an encouraging sign for the young Pitt men’s basketball team, the Panthers accomplished something that last year’s team was unable to do — record a victory over Duquesne, in the annual City Game Friday night at PPG Paints Arena. After turning the ball over a season-high 22 times in their prev...
Pika shoots for Pitt and Puerto Rico
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
December 1, 2017
Filed under Top Stories, Women's Basketball
Pika Rodriguez may have just started playing for the Pitt women’s basketball team, but she comes in with valuable experience that most players don’t have. Before the first-year guard arrived at Pitt, she devoted two years to the Puerto Rican national team. Now, she’s establishing her presence...
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...
Wisconsin badgers Pitt women’s basketball to win 58-57
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
November 29, 2017
Filed under Women's Basketball
The Pitt women’s basketball team had a last-second chance to win its Wednesday night game against Wisconsin, but when the ball ricocheted off the rim as time expired, it was the Badgers who stood victorious. The team entered Wednesday’s game on a three-game winning streak with its previous lo...
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 ...
Carr leads Pitt to victory over High Point, 71-63
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 29, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
Led by first-year point guard Marcus Carr’s perfect shooting performance, the Pitt men’s basketball team managed to avoid another home upset — escaping with a 71-63 win over High Point University Tuesday night. The Pitt Panthers (3-4 overall) did not score a field goal in the final four min...
Pitt’s best and worst moments of the season
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
November 28, 2017
Filed under Football
From opening the season with an overtime win to closing the season with a victory over an undefeated team, the Pitt football team had some times to celebrate this season. But in finishing with a losing record and not qualifying for a bowl game, the Panthers played a few games they’d probably like to...
Reporter’s notebook: Reflecting on Pitt’s football season
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
November 28, 2017
Filed under Football
As I watched the Panthers upset No. 7 Miami to close out their season, I had the same thought as I did coming into the season — this team will be good. Covering the Panther football team this year was as uneven as the team’s performance. Early on, I realized the team needed to make strides al...
Pitt football’s rebuilding shows in final game
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
November 27, 2017
For the second year in a row, and nearly 10 years to the day since the infamous “13-9” win over West Virginia, a mediocre Pitt football team upset another No. 2 team in the nation. The victory over Miami marked a satisfying end to a frustrating rebuilding campaign for the Panthers. Pitt started of...
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...
Pitt upsets No. 2 Miami, 24-14, to finish season
By David Leftwich / Senior Staff Writer
November 24, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Playing the spoiler role for a second straight season, the Panthers pulled off their biggest upset win of the year conquering the previously undefeated No. 2 Miami Hurricanes 24-14 at Heinz Field. Marking its second straight year with a late-season victory against a top-three team, Pitt football (5-...
Nittany Lions level Panthers, 85-54, in Progressive Legends Classic semi-final
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 21, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Top Stories
In a semi-final matchup of the Progressive Legends Classic versus Penn State, the Pitt men’s basketball team was annihilated by its in-state foe, falling 85-54 in a game that was essentially over by halftime. The Panthers (1-3 overall, 0-0 ACC) had nothing going for them in a blowout loss to the ...
Preview: Hurricanes to blow away Panthers
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 20, 2017
Filed under Football, Top Stories
The Pitt football team has one game remaining to resurrect a season defined by missed opportunities. The Panthers’ bowl hopes are over, meaning they are motivated by just one thing — ruining their opponent’s perfect season. Pitt (4-7 overall, 2-5 ACC) hosts No. 2 Miami (10-0 overall, 7-0 ACC) Frida...
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...
Panthers trounce Tigers by double digits, 81-63
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
November 20, 2017
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
The Pitt Women’s basketball team came back after a loss to Duquesne in the City Game last week, trouncing the Towson Tigers by double digits, 81-63. The Panthers (3-1) took on the Tigers (0-3) at home to earn their best win of the season so far. Unlike previous games — where the team struggled to get an...
Pickett Pitt’s only promising prospect
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 19, 2017
The Pitt football team’s heartbreaking 20-14 loss to Virginia Tech on Saturday brought their season record to 4-7, while also disqualifying them from bowl contention for the first time since 2007. The loss also overshadowed what should have been an exciting occasion — the emergence of first-year ...
Hokies crush Panthers’ bowl hopes, win 20-14
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
November 18, 2017
Filed under Football, Top Stories
The Pitt football team couldn’t convert on four straight plays at the goal line with a minute to go in the fourth quarter — losing 20-14 to the Virginia Tech Hokies and any chance at a bowl game. “We’re on the 1-yard line, we’ve got four tries, we’ve got to score,” first-year quarterbac...
Gallery: Pitt football falls to Virginia Tech, losing bowl eligibility
By John Hamilton / Managing Editor
November 18, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories, Visual
The Pitt football team couldn’t convert on four straight plays at the goal line with a minute to go in the fourth quarter — losing 20-14 to the Virginia Tech Hokies and any chance at a bowl game. Read the recap here. ...
