Weekend sports: volleyball splits matches, while men’s soccer faces shut out
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 29, 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 26, 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 26, 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 26, 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 24, 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 24, 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...
Hall and Whitehead receive ACC honors
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Sports Editor
October 23, 2017
Filed under Football
Two Pitt football players received ACC honors this week for their performances in Saturday’s defeat of the Duke University Blue Devils. Junior running back Darrin Hall earned the ACC Offensive Back of the Week title, and junior safety Jordan Whitehead was named Co-Defensive Back of the Week. This marks ...
Press conference: Panthers need to produce more ACC success
By Luke Baloga | For The Pitt News
October 23, 2017
Filed under Football
Though Pitt football secured its first ACC victory of the season Saturday against Duke, head coach Pat Narduzzi won’t be satisfied with one good game. In his weekly press conference Monday, Narduzzi addressed a successful run game as well as subtle changes on the offensive side of the ball. However, he emphasized that, regardless of the team’s success in one game,...
Weekend sports: Panther soccer falters, while swimming and diving make a splash
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 22, 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...
Darrin Hall adds a needed spark to Pitt offense
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
October 22, 2017
In his breakout performance, junior running back Darrin Hall led Pitt to a 24-17 victory over Duke Saturday, rushing 24 times for an incredible 254 yards and three touchdowns. Hall accounted for more than half of the Panthers’ total 485 offensive yards and all three of their touchdowns. His 92...
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...
Panthers outrun Blue Devils, 24-17, for their first ACC win
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
October 21, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
With more than 250 yards on the ground and three touchdowns, junior running back Darrin Hall carried the Panthers football team to a 24-17 win at Duke — Pitt’s first ACC win of the season. Both the Pitt Panthers (3-5 overall, 1-3 ACC) and the Duke Blue Devils (4-4 overall, 1-4 ACC) were looking ...
Prediction: Blue Devils’ defense too much for Panthers
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
October 19, 2017
Filed under Football
In the Panthers’ upcoming football game against Duke, both teams will be battling fiercely to bring back a sense of pride. Pitt (2-5 overall, 0-3 ACC) will try to reestablish confidence in the coaching staff’s decision-making, as the Blue Devils (4-3 overall, 1-3 ACC) look to snap a three-game lo...
Miami Hurricanes blow out Pitt women’s soccer, 3-0
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
October 19, 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...
Pitt center Ilegomah may sit out this year because of NCAA rule
By Ashwini Sivaganesh | Editor-in-Chief
October 19, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories
Pitt basketball center Peace Ilegomah may be forced to sit out this year because of an NCAA rule limiting the number of years student-athletes can spend in high school. According to Sam Ferry, an assistant coach on the team, the NCAA has a rule that states players miss a year of eligibility if they...
Q&A with sole sisters: From course to track, Vlasics have each other’s back
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
October 18, 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...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week seven results
By TPN Sports Desk
October 18, 2017
Filed under Football
The behemoth that is Clemson football was knocked from its pedestal after a fourth-quarter field goal secured the 27-24 win for Syracuse. That wasn’t the only change in rankings this week, though. Only five teams — with four of those being the bottom four teams — remained even, highlighting t...
That was then, this is now: Pitt football undefeated 100 years ago
By Colin Martin | For The Pitt News
October 17, 2017
The year was 1917 — neither the Cathedral of Learning nor the Pittsburgh Steelers existed, and the Pittsburgh Pirates had finished last in the MLB standings with a 51-103 record. This was also the same year Pitt’s football team completed a perfect 10-0 season. Times have certainly changed. ...
Press conference: Narduzzi confident in QB choices
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
October 16, 2017
Filed under Football
Following another underwhelming performance at home against a top 25 football team, Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi was adamant Monday that things don’t always go according to plan. Narduzzi pulled redshirt sophomore quarterback Ben DiNucci in the third quarter of Saturday’s loss to North Carolin...
Empty-handed end for Pitt tennis at invitational
By Trent Leonard | For The Pitt News
October 16, 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...
Gallery: Courtside at the Cathedral
By Christian Snyder and Sarah Cutshall | TPN Staff
October 15, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Sports Features, Video, Visual, Women's Basketball
Pitt's men's and women's basketball teams opened their 2017-2018 season with Courtside at the Cathedral on Bigelow Blvd. Oct. 13. ...
