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

Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor

All content by Richie Smiechowski
Richie Smiechowski tosses a volleyball in The Pitt News office.

Column | Finally, I can be a fan again

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
April 18, 2023
Kellen Petrone: Unfinished volleyball business in Pittsburgh

Kellen Petrone: Unfinished volleyball business in Pittsburgh

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
April 7, 2023
Pitt volleyball coach Dan Fisher yells during Pitt's game against BYU in the second round of the NCAA women's volleyball tournament in the Petersen Events Center on Dec. 3.

Pitt volleyball impresses against Ohio State, showcases depth without new additions

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
April 2, 2023
Pittsburgh guard Jamarius Burton (11)a and Xavier forward Jack Nunge (24) reach for a loose ball during the first half of a second-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 19, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C.

Pitt basketball’s NCAA tournament run ends in second round with 84-73 loss

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
March 19, 2023
Members of the Oakland Zoo at Friday's game against Iowa State in Greensboro, North Carolina.

‘It’s just surreal’: Oakland Zoo leaders travel to Greensboro, reflect on Pitt basketball’s tournament run

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
March 19, 2023
Pittsburgh forward Guillermo Diaz Graham (25) battles Iowa State's Robert Jones (12) and Tre King (0) for a rebound during the second half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C.

Pitt captures first NCAA Tournament round of 64 win since 2014, outpaces Iowa State 59-41

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
March 17, 2023
A basketball at the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt students embrace excitement, unpredictability of team’s first NCAA tournament in seven years

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
March 14, 2023
Pittsburgh guard Nelly Cummings drives between Georgia Tech guard Dallan Coleman and guard Kyle Sturdivant during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C.

Men’s basketball takeaways | March has created uncertainty for Panthers

By Richie Smiechowski and Frankie Richetti
March 11, 2023
Duke forward Mark Mitchell (25) drives between Pittsburgh forward Blake Hinson (2) and center Federiko Federiko (33) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Panthers outmatched by Duke in ACC quarterfinals, lose 96-69

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
March 9, 2023
Pitt fans pose at Hemingway’s Tuesday evening.

Point-Counterpoint | Kick back, relax and watch Pitt at your local bar or restaurant

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
February 22, 2023
Pitt lacrosse players on the sidelines of their game against Duquesne on Feb. 11.

From preschool to Pitt — lifelong friends Amelia Haywood and Lilly Comello share remarkable lacrosse journey

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
February 15, 2023
Pitt women’s lacrosse players celebrate a goal during Pitt’s opening season game at Duquesne on Saturday.

Pitt lacrosse knocks off Duquesne in season opener for second straight year

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
February 13, 2023
Pitt women’s lacrosse players celebrate after a victory against Akron Monday night.

Three new captains set to guide Pitt lacrosse into unpredictable sophomore season

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
February 9, 2023
Senior libero Ashley Browske (4) cheers during Pitt volleyball’s game against Louisville on Oct. 23, 2022.

Column | Pitt volleyball lands No. 8 in 2023 recruiting class, must revamp at middle blocker

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
January 24, 2023
Students point with Roc the Panther during “Sweet Caroline.”

Pitt athletics tied with Penn State for sixth in 2022-23 LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup standings

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
January 12, 2023
Pitt’s Felix Wolter jumps over hurdles in the ACC Indoor Championships at Virginia Tech on Feb. 26.

Players to watch for during Pitt’s 2023 spring sports calendar

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
January 11, 2023
Clemson forward RJ Godfrey, center, can't get a shot off as Pittsburgh guard Nike Sibande (22) and Guillermo Diaz Graham (25) defend during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023. Clemson won 75-74.

Winter sports recap: Men’s basketball, wrestling off to strong starts

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
January 8, 2023
Graduate student guard Jamarius Burton (11) dribbles the ball down the court during the Pitt men's basketball game against West Virginia on Nov. 11.

Men’s basketball takeaways: There’s reason for optimism in Oakland

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
January 8, 2023
Pittsburgh placekicker Ben Sauls (90) boots the winning field goal during the second half of the Sun Bowl NCAA college football game against UCLA, Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 in El Paso, Texas.

Patti, special teams lead Pitt to 37-35 Sun Bowl victory against No. 18 UCLA

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
December 30, 2022
Pittsburgh's Rachel Fairbanks (10) spikes the ball against Louisville's Claire Chaussee (9) and Amaya Tillman (25) during the semifinals of the NCAA volleyball tournament, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022 in Omaha, Neb.

