Take 5: Best of Pitt Athletics
By Staff
January 23, 2019
Pitt Athletics had some highs and lows this year, but in every situation there was a player or team that stood out above the rest. This week our writers talked about their “best of” moment in Pitt athletics.
Panthers band together in split performances
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
December 10, 2018
With Pitt's band split between three different locations on the weekend of Nov. 30, Director of Bands Brad Townsend had to get creative.
Volleyball ends season with tournament loss to Michigan
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
December 3, 2018
After losing in the second round of the NCAA tournament the past two years, Pitt volleyball thought 2018 was its year — but Michigan ended the Panthers’ dreams of dancing into the Sweet 16 on Saturday night.
Weekend Sports: Basketball and wrestling shine amid football and volleyball losses
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
December 3, 2018
Men’s basketball beat Duquesne in the annual City Game and the wrestling team performed admirably at the Las Vegas Invitational, injecting some Panther pride into an otherwise bleak weekend.
Pitt’s historic season ends in 3-2 loss to Michigan
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
December 2, 2018
Pitt's historic season came to end in its 3-2 loss against Michigan in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.
Pitt sweeps Iona to move on to second round of NCAA Tournament
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
December 1, 2018
Pitt Volleyball beat Iona to move onto the second round of the NCAA Tournament Friday.
Column: Sweet 16 on the horizon for Pitt volleyball
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
November 29, 2018
This will be the team’s third consecutive appearance in the tournament and 14th appearance in team history — and fans can expect the Panthers to go further in this tournament than ever before.
Volleyball to host opening tournament matches as No. 12 seed
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
November 28, 2018
For the first time in program history, Pitt’s volleyball team will host a playoff round, starting Friday, Nov. 29.
Panther Spotlight: Xavier Johnson, Danielle Garven, Nika Markovic
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
November 26, 2018
Xavier Johnson and Danielle Garven have helped out Pitt’s basketball teams in the early going, while Nika Markovic led the volleyball team to a strong regular-season finish.
Thanksgiving Recap: Volleyball, basketball gobble up wins
By Kate Hall, Staff Writer
November 26, 2018
Pitt football fell to Miami, but three other Panther sports picked up the slack with a winning Thanksgiving weekend both home and away.
Weekend Sports: Volleyball clinches second straight ACC title
By Kate Hall, For the Pitt News
November 19, 2018
Records were broken and ACC championships were clinched over the weekend, showing a promising future for the programs heading into the winter seasons.
Weekend Recap: Wrestling starts season and Daigneault continues to roll
By Jack Clay, Staff Writer
November 5, 2018
Valerie Daigneault is undefeated in her swimming events so far this season. The volleyball team improved to 25-1 on the season and the wrestling team only has one more week until their season begins. You can read about all of that and more in this week’s weekend sports recap.
Weekend Sports: Volleyball’s win streak snapped at 23
By Kate Hall, For the Pitt News
October 29, 2018
Pitt’s football team found success Saturday but it was a tough Halloweekend for the University’s other sports, with the No. 5 volleyball team suffering its first loss of the season Sunday.
Weekend Sports: Volleyball notches two ACC wins to stay unbeaten
By Stephen Thompson, Staff Writer
October 22, 2018
Pitt's volleyball team headlined the weekend with two record-breaking games for attendance, along with a fourth-set comeback win over No. 21 Louisville.
Pitt volleyball sweeps North Dakota for 18th straight win
By Alex Lehmbeck, Staff Writer
October 10, 2018
The No. 6 Pitt volleyball team took care of business at home Tuesday night, sweeping North Dakota in straight sets to remain unbeaten.
Weekend Sports: Homecoming brings mixed results
By Griffin Floyd, Staff Writer
October 8, 2018
In addition to the football team's big win Saturday, several other Pitt sports teams contributed quality performances over the weekend, most notably the volleyball and soccer teams.