Narduzzi’s quarterback shuffle costs Panthers
By Adin Link | For The Pitt News
October 15, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
This season’s Panther football team has certainly not been afraid to make unconventional choices in their game plan, especially when it comes to the quarterback position. Pat Narduzzi has used two different quarterbacks in every game this season and in Saturday’s 35-17 loss to NC State, he did no...
Weekend sports: volleyball, men’s soccer grab ACC wins
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 15, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Though it was the celebration of homecoming, many Panthers were on the road this weekend. Taking on teams from Boston to Louisville, many of Pitt’s teams fared well over the weekend — topping ranked teams and continuing streaks — though some struggled against top opponents. Men’s Soccer ...
Gallery: NC State defeats Pitt, 35-17
By Thomas Yang and Anna Bongardino | TPN Staff
October 14, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Visual
...
Wolfpack devours Panthers, 35-17
By Jordan Mondell and Mackenzie Rodrigues | TPN Staff
October 14, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football
Homecoming weekend will not see any victory lights as the Pitt football team fell to No. 20 NC State at Heinz Field Saturday. Outfitted in retro royal blue and maize, the Panthers kept up with their opponent for the first half, but the Wolfpack broke away to a 35-17 win after lapses in defense and...
Take me back to the ballgame: Fans reflect on Forbes Field
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
October 12, 2017
Filed under Sports Features, Top Stories
Where students now slouch in their seats, fans once sat on edge, moments away from witnessing a historic sports event on Oct. 13, 1960 — now dubbed Mazeroski Day. In game seven of the 1960 World Series, Pirate Bill Mazeroski came to the plate at the bottom of the ninth with the game tied at nine. On a 1-0 pitc...
Prediction: NC State Wolfpack to win
By Alex Lehmbeck | For The Pitt News
October 12, 2017
Filed under Football
When the Panthers host No. 20 North Carolina State for Pitt’s homecoming game Saturday, the odds are certainly against Pitt to come out with a win. A three-point loss to Syracuse brought the Panthers’ (2-4, 0-2 ACC) ugly season to a midway point. Shortly after reemerging as Pitt’s starting quarterback, redshirt ...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week six results
By TPN Sports Desk
October 12, 2017
Filed under Football
With college football reaching its midway point, some teams are holding strong while others are scrapping for any chance at a bowl game. Clemson and Miami remain the sole undefeated giants, while teams such as Louisville, Duke, Wake Forest and Pitt slipped down the rankings. Here’s The Pitt ...
Panther plunders: Pitt’s worst homecoming games
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
October 12, 2017
Filed under Football
While the homecoming court trots out onto the field at halftime this Saturday — and two lucky students are crowned king and queen — the Panthers will be in the locker room discussing strategy, diagramming plays and trying to figure out how to make the biggest home game of the season count. As...
Browne out for the season following injury
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Sports Editor
October 12, 2017
Filed under Football
Redshirt senior quarterback Max Browne is out for the remainder of the football season after sustaining an injury to his throwing arm Saturday, Oct. 7, in the loss to Syracuse. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi announced the end of Browne’s season Thursday afternoon. Browne underwent surgery Wednesday morn...
Forget the Pete, hit the street: Pitt to play at Cathedral
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
October 11, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball, Top Stories, Women's Basketball
The Pitt basketball teams are leaving the Pete behind Friday night, but for this spectacle they’re not travelling far. Migrating from upper campus to Bigelow Boulevard, the Panthers will be putting all of their skills on display under the lights outside the Cathedral of Learning. The men’s an...
Alex Kessman named ACC Specialist of the Week
By Jordan Mondell / Assistant Sports Editor
October 10, 2017
After setting a record-breaking field goal kick at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse last weekend, Pitt redshirt freshman placekicker Alex Kessman has been named ACC Specialist of the Week. Though the team narrowly lost to the Orange, Kessman did his part by nailing field goals at 42, 49 and 56 yards — th...
Pitt mens soccer edges out PSU in overtime, 3-2
By Trent Leonard / For The Pitt News
October 10, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Coming off of a tough loss against No. 16 Duke last Friday, Pitt men’s soccer was looking for a revival. In a tense matchup against in-state rival Penn State Tuesday at Ambrose Urbanic Field, they found just that. Pitt (7-6-0, 1-4 ACC) edged out Penn State (2-8-2, 0-5 Big 10) in a heart-pounding ...
