The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
Senior middle blocker Serena Gray (21) spikes the ball against Kansas during Thursday afternoon's Sweet 16 match at Fitzgerald Field House.

No. 3 Panthers sweep Jayhawks, advance to second consecutive Elite Eight

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • December 9, 2021
Pitt volleyball swept Kansas on Thursday afternoon at the Fitzgerald Field House — earning its second consecutive spot in the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.
Pitt sophomore outside hitter Valeria Vazquez Gomez (2), graduate student outside hitter Kayla Lund (23) and first-year setter Rachel Fairbanks (10) celebrate during Saturday evening’s game against Penn State University at the Petersen Events Center.

No. 3 Pitt defeats Keystone State rival Penn State 3-1 in second round of NCAA Tournament

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • December 5, 2021
The Panthers were able to break the drought against the Nittany Lions this year with a 3-1 victory.
The court during Friday evening’s game against University of Maryland, Baltimore County at the Petersen Events Center.

No. 3 Pitt volleyball sweeps UMBC, will play Penn State in second round rivalry game

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • December 3, 2021
No. 3 Pitt volleyball started slow but finished strong in an NCAA Tournament-opening sweep of UMBC. The Panthers’ win on Friday night set up a postseason rivalry match with Penn State on Saturday.
Pitt junior outside hitter Leketor Member-Meneh (13) prepares to hit the ball at a game against Georgia Tech at Fitzgerald Field House on Nov. 10.

Pitt volleyball earns No. 3 national seed in NCAA Tournament, will host first two rounds

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • November 29, 2021
During Sunday’s NCAA volleyball tournament selection show, the Panthers earned the No. 3 national seed, meaning they are guaranteed to host the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament in Pittsburgh.
Serena Gray (21) celebrates during the Panthers volleyball game vs. UVA at the Fitzgerald Field House on Sept. 29.

Slow start dooms No. 3 Pitt volleyball in marquee match with No. 1 Louisville

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • November 24, 2021
In front of a raucous crowd of 3,052 fans packed into Fitzgerald Field House, No. 3 Pitt ended the regular season on a disappointing note, taking a 3-1 loss to undefeated No. 1 Louisville.
Serena Gray (21) celebrates during the Panthers volleyball game vs. UVA at the Fitzgerald Field House on Sept. 29.

Preview | Pitt volleyball’s roadmap to hosting an NCAA regional

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • November 17, 2021
The 2021 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball tournament is just around the corner and the No. 3 Panthers (24-2, 13-2 ACC) are still very much in control of their own destiny.
Pitt right side hitter Chinaza Ndee (5) prepares to hit the ball over the net at a game against University of Virginia at the Fitzgerald Field House on Sept. 29.

Pitt Volleyball sweeps weekend doubleheader

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • November 8, 2021
No. 3 Pitt volleyball continued its recent string of dominance against ACC foes, sweeping both Syracuse and Boston College over the weekend. Since their second loss of the season on Oct. 24, the Panthers have yet to drop a set in four matches.
Pitt’s Chinaza Ndee (5) prepares to hit the ball at a game against the University of Virginia at Fitzgerald Field House on Sept. 29.

Panthers volleyball narrowly edged by Cardinals in top-five battle

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • October 24, 2021
In one of the most highly anticipated NCAA volleyball matches of the season, No. 2 Louisville handed the No. 4 Panthers their second loss of the season — three sets to two — in a thrilling, five set bout.
Serena Gray, senior middle blocker, transferred from Penn State this year. Pictured is Gray spiking the ball during Pitt’s game against BYU.

Super-senior transfers make instant impact for Pitt volleyball

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • October 12, 2021
Pitt volleyball added two high-powered transfers, Leketor Member-Meneh from Missouri and Serena Gray from Penn State, to its roster this offseason and they’ve made an instant impact, helping propel the Panthers to a top-five ranking.
Graduate student Kayla Lund (23) prepares to bump the ball back over the net at Pitt’s volleyball game against Georgia Tech at the Fitzgerald Field House on Sunday.

No. 2 Pitt volleyball falls to No. 18 Georgia Tech for first defeat of the season

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • October 11, 2021
No. 2 Pitt volleyball suffered its first defeat of the season Sunday to No. 18 Georgia Tech at Fitzgerald Field House. Pitt is the highest ranked opponent the Yellow Jackets have ever beaten.
Load More Stories