Weekend Sports: Pitt volleyball, softball continue dominance while soccer teams stumble
By Andrew Kelly, For the Pitt News
September 30, 2018
Volleyball and softball led the way for Pitt sports over the weekend, picking up two wins each. The Panthers’ soccer teams, meanwhile, didn’t fare so well.
Volleyball picks up the slack for Pitt sports over weekend
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
September 24, 2018
While Pitt's soccer teams didn’t fare so well, volleyball picked up the slack by sweeping Virginia Tech for the Panthers' 13th straight win.
Volleyball sweeps Virginia in ACC opener
By Alex Lehmbeck, Staff Writer
September 20, 2018
The Panthers came into Wednesday night’s game riding a perfect 5-0 record in ACC openers, and extended that streak to six with a dominant 3-0 win over the Cavaliers.
Column: Pitt is a volleyball school now
By Stephen Thompson, For the Pitt News
September 19, 2018
The Pitt volleyball team is driven, experienced and talented — and they deserve all the support our Panther community can give them.
Weekend recap: Volleyball, softball teams pick up two wins apiece
By Griffin Floyd, For the Pitt News
September 16, 2018
Pitt’s sports teams represented the University well over the weekend, going a combined 4-1.
Nika Markovic: Slovenian student serves success
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
September 14, 2018
When Nika Markovic decommitted from the University of San Francisco, she had no idea she would end up at Pitt. Born in Braslovce, Slovenia, Markovic began playing volleyball at the age of 7. No-one - not even her - thought volleyball would be her sport.
Weekend Recap: Volleyball stays unbeaten, men’s soccer falls in nail-biter
By Stephen Thompson, For the Pitt News
September 10, 2018
Panther teams faced off against a stacked lineup of nationally ranked teams in volleyball, soccer and cross country over the weekend, achieving mixed results.
Panther Spotlight: Kayla Lund, Edward Kizza, Anna Rico
By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor
August 28, 2018
Although the fall sports season is barely a week old, several Panthers have already begun to establish themselves as playmakers on their respective teams.
Weekend Recap: Women’s volleyball, soccer teams roll through opening weekend
By Tessa Sayers, Staff Writer
August 27, 2018
The first weekend back for students proved to be a successful one for Pitt sports. While the men's soccer team dropped its season opener, the women's volleyball and soccer teams picked up the slack by going undefeated through the opening weekend of the fall sports' season. Volleyball Pitt volleyb...
Pre-season preparation: Volleyball and soccer teams train in the offseason
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
May 30, 2018
The beginning of summer sounds like freedom for many Pitt students. But for student athletes, it is just the beginning of a long grind that will continue from now until the end of their season. For the women’s volleyball and men’s soccer teams, there are a few athletes who will stay on campus...
Weekend sports: swimmers compete at nationals, volleyball goes dancing
By TPN Staff
December 4, 2017
It was a high-stakes weekend for Pitt sports, with celebrated wins and heartbreaking losses. As the volleyball team went dancing at the NCAA tournament, the swim team competed against former Olympians and men’s basketball reclaimed the City Game title. Volleyball Despite winning the ACC champion...
TPN Panther spotlight: Yacine Diop, Marcus Carr, Nika Markovic
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
November 29, 2017
While the Pitt men’s and women’s basketball teams rounded into form over the holiday break, the women’s volleyball team punched its ticket to the 2017 NCAA tournament. Whether the team wins or loses, some players are bound to stand out. Here are a few exceptional Panthers who have stepped up ...
Pitt sports gobble up wins over Thanksgiving break
By Brandon Glass and Trent Leonard | TPN Staff
November 27, 2017
Pitt sports had a lot to be thankful for over the holiday break. Aside from turkey and stuffing, teams saw historic wins and conference championship titles on the menu. While the Pitt men’s basketball team had uneven results on the court, football, volleyball and women’s basketball brought in...
Pitt volleyball makes NCAA championship tournament for second year in a row
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
November 26, 2017
After claiming the ACC Conference title this past weekend on a nine-game winning streak, the Pitt women’s volleyball team has secured a slot in the NCAA championship tournament. This is the second year in a row they have qualified for the NCAA tournament, the last time before that being 2004. The Panthers look to extend their season as the NCAA tournament begins Friday. Pitt wi...