‘DiNucci is the guy’: Narduzzi announces quarterback changes
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
October 9, 2017
Filed under Football
Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi named redshirt sophomore Ben DiNucci as Saturday’s starting quarterback in Monday’s press conference. Redshirt senior Max Browne sustained an injury to his throwing arm in the weekend’s loss to Syracuse. Unsure of how long that injury will put him out, Na...
Panthers’ secondary shows improvement in Syracuse loss
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
October 9, 2017
Filed under Football, Top Stories
Pitt’s defense — particularly the secondary — has become an easy target for criticism during the last two years. There have been low moments, such as last year’s 37-36 loss at North Carolina and this year’s 59-21 loss to Oklahoma State, but in Saturday’s loss against Syracuse, the Pitt defense earned som...
Weekend sports: Panthers’ performances vary from court to field
By Trent Leonard | For The Pitt News
October 9, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While the Pitt women’s cross country and volleyball teams excelled this weekend, other Panther performances were less than ideal. Both men’s and women’s swim teams opened their seasons with unsatisfactory performances, and the women’s soccer team extended its losing streak. Women’s Vo...
Orange squeeze out win over Panthers, 27-24
By David Leftwich / Senior Staff Writer
October 7, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
Down three on their own 5-yard line with 50 seconds remaining, the Panther football team needed to drive the ball into field goal range to send the game into overtime. Their backup and third string quarterbacks each took snaps, but both failed to launch a comeback final drive, leading to a 27-24 Syrac...
Blue Devils take down Panthers, 2-0
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
October 6, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Pitt men’s soccer team’s winning streak ended abruptly Friday night after No. 19 Duke’s 2-0 victory. The Panthers (6-6-0 overall, 1-4-0 ACC) fell to the Blue Devils (9-2-1 overall, 3-2-0 ACC) after Pitt’s mistakes gave Duke too many opportunities. “The game started one way that wasn’t...
Syracuse stomps Pitt women’s soccer, 2-0
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
October 5, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Though the Pitt women’s soccer team led the game with 15 shots to Syracuse’s eight, the Panthers couldn’t find the mark and dropped Thursday night’s game, 2-0. The Panthers (3-7-3 overall, 0-4-1 ACC) entered the contest against the Orange (6-4-2 overall, 1-2-1 ACC) fresh off a 7-0 loss to ...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week 5 results
By TPN Sports Desk
October 5, 2017
Filed under Football
While five undefeated ACC football teams entered the fifth week of play, only two escaped unscathed. Clemson and Miami remain in the first and second spots, respectively — a result of their unbeatable performances. The Hokies, Blue Devils and Demon Deacons all suffered their first losses of the 2...
Fullback George Aston out for Syracuse game
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Sports Editor
October 5, 2017
Filed under Football
Redshirt junior fullback George Aston will not play in Saturday’s game against Syracuse. He is listed as “out” after sustaining an injury in Pitt’s Sept. 30 42-10 win against Rice. After taking a hit in the first quarter, Aston spent the remainder of the game off the field. Pitt head coach Pat Na...
Panthers prove professional worth
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
October 4, 2017
Filed under Men's Basketball
With the NBA regular season tip-off only a few weeks away, a couple former Panther basketball players have found their way onto NBA rosters. After fellow Panther James Robinson struggled to get any playing time, only Michael Young and Jamel Artis remain with the chance to secure a spot on an NBA roster...
Prediction: Panthers to crush the Orange
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
October 4, 2017
Filed under Football
The last time Pitt and Syracuse met, the Panthers won a hectic back-and-forth offensive game 76-61 — the highest combined total score in NCAA history. But now the Panthers and the Orange both come into this game 2-3 and are desperate for a win, especially in the ACC. Pitt dominated Rice 42-10 last week, ending its three-game losing streak and giving the team some much-needed life. R...
Men’s soccer defeats no. 14 Columbia, 1-0, improves to winning record
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
October 3, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
The Pitt men’s soccer team won their second consecutive game against a ranked opponent on Tuesday night. The Panthers (6-5-0) shut out No. 14 Columbia 1-0, handing the Lions (5-1-2) their first loss of the season. The game was Pitt’s third win in a row after last week’s big wins over West Vir...
Men’s soccer shows progress, but faces tough competition ahead
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
October 3, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
When Pitt men’s soccer beat No. 21 Syracuse 2-1 at home on Friday, it was a historic win. The Panthers recorded their first ever ACC win since joining the conference in 2013. Then, they doubled down Tuesday, snagging a 1-0 win against another ranked team — No. 14 Columbia. These wins are a s...
