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 tosses a volleyball in The Pitt News office.

Column | Finally, I can be a fan again

By Richie Smiechowski, Sports Editor • April 18, 2023
In his final article with The Pitt News, Sports Editor Richie Smiechowski reflects on his time with the desk and how he’s more than ready for the transition from volleyball beat writer to volleyball season ticket holder.
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
Pitt volleyball looked comfortable in their 3-1 spring game victory over Ohio State, showcasing depth even without their six new additions. While the lineup is far from solidified, head coach Dan Fisher is pleased with the personnel he has in front of him.
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
Pitt volleyball head coach Dan Fisher is gearing up for the future, boasting the country’s No. 8 ranked 2023 recruiting class. Sports Editor Richie Smiechowski takes a deep dive into next year's roster, highlighting the team’s remaining gaps.
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 athletics’ strong fall performances moved them into sixth place in the 2022-23 LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup Division I standings. Pitt earned 309.00 points across all of its fall sports, putting the Panthers level with Penn State athletics.
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
No. 2 Pitt volleyball couldn’t escape slow starts against No. 1 Louisville in the Final Four, as they fell in five sets to their conference foe. Louisville is the first ACC volleyball team to ever reach the National Championship.
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
With Pitt’s Final Four matchup against conference rival Louisville drawing closer, Sports Editor Richie Smiechowski provides keys to the game for both teams in the rubber match between ACC giants.
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
No. 2 Pitt volleyball pulled off a remarkable upset against the defending national champions, No. 1 Wisconsin, winning in a thrilling five set bout and moving on to their second consecutive Final Four.
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
Pitt volleyball knocked off Florida in the third round of the NCAA tournament Thursday evening, winning 3-1 and advancing to their third consecutive Elite Eight. The Panthers will square off against Wisconsin on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
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
No. 2 Pitt volleyball looked dominant Saturday night in their second round NCAA tournament matchup against No. 7 BYU. The Panthers swept the Cougars behind record-setting performances from Courtney Buzzerio and Rachel Fairbanks.
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
No. 2 Pitt volleyball was dominant in their first round NCAA tournament matchup against Colgate, sweeping the Raiders in an all-around impressive performance. The Panthers will take on No. 7 BYU tomorrow in the second round.
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