Weekend sports: women sweep, while men suffer
By Trent Leonard and Jordan Mondell | TPN Staff
November 20, 2017
As the fall sports teams near the end of their regular seasons and the winter teams get underway, five teams took the field, court, pool and mat this weekend. Women’s basketball triumphed over Towson in double digits, and volleyball swept two ACC teams in straight sets, but the wrestling team was pinne...
Weekend sports: wrestling opens season, cross country wraps up, with wins
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
November 13, 2017
Pitt’s revenue teams may not have fared so well this weekend, but other teams made up for it with quality showings. The cross country season wrapped up with top performances from the men’s and women’s teams, while Pitt wrestlers impressed in their season debut. Women’s volleyball collected two mo...
Weekend sports: volleyball splits matches, while men’s soccer faces shut out
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 30, 2017
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...
Weekend sports: Panther soccer falters, while swimming and diving make a splash
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 23, 2017
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...
Pitt volleyball splits two-game home stand
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
October 22, 2017
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...
Weekend sports: volleyball, men’s soccer grab ACC wins
By Kait French | Staff Writer
October 15, 2017
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 ...
Panthers dominate the pitch, court, trail in weekend sports
By Brandon Glass | Staff Writer
October 1, 2017
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 ...
Panthers stampede, hit kills, save goals in weekend sports
By Brandon Glass | For The Pitt News
September 17, 2017
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...
Not just football: volleyball, cross country, soccer compete over weekend
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
September 11, 2017
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...
Volleyball splits weekend matches at home against Wake Forest and Duke
By David Leftwich | Staff Writer
November 14, 2016
After losing to both the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the Duke Blue Devils on the road in October, the Pitt volleyball team managed to vanquish only one of the two hellish opponents over the weekend. On Friday at the Fitzgerald Field House, Pitt (overall 20-7, 11-4 ACC) crippled Wake Forest (overa...
Volleyball captures crucial weekend of five-set Carolina matches
By David Leftwich | Staff Writer
October 31, 2016
Once sophomore Kamalani Akeo slammed down the final service ace onto the court, there was no stopping the Pitt women’s volleyball team from rejoicing a pair of weekend victories against two reputable North Carolina teams. Not only do the wins make a NCAA tournament bid a serious possibility for ...
Stephanie Williams: Coming back for the kill
By David Leftwich | Staff Writer
September 21, 2016
Stephanie Williams had been here before, almost one year to the day. It was the Michigan game. The Pitt volleyball team faced a 12-9 deficit in the fifth and final set. Last year, the Panthers lost, and Williams left the court with a broken foot. She would have to sit out a majority of her fi...
Pair of club volleyball players reveling in final season
By Meg Millure / For The Pitt News
March 3, 2016
Lexi Surunis and Emily Correia were playing volleyball together long before they became Panthers. But their partnership appeared destined to end, after a communication miscue following a tryout for Pitt’s club volleyball squad in September. A typo in an email announcing the team’s roster mistake...
Pitt volleyball fails to secure NCAA Tournament bid
By David Leftwich / Staff Writer
November 30, 2015
Closing out its season with two home wins may not have guaranteed a berth to the NCAA Tournament, but after splitting two matches last week, Pitt’s volleyball team will never know whether it would have made the difference. The Panthers (23-9, 13-7 ACC) failed to make the NCAA Tournament in Sunday n...
Volleyball splits final two road matches of the season
By David Leftwich / Staff Writer
November 15, 2015
Pitt volleyball experienced the power of time firsthand when two foes the team dominated in September now plagued it over the weekend. The Panthers (21-7, 11-5 ACC) lost 3-0 to North Carolina on Friday and edged North Carolina State 3-2 Saturday in two matches starkly different than their meetings i...