Duquesne claims City Game, defeats Pitt 66-53
By Adin Link | Staff Writer
November 17, 2017
Filed under Women's Basketball
The Duquesne women’s basketball team claimed their fourth straight City Game Thursday night when they defeated Pitt, 66-53, in a back and forth battle. The Panthers (2-1) hosted the night’s Pittsburgh rivalry match against the Dukes (2-1), but there were unable able to claim their third win o...
Prediction: Hokies to win, and that’s what it’s all about
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 17, 2017
There isn’t much optimism surrounding the Pitt football team after the Panthers fell to North Carolina, 34-31, in their last game. That loss, which gave the woeful Tar Heels their first ACC win of the year, brought the Panthers’ season record to 4-6 overall and 2-4 in the ACC. And with a form...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week 11 results
By The Pitt News Staff
November 17, 2017
As the end of the regular season approaches, college football teams in the ACC inch toward rounding out their records and competing for coveted bowl slots. While Clemson and Miami stand firm at the top of the pack, Pitt, Duke and Florida State all suffered losses — resulting in a slide to the bott...
Panthers chase down Gauchos, 70-62, claim first season victory
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
November 16, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball
The Pitt men’s basketball team came back from an early and consistent deficit to claim its first victory of the season with a 70-62 victory over the University of California, Santa Barbara Gauchos. Pitt (1-2) played its second game in the 11th annual Progressive Legends Classic Wednesday night ag...
Column: Tarps a temporary cover for Pitt’s attendance problem
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
November 15, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
As the game clock at Heinz Field ticked down on the Panthers Thursday night, the already prevalent splotches of bright yellow seats grew as the paltry crowd dispersed. The team’s chances to beat a 1-6 North Carolina team were beginning to dwindle, and so was their present fan base. The idea to work on...
Panthers pick up win against Cornell, 51-39
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
November 14, 2017
Filed under Women's Basketball
The Petersen Events Center was full of kids from surrounding schools ready to watch an exciting game between the Pitt women’s basketball team and Cornell Monday in the ninth annual School Day game. But they instead watched a low-scoring game the Panthers nearly lost. The Panthers (2-0) etched out a 51-39 win ov...
Narduzzi reflects on bad performance against UNC
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
November 14, 2017
Filed under Football
With another lackluster performance from the Panthers football team — this time in the Thursday evening loss to North Carolina — head coach Pat Narduzzi is back at square one. During his press conference Monday morning, he once again fielded questions regarding the team’s quarterback situat...
Pitt loses to Montana with record-low attendance, 83-78
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 13, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Top Stories
Entering Monday night’s game, the Pitt men’s basketball team had not lost a home opener since 1996. Kevin Stallings was also the coach during that loss — but for the Panthers’ opponent, Illinois State. This time, Stallings experienced the defeat from the other side. The Panthers (0-2) committ...
Panthers make fatal mistakes against Tar Heels
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
November 13, 2017
A kickoff returned for a touchdown, a fumble near the goal line and a trick play touchdown may have been the biggest plays of the day Thursday — and they all went against the Panther football team. A late touchdown by the North Carolina Tar Heels was the final blow to the Panther football team Thu...
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
...
Navy sinks Pitt, 71-62, in season opener
By Kevin Bertha / Staff Writer
November 11, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports
It took the Panthers more than 10 minutes into the second half to score a field goal, a disastrous drought that was too much to overcome as Pitt men’s basketball dropped its season opener to Navy. Pitt fell to the Navy Midshipmen 71-62 Friday night in the Veterans Classic in Annapolis, Maryland — ...
Panthers pen win over Penguins, 66-58
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
November 11, 2017
Filed under Top Stories, Women's Basketball
The Pitt women’s basketball team battled back from an early deficit to open its season with a 66-58 win against Youngstown Friday night. The Panthers (1-0) and the Penguins (0-1) both had relatively lackluster performances at the Petersen Events Center. Both teams made a little over a third of their...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week 10 results
By TPN Sports Desk
November 10, 2017
Filed under Football
For several college football teams, this part of the season is crucial for becoming bowl eligible. While some of the top-ranked teams have already secured their spots, teams such as Pitt, Boston College and Wake Forest are just within reach of eligibility. Clemson and Miami are still holding steady a...
Gallery: Pitt football falls to UNC, 34-31
By John Hamilton and Christian Snyder / TPN Staff
November 10, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
...
Tar Heels trample Panthers, 34-31
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
November 9, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football
Despite a four-touchdown performance from junior Panther running back Darrin Hall, the North Carolina Tar Heels outlasted the Pitt football team at Heinz Field. In a nationally televised back-and-forth game under the lights, the Panthers (4-6 overall, 2-4 ACC) couldn’t keep up with two fourth-qua...
Prediction: Panthers share quarterback woes with Tar Heels
By Adin Link | Staff Writer
November 9, 2017
The narrative for the football programs of Pitt (4-5 overall, 2-3 ACC) and UNC (1-8 overall, 0-6 ACC) have been similar this season. Not only are both teams experiencing hangovers from successful 2016 campaigns, but the teams’ disappointing seasons can be attributed to one major similarity — the...
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...