Students sport game day garb
By Sarah Connor, For The Pitt News
October 2, 2017
Filed under Sports Features
As music blasted through speakers in the trunk of a crossover SUV, scores of students tossed footballs and played cornhole in parking lots outside of Heinz Field Saturday before the football team’s game against Rice University. Students wearing blue-and-gold hoodies and knit Pitt beanies danced to the music and took part in th...
‘Max is back’: Narduzzi praises Browne, previews Syracuse
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
October 2, 2017
Filed under Football
Pitt football is coming off a victory for the first time since its season-opener, and head coach Pat Narduzzi made it known at Monday’s press conference. “Obviously it was a much more pleasant Sunday here with our kids,” Narduzzi said. “I couldn’t be happier for our kids. I mean, that’s kind of why ...
Pitt offense bolstered Browne in matchup against Rice
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
October 1, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns
It took until the last day of September for the Pitt Panthers to finally shake their losing streak and defeat the Rice Owls. This was only their second win of the season and their first since Sept. 2. Many marquee players did their part in the Panthers’ success Saturday afternoon — particularly re...
Panthers dominate the pitch, court, trail in weekend sports
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
October 1, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
For Pitt’s varsity athletics, the weekend ended with results ranging from historic to dismal. The men’s soccer team set the tone going into the weekend on Friday night, recording the team’s first ACC win since joining the conference in 2013. While cross country had standout performances and ...
Pitt fries Rice, 42-10, snaps losing streak
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 30, 2017
Filed under Football
As redshirt senior Max Browne threw a 48-yard touchdown in the Panthers’ opening drive, he finally solved the Panther quarterback dilemma. In a 42-10 rout of the Rice Owls (1-4), the Panther offense found its footing, putting up more than 400 yards through the air as the team picked up its second...
Gallery: Pitt fries Rice, 42-10, snaps losing streak
September 30, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Uncategorized
...
Powders, pills and proteins: students and athletes explore diet supplements
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
September 28, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Sports, Sports Features
Every morning when Rui Tanimura wakes up, she makes sure she has enough fuel to survive her morning lectures — a bowl of oatmeal, a handful of fruit and a spoonful of peanut butter. In addition to making herself a filling breakfast, she also prepares the rest of her meals for the day — rice, vegetabl...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week four results
By TPN Sports Desk
September 28, 2017
Filed under Football
College football is entering week five of play, and fans are learning where ACC teams stand. Clemson has continued to steamroll competition and is secure in the top-ranked spot. Pitt, however, began in the middle of the pack and has dropped all the way to last place. With multiple matchups with undefeated...
Pat Narduzzi’s football radio show review
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
September 27, 2017
Filed under Sports Columns
It’s easy to wonder if Pitt’s administration has to ask Bill Hillgrove his opinion before they hire a coach, because more times than not they’re also hiring his cohost. Hillgrove, the play-by-play man for the Pitt men’s basketball and football teams, has hosted radio programs with former P...
Prediction: Panthers’ improvements could inspire victory
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
September 27, 2017
Filed under Football
The Pitt Panthers will face off against the Rice Owls for the first time since 1951 in Pitt’s final non-conference game of the 2017 season on Saturday. Already four games into the season, the Panthers and the Owls are both struggling to find their groove. Each team is entering Saturday’s game with a 1...
Column: NCAA transfer rules unfair to student athletes
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
September 26, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Nick Saban, head coach of Alabama football and four-time national championship winner, is poised to be paid an astounding $11 million this year and has an eight-year deal that will pay him $65 million through 2025. These lucrative contracts are highly desired by all college coaches, and you can’t b...
Panthers maul Mountaineers, 7-0, in highest-scoring game since 1998
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
September 26, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Pitt men’s soccer snapped West Virginia’s 10-game Backyard Brawl unbeaten streak, dominating the Mountaineers 7-0 in the Panthers’ highest scoring game since 1998. The Panthers (4-5-0, 0-3-0 ACC) held the momentum all night against their rival Mountaineers (6-2-2, 0-0-0 Big 12) on Tuesday at P...
Henderson named ACC Specialist sixth time
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Sports Editor
September 25, 2017
Filed under Football, Top Stories
Quadree Henderson was named the ACC Specialist of the Week following his standout performance against Georgia Tech — his sixth time receiving the honor in his Pitt career. This is the first time this season the junior wide receiver received the weekly specialist honor. His standout performance i...