Panthers of the week
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 3, 2015
NATHAN PETERMAN- Quarterback, football Although the Panthers lost on Thursday to the North Carolina Tar Heels, 26-19, quarterback Nathan Peterman had one of his best showings of the season. The junior University of Tennessee transfer completedwas 27 of 42 passes on the evening, throwing for a career-...
For the kill: Kullerkann ends journey from native Estonia with Pitt volleyball
By David Leftwich / Staff Writer
October 15, 2015
Kadi Kullerkann did not think a recruiting trip to the United States five years ago would involve babysitting a Marquette volleyball coach’s child. She also didn’t think the trip from her native Estonia was the first step on her path to playing at Pitt, a path marked with four seasons playing volle...
Fisher brings experience, leadership to Pitt volleyball
By Jessie Wallace / Staff Writer
October 13, 2015
By 2013, Dan Fisher already had a packed resume. He had completed his collegiate volleyball career at University of the Pacific, participating on the U.S. men’s national team. He coached at four different college programs, compiling an undefeated season at one of them. He served as the offensive coordina...
Pitt volleyball wins two road ACC matches
By David Leftwich / Staff Writer
October 11, 2015
Losing can either send a team into a spiral or provide motivation to improve — this weekend, Pitt volleyball coach Dan Fisher made sure it was the latter. After dropping two tough matches in Virginia last weekend, Fisher’s team bounced back with two road wins at Syracuse and Boston College. Pitt’s f...
Road woes continue for Pitt volleyball in weekend losses
October 4, 2015
Pitt’s volleyball team can’t handle its homesickness this season. After dropping two matches over the weekend at Virginia Tech and Virginia, the Panthers have sunk to 1-4 in road matches this season despite an otherwise solid 12-4 record. The Panthers (12-4, 2-2 ACC) traveled to Virginia this wee...
Pitt volleyball sweeps ACC opening weekend against North Carolina State, North Carolina
By David Leftwich / Staff Writer
September 27, 2015
A raucous house full of dancing, cheering fans watched Pitt open its ACC schedule with two impressive wins this weekend at the Fitzgerald Field House. The Panthers (12-2, 2-0 ACC) faced off against the NC State Wolfpack (11-3, 0-2 ACC) Friday, winning 3-1. Pitt finished up the weekend against the U...
Pitt volleyball starts ACC slate against red hot North Carolina State, North Carolina
By David Leftwich / Staff Writer
September 25, 2015
Good times never felt so good as the Panthers kick off their ACC schedule with two visits from North Carolina teams. Pitt volleyball, winner of three straight games, hopes to keep its momentum going as it faces a hot North Carolina State University Wolfpack team, winners of nine in a row. The Panthers...
Pitt volleyball sweeps Panther Invitational, moves to 10-2
By Jessie Wallace / Staff Writer
September 20, 2015
Call this weekend the debut of the “Kullerkann and Potts Show.” Pitt volleyball hosted the Panther Invitational on Sept. 18 and 19, during which Kadi Kullerkann and Jenna Potts led a Panther sweep of the tournament. The team advanced to a 10-2 record as it topped Bowling Green, Lehigh and Georg...
Pitt volleyball focusing internally in advance of Panther Invitational
By David Leftwich / For The Pitt News
September 17, 2015
Pitt volleyball will face three Division I opponents this weekend in the Panther Invitational — but the Panthers are their own biggest adversaries during the upcoming slate of games. After a successful 2-1 performance last weekend in which the Panthers’ only loss was a closely contested battle ...
Pitt volleyball goes 2-1 in Michigan Challenge over weekend
By David Leftwich / For The Pitt News
September 14, 2015
At its toughest invitational this season, Pitt volleyball didn’t meet a challenge until it was too late. Ask Pitt head coach Dan Fisher. “We won the first two, but I don’t think we played as well as we could have actually, even though we won,” Fisher said. Those first two wins, against South...
