Stewart’s injury ends season, turns spotlight to pay discrepancies
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
April 18, 2019
Months before it begins in earnest, the WNBA season was dealt a crushing blow. And while the incident was devastating, it is hopefully one that will drive long-lasting change for women’s basketball.
Women’s basketball powers cover lackluster opening rounds with electric Final Four
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
April 9, 2019
While much of the sporting world was fixated on the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four this weekend, the women also played their Final Four in Tampa. All three contests played this weekend went down to the wire.
Women’s basketball top ten moments
By Laura Sosovicka, For The Pitt News
March 18, 2019
The women’s basketball team didn’t end with the record many thought they would, but that doesn't mean they were without big moments.
Duke ends Pitt Women’s Basketball season, 86-64
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Wrtier
March 7, 2019
Pitt women’s basketball season ended Wednesday night in an 86-64 loss to Duke. The Panthers finished 11-20 in Lance White’s first season as head coach.
The Devil wears Blue, Pitt hopes to ‘prod-a’ win against Duke
By Alexa Marzina, Staff Wrtier
March 5, 2019
Pitt women’s basketball will be facing Duke in the first round of the ACC tournament on Wednesday. Pitt has lost all 10 of its meetings with Duke dating back to the 2006 season, so odds are not in the Panthers’ favor this tournament season.
Cardinals crush Pitt on senior day, 67-40
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
March 4, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team fell to No. 3 Louisville in its last home game of the season.
Women’s basketball downs Demon Deacons, 70-64
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
March 1, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team put on one of its best performances of the season to beat Wake Forest 70-64 on the road
Orange overwhelm Pitt women’s basketball, 90-63
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 22, 2019
Pitt women’s basketball entered Thursday night hoping for an upset to even the two-game series against No. 18 Syracuse, but the Panthers left after being blown out 90-63.
Seminoles steamroll Pitt women’s basketball, 78-46
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 18, 2019
The Panthers reverted back to their old ways Sunday, losing 78-46 to No. 21 Florida State in Tallahassee.
Pitt snaps 18-game ACC losing streak in 91-78 win over UNC
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 15, 2019
The Panthers finally got their first ACC win of the season over UNC, ending an 18-game ACC losing streak dating back to Feb. 1, 2018.
Panther Spotlight: Micky Phillippi, Cassidy Walsh, Kiley Robatin
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor
February 11, 2019
The men’s wrestling, women’s basketball and women’s gymnastics teams have all had their ups and downs this season, but they are each anchored by talented players who give them hope for the future of the season and the program.
Yellow Jackets sting Panthers, 67-55
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 8, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team again couldn’t find a way to win in the ACC, losing this time 67-55 to Georgia Tech on the road.
Pitt Coaches prepare to Pink the Pete for the first time
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 7, 2019
Pitt’s Women’s Basketball team will be playing in its 12th annual Pink the Petersen game this Sunday against Miami. While this game always holds special meaning for coaches, players and survivors, this year it hits especially close to home for members of Pitt’s team.
Duke defeats Pitt women’s basketball, 74-55
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 4, 2019
The Blue Devils dealt Pitt its ninth loss in as many games, 74-55.
Women’s basketball drops eighth straight to Virginia Tech, 74-58
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
February 1, 2019
The Pitt women’s basketball team saw its losing streak extend to eight games in a loss to Virginia Tech at home Thursday night.
Ugly first half dooms Pitt in 70-42 loss to No. 4 Louisville
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 28, 2019
Pitt women’s basketball outscored No. 4 Louisville in the second half, but an ugly first half in which the Panthers scored just 12 points ensured that it didn’t matter.
Weekend Recap: Swimming and Diving gets only team win of long week
By Tessa Sayers, assistant sports editor
January 21, 2019
Redshirt freshman Micky Phillippi was the lone bright spot of Pitt’s 36-9 loss to No. 3 Oklahoma State this weekend. Phillippi upset the No. 2 ranked 133 pound wrestler in the country, Daton Fix.
Syracuse uses strong second half to push past Pitt, 82-50
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 18, 2019
An ugly second half saw the Pitt women’s basketball team extend its ACC losing streak to 10 games, dating back to last season.