Narduzzi’s press conference leaves questions
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 25, 2017
Filed under Football
After three straight losses, head coach Pat Narduzzi isn’t panicking — he’s focusing on improving the Panthers football team’s execution. In a press conference with the media on Monday, Narduzzi addressed some of the team’s issues executing plays against Georgia Tech in last week’s game and looked ahead to this week’s matchup against...
Panthers’ gutless play calling continues to disappoint
By Abbot Zuk | Staff Writer
September 24, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Over the course of their three losses this season, the Panthers have surrendered more than 30 points in each matchup. It would be far too easy to pin the Panthers’ woes on the defense. This Saturday’s game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets was anything but a defensive farce, though. The...
Preview: Panther softball, tennis prepare for spring through exhibition
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 24, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Panther softball and tennis teams have been preparing for the spring season through fall exhibition play, both while working through major hang-ups from last season. Winning only seven combined games in the ACC, the two teams are looking for big turnarounds this year. After bursting out of the g...
Yellow Jackets sting Panthers, 35-17
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 23, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports
With four separate opportunities to make the Yellow Jackets pay after turnovers, the Panther offense failed to convert any of these chances into points leading to Saturday’s 35-17 loss in their first ACC game of the season. On the day, the Panther offense put up less than 200 yards and only one t...
Prediction: Georgia Tech, offensive threat
By Abbot Zuk | For The Pitt News
September 21, 2017
Filed under Football
The last time the Pitt Panthers and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets squared off, it took two exemplary scoring plays by Pitt — with less than five minutes of play remaining — to seal a victory. Quarterback Nathan Peterman connected with tight end Scott Orndoff, who bolted down the field for a 74-yard ...
Pitt women’s soccer ties, ends losing streak
By Adin Link | For The Pitt News
September 21, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
The Pitt women’s soccer team snapped a four-game losing streak, but not with a win. The Panthers (3-4-3, 0-1-1 ACC) returned home to Ambrose Urbanic Field Thursday evening for a match against the Virginia Tech Hokies (6-2-2, 0-1-1 ACC). The Hokies scored in the 47th minute, and after being down...
Men welcome: Club field hockey encourages coed participation
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
September 20, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Club Sports
Every now and then you’ll read a story about a high school woman joining the football or baseball team. It’s a feat that defies gender norms and expectations. But rarely do you hear the opposite. In field hockey, a sport dominated by women, scenarios for men to join don’t present themselves of...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week three results
By TPN Sports Desk
September 20, 2017
Filed under Football
After several teams faced game cancellations in the last two weeks, this week welcomed play for all teams. Even though Florida State and Miami have only played one game each this season, they remain at the top of rankings based on preseason and early season performances. Pitt’s second loss of the...
Pitt men’s soccer conquers Western Pa. foe RMU, 2-1
By Kaitlyn French | Staff Writer
September 19, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Outfitted in butterscotch-yellow jerseys, Pitt men’s soccer (2-4-0, 0-1-0 ACC) took to Ambrose Urbanic Field Tuesday to defeat Western Pennsylvania neighbor Robert Morris (0-6-1). Led by goals from first-year forward Colin Brezniak and junior midfielder Joshua Gaspari, the Panthers controlled...
Column: Watching sports forges connections, unites in history
By Abbot Zuk | For The Pitt News
September 19, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports Columns
Whether it was my mother or father taking me to a ball game, or everyone in Catholic grade school sporting Steelers jerseys on Fridays before pivotal games — sports have been ingrained in me since the start. Like most decisions made at a young age, my sports-rooting interests were predetermined by...
Quarterback remains questionable following Narduzzi’s press conference
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 18, 2017
Filed under Football
After Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi addressed the media Monday, the most important question remained unanswered. Who will be the starting quarterback against Georgia Tech? During a brief press conference Monday afternoon, Narduzzi talked about the Panthers’ struggles against No. 6 Oklahoma...
Volleyball analysis: Error-prone Panthers struggle against top teams
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 18, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports, Top Stories
After fighting their way back from a two-set deficit against No. 25 Iowa State, the Panthers held serve with a chance to win the volleyball match in the fifth set. In losing that point and eventually the match on Sept. 2., the team squandered a big win and fell to 1-3 on the season. Despite now holding...