Women’s volleyball prepares for test of Michigan Challenge
By David Leftwich / For The Pitt News
September 9, 2015
After two mostly successful tournament runs this season, the Pitt women’s volleyball team will move onto the boss level during an invitational this weekend in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Freshman outside hitter Stephanie Williams is not underestimating the challenge. “I think this is the toughest tour...
Pitt volleyball sets sights on home opener
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
September 3, 2015
After a successful triad of matches in Lincoln, Nebraska, the Pitt women’s volleyball team will hit familiar hardwood for the first time this season. The Panthers will debut in front of their own fans, taking on a trio of opponents during this weekend’s Pitt/Duquesne Invitational. The matches thems...
Pitt volleyball goes 2-1 to start season at Nebraska Invite
By Brandon Duerr / Staff Writer
August 31, 2015
For a program with tournament goals, Pitt volleyball’s start didn’t help answer any questions. The Panthers won two of three games at this weekend’s Nebraska Invite, defeating two middling programs, but losing to a top-ranked opponent. The team headed west to Lincoln, Nebraska to face off ag...
Pitt volleyball’s strong schedule, conference paves tough road to tournament
By Brandon Duerr / Staff Writer
August 30, 2015
Meeting expectations is never easy. But to do so, the Pitt women’s volleyball team will have to overcome a difficult schedule and roster turnover in its upcoming season. The Panthers are coming off a stellar year both overall and in their second season in the ACC.The season saw the team reel off an...
Despite tourney snub, Pitt pleased with 25-6 season
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
December 3, 2014
With one year of the ACC under their belt, the Panthers entered the fall with hopes not only of excelling in conference play but also of making the NCAA Tournament. The team’s goal was dashed Sunday evening when the NCAA failed to give Pitt a bid. Despite the snub, head coach Dan Fisher and the Panthe...
Panthers finish regular season with two weekend wins
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
November 30, 2014
Two weeks ago, the Pitt volleyball team lost twice in a weekend for the first time all season. After that, the Panthers vowed to avenge their losses — and they did.Pitt (25-6, 13-5 ACC) finished its season on a four-match winning streak, including wins against Louisville and Notre Dame this past week....
Panthers win twice to keep NCAA tournament hopes alive
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
November 23, 2014
Entering this weekend having lost two straight, the Panthers knew they needed to win both weekend matches to salvage their chances of making the NCAA Tournament.“We definitely needed the momentum back,” senior libero Delaney Clesen said.On Friday, which was also Senior Night, Pitt (23-6, 11-5 AC...
Seniors take home court for last time on Friday night
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
November 20, 2014
Friday night’s match means a lot to Kate Yeazel. It’ll be the last time the opposite — along with teammates Delaney Clesen, Jessica Wynn, Lindsey Zitzke and Mechael Guess — will wear a Pitt jersey at the Fitzgerald Field House.“It’s definitely crazy. It’s such a cliche, but your four ye...
Pitt loses two matches in disappointing weekend
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
November 16, 2014
Pitt’s success earlier in the volleyball season disappeared this weekend when the team dropped both matches, a first this year. The Panthers fell to Miami 3-0 and Virginia Tech 3-1.MiamiEntering Friday’s match, the Panthers were aware of its opponent’s toughness. Regardless, Pitt was swept for the first time this season. Miami (18-7, 11-3 AC...
Panthers open weekend series with hopes of cracking top 25
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
November 13, 2014
The Panther volleyball team hopes to carry the momentum of beating a ranked opponent into this weekend, when it faces two tough teams at home.On Friday night, Pitt (21-4, 9-3 ACC) will host the Miami Hurricanes at 7 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Field House. The team will then welcome Virginia Tech Sunday afterno...
Panthers beat ranked Duke in weekend sweep
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
November 9, 2014
The Pitt volleyball team knew it needed to win on the road if the team wanted to improve its NCAA Tournament resumé. The Panthers (21-4, 9-3 ACC) defeated No. 25 Duke (18-6, 10-3 ACC) 3-2 Friday night and followed that win with a sweep of Wake Forest.Pitt defeated Duke in a back-and-forth match — ...