Women’s basketball loses nail-biter to Boston College, 59-55
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 13, 2019
Pitt scored more than 50 points for the first time in ACC play this season, but it wasn’t enough to beat Boston College Sunday afternoon.
No. 8 Wolfpack mauls Pitt, 63-34
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 11, 2019
In a game which set a historically low scoring mark for the program, Pitt women’s basketball lost its second straight ACC game to No. 8 NC State, 63-34, on the road Thursday night.
Breaking down ACC competition for women’s basketball
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
January 9, 2019
The Panthers will need to take care of business against the ACC's bottom-feeders and hopefully steal a game or two from the conference’s middling teams.
Panthers prowl during holiday hiatus
By Nick Carlisano, Staff Writer
January 7, 2019
While the students were away, the Panthers’ student-athletes were out to play. You catch up on what you missed and read what Pitt accomplished over break here.
Panthers persevere over Fordham, 65-62
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
December 6, 2018
The Pitt women’s basketball team narrowly persevered against Fordham, defeating the Rams 65-62 at the Petersen Events Center Wednesday night.
YSU Penguins freeze Pitt women’s basketball, 64-55
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
November 14, 2018
The Pitt women’s basketball team dropped fell to 1-2 Tuesday evening, shooting just 35 percent from the field in a 64-55 loss to YSU.
Knights knock off Panthers, 61-58, in first game
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
November 8, 2018
In a back-and-forth contest that saw eight lead changes, the Pitt women’s basketball team ultimately fell 61-58 in their season opener to UCF Wednesday morning.
Danielle Garven, a constant amid change
By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Editor
November 5, 2018
When news came out in April that former head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio was fired, Danielle Garven had a big decision to make. Would she stay at Pitt, or would she transfer for the third time? She decided to stay and knowing she made the right choice is ready to make an impact on the court this season.
Preview: Experienced core looks to lead women’s basketball
By Dominic Campbell, Staff Writer
November 5, 2018
Pitt's women's basketball team is looking to once again make a new for itself under first year head coach Lance White. The team has five seniors set to come back and help the Panthers once again achieve a winning record.
No. 4 Cardinals clobber Panthers, 81-49
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
February 25, 2018
The Pitt women’s basketball team dropped its sixth straight — and final — regular season game, 81-49, at No. 4 Louisville Sunday, finishing with a 2-14 ACC record heading into the postseason conference tournament. A day after the men’s basketball team suffered a 29-point loss to the best team ...
Photos: Women’s basketball plays Duke at 11th Pink the Pete
By Thomas Yang | Visual Editor
January 29, 2018
With more than 2,000 fans in a sea of pink in support of a cure for breast cancer, the Pitt women’s basketball team fell 58-46 to No. 18 Duke in the 11th annual Pink the Peterson game. “It’s fun when you have all those people there. And today it was bigger because it wasn’t just for us,...
Women’s basketball falls to No. 18 Duke, 58-46
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
January 28, 2018
With more than 2,000 fans in a sea of pink in support of a cure for breast cancer, the Pitt women’s basketball team fell 58-46 to No. 18 Duke in the 11th annual Pink the Peterson game. “It’s fun when you have all those people there. And today it was bigger because it wasn’t just for us, it was...
Weekend sports: Panthers flip out, fall short
By David Leftwich | Senior Staff Writer
January 16, 2018
While most of Oakland hunkered down because of the winter weather, three teams were in action on campus over the weekend. The track and field squad traveled to an equally snowy State College. The women’s basketball team earned its first ACC win, and the track and field team secured 22 top-five fi...
Panthers tear into Cougars, 87-49
By Jordan Mondell | Assistant Sports Editor
December 31, 2017
The Pitt women’s basketball will be entering the new year fresh off a win after dominating Chicago State Sunday afternoon, 87-49. With the win, the team advances to an overall record of 8-6 before conference play later this week. Junior center Kalista Walters led the winning charge, scoring a ...
Women’s basketball falls to Virginia, 62-50, in ACC opener
By Trent Leonard | Staff Writer
December 29, 2017
Despite an outstanding three-point shooting performance from first-year guard Pika Rodriguez, the Pitt women’s basketball team fell to Virginia (8-6 overall, 1-0 ACC), 62-50, Thursday night in its first ACC game of the season. Rodriguez made five of her eight three-point shot attempts, but it wasn’t enou...