Panthers stampede, hit kills, save goals in weekend sports
By Brandon Glass | For The Pitt News
September 17, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
It was a busy weekend in Pitt sports, as varsity teams traveled near and far to take on fearsome foes in competition. Though it was a rough trip to North Carolina for both the men’s and women’s soccer teams, the men’s cross country team trampled over the competition and women’s volleyball ac...
Analysis: Narduzzi, Conklin must realize weaknesses in Pitt defense
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
September 17, 2017
Oklahoma State made history in its matchup against Pitt on Saturday. Not only was it Pitt’s worst loss at Heinz Field, but — for the first time in 12 years — an FBS team had four different receivers rack up at least 100 yards each in the same game. The Panthers on the field aren’t the only ones to blame...
Cowboys crush Panthers, 59-21, in Pitt football’s worst loss at Heinz Field
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 16, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football
As if last week’s loss to in-state rival Penn State wasn’t demoralizing enough, the Panthers were blown out in their worst loss ever at Heinz Field by the Oklahoma State Cowboys Saturday. Senior quarterback Mason Rudolph and the Cowboys’ passing offense were too much for the Panthers, posting...
Gallery: Oklahoma State crush Pitt football, 59-21
September 16, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, Sports, Visual
The Oklahoma State Cowboys lead Pitt 49-14 at halftime. ...
Q&A: Penny Semaia helps student-athletes attain success
By Grant Burgman | Staff Writer
September 14, 2017
Filed under Sports Features, Top Stories
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Penny Semaia can seem like a pretty intimidating figure. But once Semaia starts talking, any intimidation falls away. He makes you feel welcome from the moment you shake his hand and exudes friendliness. It’s an infectious positivity many in the Pitt community have beco...
Prediction: Panthers could pull upset against Cowboys
By Ryan Zimba | Staff Writer
September 14, 2017
Filed under Football
The Panthers entered the fourth quarter tied at 38 against the Oklahoma State Cowboys last year in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys took over — with a chance to win — with just under two minutes to go. They capitalized on the possession, as quarterback Mason Rudolph took advantage of Pitt’...
Cowboys’ combo more threatening than PSU
By Abbot Zuk | For The Pitt News
September 13, 2017
Filed under Sports Columns
Trace McSorley’s aerial attack and Saquon Barkley’s electrifying footwork from Saturday’s football game against Penn State will look like child’s play compared to what senior quarterback Mason Rudolph and senior wide receiver James Washington of Oklahoma State have in store for the Panthers....
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week two results
By TPN Sports Desk
September 13, 2017
Filed under Football
With eight of the ACC’s 14 teams going up against Power Five competition in week two, it was a pretty exciting weekend for the conference as we started to figure out where teams truly stand. Clemson stays on top of our rankings this week, but there was a lot of movement in the middle as there were...
Column: How former Panthers fared week one of the NFL
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
September 12, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Sports Columns, Top Stories
The NFL regular season started last Thursday, and while some familiar Pitt alumni took to the field once again, some new Panthers joined them in the hopes of making it to the Super Bowl. Pitt is known for producing all-pros — a distinction the Associated Press gives to players who are considered...
TPN Panther spotlight: Nika Markovic, Qadree Ollison, Javi Perez
By Jordan Mondell and David Leftwich | TPN Staff
September 12, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
Fall sports are just starting to get exciting, and there has already been a fair share of pitfalls and triumphs across the board. But regardless of the games outcomes, here are some Panthers who have stepped into their roles and proven their worth on the court, field and pitch. Nika Markovic Mar...
Quick takes: Pitt football
By TPN Sports Desk
September 11, 2017
Filed under Football
Following Saturday's game against rival Penn State, The Pitt News sports staff looked at a few specific aspects of the football team’s game — offense, defense and head coach Pat Narduzzi’s — and how they will need to adjust as they take on Oklahoma State this weekend. Here are a few of our takeaways on the Panth...
Narduzzi talks loss and looks ahead to Oklahoma State
By Ryan Zimba | Staff Writer
September 11, 2017
Filed under Football
Despite Pitt facing another top 10 team in the Oklahoma State Cowboys this weekend, Pitt football Head Coach Pat Narduzzi focused much of Monday’s press conference on last week’s rivalry game against Penn State. The Panthers lost the game with a lopsided score of 33-14, but they came close to m...
