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 19, 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.
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
Leadership from Pitt basketball’s student section, the Oakland Zoo, has loyally traveled alongside the team through their NCAA tournament run. They hope to provide both the players and the fans with an extra boost of energy for as long as the Panthers journey lasts.
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 16, 2023
First-year Pitt lacrosse players Amelia Haywood and Lilly Comello are no strangers to each other — they’ve gone to school together since they were three, and 15 years later are the first two official walk-on players in program history.
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.
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 9, 2023
While most Pitt students spent the winter break enjoying the holiday season, the Panthers continued their respective seasons. With plenty of time left for the winter sports calendar, here’s how the athletic department fared over the last few weeks.
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 9, 2023
For the first time since 2016, there is genuine optimism surrounding the Pitt men’s basketball team. Sports editor Richie Smiechowski gives takeaways from the first leg of their season and how they’ve gotten to this point.
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
Quarterback Nick Patti defended his status as a bowl game specialist, leading Pitt to a 37-35 victory against No. 18 UCLA in the Sun Bowl. Kicker Ben Sauls went 5-5 in the game and made the game winning field goal late.
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.
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.
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