Pittsburgh Pipers: The forgotten champions
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
November 8, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports Features
Pittsburgh is often considered one of the premier sports cities in America — laden with a prosperous history of baseball, football and hockey championships. But the city was once home to a championship basketball team, too — a small blip in the timeline of Steel City sports. The Pittsburgh Pipe...
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...
Back from bye week, Narduzzi talks Tar Heels in press conference
By Luke Baloga | For The Pitt News
November 7, 2017
Filed under Football
The Pitt football team doubled its win column after its last two games, but a lull in play thanks to a bye week could slow the team’s momentum. But with a two-game winning streak on the line, head coach Pat Narduzzi isn’t worried about the upcoming Thursday night game. “How do you keep ...
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-...
Crimson Hawks sink talons into Panthers, win 73-68
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
November 5, 2017
Filed under Women's Basketball
When the Pitt women’s basketball team last faced the Crimson Hawks, the Panthers won the game 72-40. Sunday’s exhibition matchup at the Petersen Events Center was a completely different game. The new team of Panthers fell to Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 73-68, after playing in a game where...
Pitt men’s basketball ices Slippery Rock for 71-59 victory
By Kevin Bertha / Staff Writer
November 4, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports
The Pitt men’s basketball team overcame a slow start marred by turnovers and foul trouble to beat Division II Slippery Rock 71-59 Saturday at the Shoot Down Cancer Exhibition Game. Head coach Kevin Stallings attributed the slow start to nerves from younger players, but was positive following the w...
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...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week nine results
By TPN Sports Desk
November 2, 2017
Filed under Football
After the ninth week of ACC football play, only four teams held steady in their rankings. Clemson returned to first with its 24-10 defeat over Georgia Tech. Wake Forest saw the most upward movement, rising from 11th to seventh place. Pitt’s 31-14 defeat over Virginia pushed the Panthers up one r...
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...
Preview: Women’s basketball a work in progress
By Adin Link | Staff Writer
November 1, 2017
Filed under Sports, Top Stories, Women's Basketball
With the women’s basketball season approaching, this year’s Panther squad will feature experience and excitement as a squad of returning players and fresh faces prepare to make an impact. “I don’t look at us as being so young anymore because we do have the experience,” head coach Suzie M...
Preview: Men’s basketball building from the bottom
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
November 1, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories
If life were like the movies, this year's Pitt men’s basketball team could sneak into March Madness and win the whole thing. But life isn’t a movie, and Pitt will be lucky to win 10 games. The Panthers’ second season with head coach Kevin Stallings as the leader will start with as much unc...
Luther leads young squad in senior season
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
November 1, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Men's Basketball, Sports
As Ryan Luther watched all but two members of the Pitt basketball team depart this off-season, his dedication to the Panthers never wavered. “I knew I wanted to be here,” the senior forward said. “I knew I made a commitment coming out of high school, and I didn’t really want to be somewhere els...
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...
Pitt defense is the key to a successful season end
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
October 29, 2017
Grabbing a second consecutive ACC win Saturday, Pitt football shone brightly on defense — almost as dazzling as the second-week-in-a-row victory lights — as they beat Virginia, 31-14. The Panthers made a point of stopping the Cavaliers in key situations, holding Virginia to just six third-down co...
Panthers pummel Virginia 31-14, extend winning streak
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
October 28, 2017
Filed under Football, Top Stories
The Cavaliers lined up at the Panthers’ 1-yard line, prepared to close their deficit, but the Pitt defense held steady, effectively eradicating Virginia’s chance of winning. The Panthers stood victorious when the game ended, 31-14. “We focused on two major things today, running the ball and st...
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...
Prediction: Cavaliers to take down Panthers
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
October 27, 2017
Filed under Football
Both the Pitt and Virginia programs are having surprising seasons so far. For the Panthers, it’s because of their relentless disappointments and their revolving door situation at the quarterback position. But for the Cavaliers it’s because they are currently 5-2 overall and 2-1 in ACC play — much be...
TPN ACC power rankings, week eight results
By TPN Sports Desk
October 27, 2017
Filed under Football
With the ACC football regular season winding down, the top-ranked teams are holding steady. Miami maintained its claim of the top-ranked position as a result of its undefeated season, with Clemson, NC State and Virginia Tech close behind with one loss each. The middle of the group saw the most movemen...
Football players Ford and Sear charged with disorderly conduct
By John Hamilton | Managing Editor
October 26, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Paris Ford and Tyler Sear — first-year students on the Pitt football team — were charged with disorderly conduct after a fight in Sutherland Hall, according to Pitt police. The fight, first reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, occurred Oct. 17 at around 10 p.m. According to a criminal complaint obtained by the Post-Gazette, the two players "engaged in fighting behavior” with each ot...
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 ...
Column | Bye-bye, Barstool: Sexist site does not deserve a serious platform
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
October 25, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
If you’re a sports fan who appreciates quality writing, in-depth coverage and analysis, you may follow ESPN, Sports Illustrated and FiveThirtyEight. If you’re a sports fan who loves lukewarm memes, ridiculous hot takes and articles and photos that degrade women, you might follow Barstool Sports....
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...