Nittany lions pounce on Panthers, 59-48
By Trent Leonard / Staff Writer
December 17, 2017
The Pitt women’s basketball team (6-5) fell to Penn State (9-3), 59-48, Sunday afternoon at the Petersen Events Center, continuing Penn State’s consistent victories over Pitt this year. Pitt led early in the contest, but shot an just 16 percent on three-pointers and allowed Penn State junior guard Te...
Pitt falls to Fordham, 58-55, in last-second decision
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
December 4, 2017
In another close game for the Pitt women’s basketball team Sunday afternoon, a game-deciding 3-pointer bounced off the rim and ended in a Fordham win. The Panthers (5-3) fell to the Fordham Rams (4-2) 58-55 in Bronx, New York, which was the second close loss in a row after a 58-57 loss to the Wis...
Panthers trounce Tigers by double digits, 81-63
By Dominic Campbell | Staff Writer
November 20, 2017
The Pitt Women’s basketball team came back after a loss to Duquesne in the City Game last week, trouncing the Towson Tigers by double digits, 81-63. The Panthers (3-1) took on the Tigers (0-3) at home to earn their best win of the season so far. Unlike previous games — where the team struggled to get an...
Duquesne claims City Game, defeats Pitt 66-53
By Adin Link | Staff Writer
November 17, 2017
The Duquesne women’s basketball team claimed their fourth straight City Game Thursday night when they defeated Pitt, 66-53, in a back and forth battle. The Panthers (2-1) hosted the night’s Pittsburgh rivalry match against the Dukes (2-1), but there were unable able to claim their third win o...
Preview: Women’s basketball a work in progress
By Adin Link | Staff Writer
November 1, 2017
With the women’s basketball season approaching, this year’s Panther squad will feature experience and excitement as a squad of returning players and fresh faces prepare to make an impact. “I don’t look at us as being so young anymore because we do have the experience,” head coach Suzie M...
Recapping an exciting two weeks in Pitt sports
By Ryan Zimba | Sports Editor
May 9, 2017
It was a busy couple of weeks for Pitt athletics, as the spring teams’ seasons come to a close and the football team had players up for the NFL draft. Here’s a rundown of everything that you might have missed since the spring semester ended. Football The Pitt football program had five players selected...
Pitt women’s basketball rumbles to 59-35 win over Ramblers
By Steve Rotstein | Sports Editor
November 17, 2016
Three games into the 2016-2017 season, the Pitt women’s basketball team continues to find different ways to win. This time, height and strength were the keys for the Panthers (3-0) as 6-foot-4 center Brandi Harvey-Carr and 6-foot forward Brenna Wise led the team with 13 points and eight rebounds api...
Pitt women’s basketball pummels IUP in exhibition game, 72-40
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | Staff Writer
November 7, 2016
The Petersen Events Center hosted the third straight McConnell family reunion on Sunday afternoon, pitting head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio against her brother in the women’s basketball exhibition matchup. For the third year in a row, McConnell-Serio’s Panthers topped her older brother Tom Mc...
McConnell-Serio named head coach of USA U18 team
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
March 8, 2016
Pitt’s Suzie McConnell-Serio has added another prestigious honor to her already impressive resume on Tuesday, as USA Basketball named her the head coach of the country’s U18 National Team ahead of the 2016 FIBA Americas Championship in Chile this July. “It’s such an incredible honor to be...
Pitt women’s basketball’s regular season ends in blowout loss at Louisville
By Ashwini Sivaganesh / For The Pitt News
February 28, 2016
The Panthers didn’t have trouble getting their paws on the ball Sunday — but they couldn’t convert possessions into points, leading to a gruesome loss against No. 10 Louisville. The Cardinals (24-6, ACC 15-1) clobbered the Pitt women’s basketball team (12-17, ACC 4-12) at the KFC Yum! Cente...
Pitt women’s basketball loses in home finale
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
February 26, 2016
The Pitt women’s basketball team couldn’t save its best for last in its final home game of the season. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (17-11, 7-8 ACC) defeated the Panthers (12-16, 4-11 ACC) 66-60 in the team’s last contest at the Petersen Events Center this year. The loss was the Panthers’ ni...