Slow starts doom No. 2 Pitt in Final Four, drop to No. 1 Louisville in five sets

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
December 16, 2022
Pitt volleyball players huddle up during a game against NC State on Sept. 25.

Preview | Pitt vs. Louisville in the battle for both national and ACC supremacy

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor
December 15, 2022
Pitt volleyball coach Dan Fisher yells during Pitt's game against BYU in the second round of the NCAA women's volleyball tournament in the Petersen Events Center on Dec. 3.

‘We just found a way’: Pitt volleyball upsets No. 1 Wisconsin to advance to second consecutive Final Four

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
December 11, 2022
Pitt sophomore setter Rachel Fairbanks (10) sets the ball at a game against Bowling Green State University at the Fitzgerald Field House in September.

Panthers overpower Florida in four sets, advance to third consecutive regional final

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
December 9, 2022
First-year Pitt men’s basketball guard Dior Johnson is facing assault charges.

Pitt basketball’s Dior Johnson pleads guilty to two misdemeanors, remains suspended by team

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
December 9, 2022
Senior linebacker SirVocea Dennis (7) and junior linebacker Bangally Kamara (11) celebrate during Pitt football's game against Duke Saturday afternoon at Acrisure Stadium.

Pitt football to play in Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against No. 18 UCLA

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
December 5, 2022
Redshirt junior outside hitter Valeria Vazquez Gomez (2) celebrates after Pitt's win against BYU in the second round of the NCAA women's volleyball tournament in the Petersen Events Center Saturday night.

No. 2 Pitt sweeps No. 7 BYU in record-breaking fashion, advances to third consecutive Sweet 16

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
December 3, 2022
Senior defensive specialist Ashley Browske (4) celebrates after Pitt scores during Pitt's game against Colgate in the first round of the NCAA women's volleyball tournament in the Petersen Events Center Friday night.

No. 2 Panthers overpower Colgate, cruise to first round sweep in NCAA tournament

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
December 2, 2022
Pitt Panthers celebrate their win against Louisville on Sunday.

Pitt volleyball earns No. 2 seed for NCAA tourney, will host Colgate in first round

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
November 27, 2022
Pitt volleyball players celebrate during their game against American University at the Fitzgerald Field House on Sept. 9.

Column | Outlining the chaotic home stretch of the 2022 NCAA volleyball regular season

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
November 9, 2022
Junior defensive lineman Dayon Hayes (50) before the ACC football championship game against Wake Forest in Charlotte on Dec. 4, 2021.

Pitt junior defensive end Dayon Hayes arrested, charged with simple assault

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
November 7, 2022
Pitt sophomore setter Rachel Fairbanks (10) sets the ball at a game against Bowling Green State University at the Fitzgerald Field House in September.

No. 7 Pitt volleyball sweeps weekend, extends winning streak to 17

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
November 6, 2022
Graduate student Courtney Buzzerio (8) hits the ball during Pitt volleyball’s match against Louisville on Sunday.

Fairbanks, Buzzerio headline Golden State influence on Pitt volleyball

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
October 25, 2022
Pitt volleyball players celebrate after their win against Louisville on Sunday.

Pitt volleyball moves up one spot to No. 7 in AVCA coaches ranking

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
October 25, 2022
Pitt Panthers celebrate their win against Louisville on Sunday.

Panthers win five-set instant classic, dealing Louisville first ACC loss in two years

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
October 23, 2022
Pitt volleyball players huddle up during a game against NC State on Sept. 25.

Preview | Pitt and Louisville set for most important matchup in ACC volleyball history

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
October 19, 2022
Pitt head coach Jeff Capel works the bench during the first half of a men’s basketball game against Boston College at the ACC men's tournament on Mar. 8, 2022, in New York.

Behind talented additions, Pitt men’s basketball has potential to end NCAA tournament drought

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
October 5, 2022
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi walks the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Western Michigan, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Pitt drops out of AP, coaches polls after upset loss to Georgia Tech

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
October 3, 2022
Pitt graduate student middle blocker Serena Gray (21) prepares to spike the ball during Sunday’s game against NC State at Fitzgerald Field House.

Pitt volleyball off to hot start in ACC play, beats UNC and NC State

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
September 25, 2022
Pitt players tackle a Rhode Island player during Pitt football's game against Rhode Island Saturday afternoon.