Pitt travels for two weekend road matches
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
November 6, 2014
The Pitt volleyball team travels this weekend, playing back-to-back matches for the first time since Sept. 19-20, and consecutive road matches for the first time since Oct. 17-19.Pitt travels to Cameron Indoor Stadium Friday to play the Duke Blue Devils and follows up that match Saturday evening against W...
Pitt splits weekend ACC matches
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
November 2, 2014
The Panthers had mixed results for the second weekend in a row, dropping Friday night’s match at Virginia Tech 3-1 and winning Sunday against Syracuse 3-0.“It was really good to refocus and get a win back at home and settle back into our groove, as we kind of lost it against Virginia Tech,” se...
Pitt hoping to fight through pain in two weekend matches
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 30, 2014
The Panther volleyball team is off to one of its best starts in team history but is starting to feel the effects of the challenging slate of ACC conference games.Although a significant percentage of the squad is facing injuries, Pitt (18-3, 6-2 ACC) will have a split weekend facing Virginia Tech in ...
What’s Greek for volleyball? Genitsaridi settles in on team after international move
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 27, 2014
Two years ago, Maria Genitsaridi left behind the only life that she knew to live and play volleyball in the United States. Leaving her parents and younger brother in Greece, Genitsaridi boarded a plane from Crete bound for Pittsburgh.Now Genitsaridi, a sophomore outside hitter, is helping the Pitt vol...
Pitt cannot close out No. 4 FSU in five-set loss
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 26, 2014
Two sets into the Spike and Slam Madness on Friday night, momentum was on Pitt’s side. But the Panthers slowly began to lose control of the match and walked away with a 3-2 heartbreaking loss to No. 4 Florida State.The Fitzgerald Field House shook with close to 2,000 fans in attendance for the hom...
Rolling Panthers face array of challenges this weekend
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 22, 2014
After defeating two conference opponents last weekend, the surging Pitt volleyball team’s road doesn’t get any easier this weekend. The Panthers will first face No. 4 Florida State on Friday, then Louisville Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m.“We have to approach this game with a lot of confidence,” ...
Panthers pick up two more ACC wins over weekend
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 19, 2014
Playing in front of two of the ACC’s toughest crowds didn’t prevent the Pitt women’s volleyball team from picking up two more conference wins over the weekend, continuing an impressive season. With the NCAA Tournament in their sights, the Panthers (17-2, 5-1 ACC) beat both of their weekend oppone...
Pitt takes winning streak into ACC road trip
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 17, 2014
No matter how well a team performs, coaches and players agree that road conference games always present a significant challenge to the visitors.The Pitt volleyball team tests the challenge this weekend, as the team travels to Georgia Tech Friday evening and wraps up its weekend road trip with a Sunday a...
Panthers continue hot start with wins over weekend
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 13, 2014
Lately, the Pitt women’s volleyball team has seemed unbeatable, dropping only one of its last 11 matches, including this weekend’s sweep of Notre Dame and Syracuse. Fans have noticed. Friday’s home game featured a large pinked-out crowd for breast cancer awareness, and it was marked by an appearan...
Pitt readies for weekend ACC battles with Notre Dame, Syracuse
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 9, 2014
The Panthers’ volleyball team wants to make a comeback this weekend from a thrilling, close loss to a top 25-ranked opponent, but it’ll take a lot of work. With ACC play in full swing, Pitt continues to face tough competitors.Notre Dame visits the Fitzgerald Field House at 7 p.m. Friday. Followin...
Pitt loses to ranked team for second loss of the season
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 5, 2014
A strong non-conference showing was probably what contributed to the 600-plus spectators that packed the Fitzgerald Field House on Friday, but passing and blocking issues spoiled the Pitt volleyball team’s chances to upset the first ranked team it played this year.The Panthers lost their second game ...