Not just football: volleyball, cross country, soccer compete over weekend
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 10, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
While most Panther fans focused on the football team’s 33-14 loss to Penn State Saturday, Sept. 9, four other Pitt sports teams were in action this weekend. The women’s soccer team and the men’s soccer team suffered close defeats while the women’s cross country team and the volleyball team...
DiNucci deserves starting slot over Browne
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
September 10, 2017
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Max Browne has started two games for the Pitt Panthers in his career, and he shouldn’t start a third. Unfortunately, head coach Pat Narduzzi doesn’t share this sentiment — yet. When asked if Browne was still the starter after Saturday’s performance against Penn State, Narduzzi responded with a...
Kent State Golden Flashes outplay Panthers, 1-0
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
September 10, 2017
Filed under Sports / Other Varsity Sports
In the first of a four-game stretch on the road, the Panthers lost in the 89th minute to the Kent State Golden Flashes on Thursday night in Kent, Ohio. Pitt came out firing with three shots in the first 10 minutes. Sophomore forward Christiana Davey hit a saved shot on goal, and redshirt junior forward...
Pitt drops the ball: Penn State wins 33-14
By Ryan Zimba | Staff Writer
September 9, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Football, GameDay
Just like Pitt did last year at home, the Nittany Lions jumped out to an early lead, but the Panthers couldn’t catch up — eventually falling 33-14 during Saturday’s rivalry football game. Despite piling up more yards than the Nittany Lions (2-0) at Beaver Stadium, Penn State’s red zone def...
Prediction: Lions loom over Panthers
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 7, 2017
Filed under Football, GameDay, Top Stories
When Ryan Lewis hauled in the last season’s game-clinching interception against Penn State, he secured a year of bragging rights. Regardless of Penn State’s ultimate Big Ten success last year, Pitt fans could flaunt their 42-39 triumph. But as the renewed rivalry with Penn State approaches its second...
Amid trash talk, some promote unity
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Assistant Sports Editor
September 7, 2017
Usually college football rivalries bring out the absolute worst in fans. Although this week’s Pitt-Penn State game has generated its fair share of tasteless trash talk, some people are trying to use the contest for some good. If you spend any time on social media and you have any friends or followers claimin...
Panthers need press: Narduzzi’s blackout is unnecessary and limits coverage
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
September 7, 2017
Filed under GameDay, Sports Columns, Top Stories
Two weeks ago, the alteration of Pitt football’s biggest tradition — singing “Sweet Caroline” at the end of the third quarter — left the program searching for a new tradition to take its place. Thanks to Head Coach Pat Narduzzi, they may have found it. Narduzzi and the Pitt football pr...
Pitt defense demands new approach
By Kevin Bertha | Staff Writer
September 7, 2017
Filed under GameDay, Sports Columns
With victories over the national champions Clemson and Big Ten champions Penn State, the 2016 Pitt football team racked up some of the program’s biggest accomplishments in recent memory. But to continue the success in 2017, head coach Pat Narduzzi will have to find different ways to win games — s...
Pitt vs. Penn State: Unrequited rivalry
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Assistant Sports Editor
September 6, 2017
Filed under Sports Columns
When you’re in the stands at a Pitt football game, there are a handful of cheers you’re bound to hear: “Hail to Pitt,” “P-I-T-T: Let’s Go Pitt,” and the infamous anti-Penn State chant. Regardless of whether or not Penn State is the opponent on the field, that chant will echo throughout th...
The Pitt News ACC power rankings, week one results
By TPN Sports Desk
September 6, 2017
Filed under Football
After week one of the college football season, there’s already a shake-up at the top of our standings: top-ranked Florida State lost to No.1 Alabama and lost quarterback Deondre Francois for the season. As for Pitt, it moved down one spot after the nail-biting overtime win against the Youngstow...
2017 NFL preview: Patriots vs the field
By Steve Rotstein / Senior Staff Writer
September 5, 2017
After one of the most stunning and unforgettable Super Bowls in recent memory, the 2016-17 NFL season ended the same way it always seems to — with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy as the champions. For the third time in their five Super Bowl seasons, the Patriot...
Men’s soccer scores second win, improves to 2-2
By Dominic Campbell / Staff Writer
September 4, 2017
Filed under Sports, Sports / Other Varsity Sports
In its last game before conference play next weekend, the Pitt men’s soccer team hit the road to take on the Loyola Greyhounds, winning by a score of 1-0 to improve to 2-2 on the year. First-year forward Alexander Dexter was the lone goal scorer of the night, putting the Panthers up 1-0 in the ...