Panthers hold at No. 24 in AP poll

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
September 25, 2022
Pitt players celebrate during Friday’s game against American University at the Fitzgerald Field House.

Pitt volleyball takes two of three games at Panther Invitational, drops last game to upstart Towson

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
September 12, 2022
Sophomore running back Rodney Hammond Jr. (6) scores a touchdown during the Backyard Brawl Thursday night.

Pitt stays at No. 17 in AP poll following week one

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
September 6, 2022
Starting quarterback Kedon Slovis at Pitt football practice on Aug. 25 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

‘10,000 passes’: Preparation, an accurate arm key in Kedon Slovis winning starting quarterback position over Nick Patti

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
August 31, 2022
Dalton Coppola and Richie Smiechowski, sports editors.

Meet the editors: Sports

By Dalton Coppola and Richie Smiechowski
August 29, 2022
Attendees look at the PR-028 at a formula SAE showcase in 2016.

‘To finish first, first you must finish’: Panther Racing pushes limits of performance, reliability

By Richie Smiechowski, Assistant Sports Editor
August 26, 2022
Quarterback Kedon Slovis (9) at Pitt football's 2022 spring game.

Narduzzi breaks silence on quarterback battle, names Kedon Slovis starter against West Virginia

By Dalton Coppola and Richie Smiechowski
August 24, 2022
Pitt ultimate frisbee players.

‘En Sabah Nur’: Pitt men’s ultimate frisbee and its continued national success

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
August 8, 2022
Pitt’s Ashley Browske (4) hits a pass during a semifinal of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska in December.

Fisher, Fairbanks lead USA Women’s U21 Volleyball to gold at Pan American Cup

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
June 14, 2022
Leketor Member-Meneh (13) jumps to spike the ball during the Pitt vs. Purdue matchup in the NCAA women's volleyball tournament in Dec.

Column | Volleyball deserves a national spotlight

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
June 1, 2022
Pitt sophomore forward John Hugley (23) scores during the men’s basketball exhibition versus Gannon at the Petersen Events Center in November.

Column | Recent additions put Pitt men’s basketball into ‘win now’ mode

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
May 24, 2022
Senior midfielder Peyton Reed (16) faces off a player from Akron during a Pitt women’s lacrosse game in March.

‘I see Pitt thriving’: Lacrosse seniors, grad students set bar for future teams

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
April 19, 2022
Ashley Martin: Unafraid to do theater

Ashley Martin: Unafraid to do theater

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
April 17, 2022
Senior middle blocker Sabrina Starks celebrates after beating Howard in the first round of the NCAA volleyball tournament in 2019.

Column | Pitt volleyball showcases depth in scrimmage, will have competition at outside hitter

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
April 5, 2022
Pitt diver Amy Read.

Pitt swim and dive concludes season at NCAA Championships in Atlanta

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
March 30, 2022
Pitt junior attacker Carlie Leach (7) passes a Duquesne player during a game at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 26, 2021.

Pitt falls to reigning national champions Boston College, 19-12

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
March 26, 2022
Quarterback Kenny Pickett throws a football at NFL Pro Day Monday afternoon.

Pickett sharp, Mathis turns heads at Pitt’s 2022 Pro Day

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
March 21, 2022
Pitt junior center Rita Igbokwe (23), left, and sophomore guard Taisha Exanor (3) chase the ball at a Nov. 21, 2021, game against Radford University at the Petersen Events Center.

Women’s basketball, White need to make strong starts sustainable

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
March 16, 2022
Baseball fan Noah McMurrain stands outside of the Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida, on Monday.

Column | Regardless of lockout outcome, MLB owners and Manfred are tarnishing the game

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
March 2, 2022
Pitt graduate student Felix Wolter jumps over a hurdle at a track & field meet.

‘Relentless’: Felix Wolter pushes toward goal of competing in 2024 Olympic Games

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
February 18, 2022
Pitt freshman attacker Sydney Naylor is chased by Duquesne lacrosse players during the first Pitt women's lacrosse game in program history.

Pitt lacrosse starts inaugural season with overtime thriller, takes down Duquesne 9-8

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
February 11, 2022
Pitt lacrosse players huddle up during a playday against the Duquesne Dukes at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 26.

Pitt women’s lacrosse makes last preparations for first game

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
February 8, 2022
​​Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) walks off the field with teammate Chris Jones (95) at the end of the AFC championship NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri. The Bengals won 27-24 in overtime.