Volleyball continues home stand against No. 12 UNC
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
October 2, 2014
Anyone who said the Pitt volleyball team’s 12-1 start was a fluke, because they had not yet faced tougher ACC competition, now has less to talk about.The Panthers captured their first ACC win of the season on Sunday and, after five days off, they come back to play an even tougher opponent in a Nort...
After four years away, Wignot returns to basketball
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
October 1, 2014
Last fall, Suzie McConnell-Serio was browsing Pitt’s athletic website and found an article about the Panthers volleyball team. While reading the article, something caught the then first-year Pitt women’s basketball coach’s eye: a name.“I knew it wasn’t a common name,” McConnell-Serio said. ...
Pitt defeats Boston College, wins first ACC game of year
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 28, 2014
The Fitzgerald Field House continues to be a haven for Pitt success, as the team extended its winning streak to eight Sunday afternoon against Boston College. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 25-22, 25-18 and 25-11.“They were a really solid team. We watched a lot of film on them, and we knew they w...
Volleyball: Panthers pass test before ACC slate
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 26, 2014
If Thursday night’s match was a test for the volleyball team’s upcoming ACC schedule, the team would be pretty happy with the grade it got.The Pitt volleyball team faced its toughest opponent Thursday and held off the surging Long Island University Brooklyn in four sets. The Panthers (12-1) won the ho...
Volleyball to be tested against conference opponent Boston College
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 25, 2014
Despite a great start to the season, many still may not know what to make of the Pitt volleyball team because of some weak non-conference competition. After Sunday, people may have a better idea.The Panthers will play Boston College at home on Sunday in their first ACC matchup of the season. The team sa...
Pitt looks to face stiffest competition yet in LIU Brooklyn
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 24, 2014
After an 11-1 start to the season, nothing is going to get easier for the Pitt volleyball team.The Panthers face their toughest opponent of the season Thursday at 7 p.m. when the Long Island University Brooklyn Blackbirds come to the Fitzgerald Field House.Pitt will put its unbeaten record at home on the l...
Panthers sweep second straight weekend tournament
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 21, 2014
The Pitt volleyball team enjoyed another weekend tournament at home when the team hosted the Pitt Panther Invitational. The Panthers continued their streak of dominance by sweeping South Florida, Sacred Heart and Delaware — its third tournament sweep of the year.Libero Delaney Clesen was named Tournam...
Pitt prepares for second home tournament
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 19, 2014
Pitt wraps up tournament play this weekend when it hosts South Florida, Sacred Heart and Delaware in the Pitt Panther Invitational. Pitt faces USF, a former Big East opponent, Friday night at 7 p.m. in the Fitzgerald Field House. The following day, Pitt will host Sacred Heart at 12:30 p.m. and finishes it...
Volleyball team reflects on weekend
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 15, 2014
Pitt volleyball bounced back after its sole loss this season when the team competed in its own tournament, the Panther Classic, by sweeping Duquesne, Norfolk State and Niagara.The Panthers (8-1) won their first five matches — now eight of nine after this weekend. In each of its wins, Pitt has not give...
Volleyball looks to recapture winning ways in home tournament
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 12, 2014
After a successful tournament out West, despite losing their last game to Colorado, the Panthers return home and aim to recapture their winning ways this weekend when they host the Panther Classic. This marks the first home match for Pitt, after competing in tournaments in Ohio and Colorado to open...
Panthers sweep tournament
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
September 1, 2014
Although the Pitt volleyball team may have won all of its games over the weekend, the players know what they need to improve. Head coach Dan Fisher and the Panthers travelled to Bowling Green, Ohio, on Friday and Saturday to compete in the Hampton Inn Invitational, and they came out as tournament champio...
Welcome Back: Battle tested, Pitt looks to build on solid first year in ACC
By Caitlin Hinsey / Staff Writer
August 19, 2014
The members of the Pitt volleyball team can all agree on their goals for this season: make the NCAA Tournament and finish in at least the top four of the ACC.“The team goal is my personal goal,” said sophomore outside hitter Maria Genitsaridi, who spent her entire summer training with the Greek natio...