Point-Counterpoint | Coin flips shouldn’t decide high-stakes NFL playoff games

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
February 1, 2022
Julianna Dalton is a Pitt volleyball transfer from Washington State, and the Panthers’ first acquisition of the 2022 offseason.

‘Excited to compete’: Transfer Julianna Dalton looks to help Pitt volleyball sustain success

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer
January 25, 2022
Senior diver Amy Read, originally from Leeds, England, prepares to dive. Read broke Pitt’s record in women’s platform diving last year.

Swimming and diving international athletes embrace challenges of competing in America

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
January 18, 2022
Pitt’s Leketor Member-Meneh, left, and teammate Serena Gray react following a semifinal loss to Nebraska in the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament Friday in Columbus, Ohio.

Pitt’s National Championship bid ends with loss to Nebraska in Final Four

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
December 17, 2021
Pitt volleyball players celebrate after defeating Purdue and earning a spot in the Final Four of the NCAA women's volleyball championships.

Pitt defeats No. 6 Purdue, advances to first Final Four in program history

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
December 11, 2021
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 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 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
Hundreds of students, some equipped with tents, line up outside of the WPU Monday evening to purchase ACC Football Championship tickets, transportation and lodging.

Pitt students camp outside WPU for ACC Championship Game tickets

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
November 30, 2021
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pitt Panther Serena Gray sends the ball over the net during Pitt vs. WVB volleyball game.

Panthers cruise against UVA, extend winning streak to 13

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 30, 2021
The Panthers swept both games they played this weekend in North Carolina, knocking off the UNC Tar Heels in Chapel Hill and the NC State Wolfpack in Raleigh to continue their undefeated start to the season.

Pitt volleyball begins ACC with wins against UNC and NC State

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 27, 2021
The Team Foster Ruff Ride 24-hour spin relay came to Pittsburgh for the first time in the organization’s history on Friday underneath the tent at Schenley Plaza.

Team Foster’s Ruff Ride: 24-Hour Spin Relay holds inaugural Pittsburgh event

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 27, 2021
Kayla Lund led a dominant run of Pitt volleyball during her time in Oakland. As she looks toward the end of her time as a Panther, Lund wants to make history and memories on the court.

Kayla Lund looks to finish historic Pitt volleyball career on top

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 21, 2021
No. 4 Pitt volleyball traveled to Johnson Arena in Morehead, Ky. for its final tune-up games at the Comfort Inn-vitational in preparation of their ACC opener against UNC on Friday. The undefeated Panthers dominated the event, sweeping Marshall and Morehead State and improving their spotless record to 10-0 on the season.

Panthers continue undefeated streak at Comfort Inn-vitational

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 19, 2021
Highmark Stadium will be the home of Pitt women’s lacrosse for its inaugural 2022 season. Pictured is the Panthers lacrosse team’s first practice on Aug. 30.

Pitt women’s lacrosse finds new home for inaugural 2022 season

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 13, 2021
On Friday, the Panthers celebrated after extending their winning streak with a 3-1 victory at home over No. 12 BYU. It was their second victory of the day in the Panther Challenge, hosted this weekend by Pitt at the Fitzgerald Field House.

Panthers stay undefeated with commanding 3-1 victory against No. 12 BYU

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 12, 2021
Pitt fans revel in return to Heinz Field

Pitt fans revel in return to Heinz Field

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 7, 2021
Pitt women’s lacrosse practices at the Sports Dome last Monday in the morning. When the team takes the field in spring 2022, it will be their first year as a varsity squad.

Pitt women’s lacrosse looks to make ACC splash ahead of inaugural season

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer
September 7, 2021
The Panthers wore the word “TEAM” to training camp last Thursday as a tangible representation of their 2021 mantra — “We Not Me.”

‘We Not Me’: Pitt football embraces selfless 2021 mantra

By Richie Smiechowski, For The Pitt News
August 31, 2021
Heather Like, Athletic Director

Introducing Pitt athletics’ biggest faces

By Richie Smiechowski, For The Pitt News
August 24, 2021
Saying “Coach Webb” at T&F practices may cause confusion. Instead, there’s Coach Zo (left) and Coach Webb (right).

Pitt track and field father-son coaching duo look to build upon award-winning season

By Richie Smiechowski, For The Pitt News
August 18, 2021
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