Gallery: Women’s Basketball vs. Georgia Tech 2/25/16
By John Hamilton | Staff Photographer
February 25, 2016
Panthers in pink fall to Syracuse, 70-56
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
February 21, 2016
The Petersen Events Center, even decked out in pink to support the Susan G. Komen foundation, hasn’t yielded a home court advantage for the Pitt women’s basketball team this season. Pitt’s (12-14, 4-10 ACC) downfall on Sunday was consistent turnovers, leading to a defeat for the Panthers to No. 23...
Wise beyond her years: Freshman women’s basketball star thriving in hometown
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
February 18, 2016
In the same sphere that thousands of golden-clad students have shimmied and shrieked at dangerous decibel levels, a single player and ball graced the hardwood Tuesday morning. An unusually tranquil scene, the sound of her few dribbles and the swish of the net echoed against the Petersen Events Center’s ...
Women’s basketball loses ninth conference game at hands of No. 12 Louisville
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
February 12, 2016
The Pitt women’s basketball team won a battle, but not the war. Despite winning the first quarter, Pitt (10-14, 2-9 ACC) could not hold off the No. 12 Louisville Cardinals (19-6, 11-1 ACC), losing the final three quarters before falling 84-61 at the Petersen Events Center Thursday night. The loss...
Demon Deacons demonize Panther by double digits
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
February 5, 2016
In a battle of two-win conference teams, the Pitt women’s basketball team couldn’t outpace Wake Forest. Trying for consecutive wins for the first time since late December, the Panthers (10-13, 2-8 ACC) came up short in their game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (12-11, 3-7 ACC) Thursday at th...
Syracuse stifles Pitt offense in conference loss
By Chris Puzia / Assistant Sports Editor
January 15, 2016
The Pitt women’s basketball team traveled to Syracuse Thursday, hoping to take home its first conference win of the year, but more sloppy play extended that drought. The Panthers (8-9, 0-4 ACC) fell below the .500 mark after dropping a 71-48 decision at Syracuse (13-4, 3-1 ACC) Thursday night behind...
Pitt women’s basketball roll over Mount St. Mary 74-57
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
December 9, 2015
On Tuesday night, the Pitt women’s basketball team peaked well above the Mountaineers. In a young season of disappointing offensive performances, the Pitt women’s basketball team wasted no time disposing of Mount St. Mary’s University, 74-57, thanks to an efficient offense and a stifling defense...
Pitt pulls away late to top Holy Cross, 56-50
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
December 6, 2015
Pitt’s women’s basketball team returned home from Michigan to a better end result — but it couldn’t leave its familiar turnover issues behind. After dropping three of their last four games away from home, the Panthers (5-3) snapped a two-game losing streak Sunday when they defeated the Holy Cro...
Career game from Diop not enough as Pitt loses Big Ten/ACC Challenge game
By Chris Puzia / Assistant Sports Editor
December 4, 2015
The Big Ten has not been kind to Suzie McConnell-Serio this week. After two wins against teams in the conference during her first season as Pitt’s women’s basketball coach last year, Michigan became the second straight Big Ten team to hand her Panthers a loss this season, following No. 6 Marylan...
Stifling defense leads to blowout win for Pitt women’s basketball over Delaware State
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
November 20, 2015
A stifling Pitt defense never gave Delaware State a chance. After a dominating performance from freshman Kalista Walters against St. Francis, fellow freshmen Kauai Bradley and Brenna Wise joined Walters in leading Pitt women’s basketball to a dominating 77-43 win over the Delaware State Hornets...
Panthers of the Week
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 18, 2015
MIKE CAPRARA- Linebacker, football Caprara had the best game of his Pitt career Saturday in Durham, North Carolina, playing a integral role in Pitt’s 31-13 win over the Duke Blue Devils. Caprara, a graduate of Woodland Hills High School, compiled eight tackles, two sacks, a fumble recovery and a ...
Walters lights up Red Flash in 74-59 road win against St. Francis
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
November 17, 2015
Against the St. Francis Red Flash, it was Kalista Walters who shined brightest. The Pitt women’s basketball team never trailed Monday evening, defeating St. Francis 74-59 in Loretto, Pennsylvania, to move to 2-0 on the season. Walters, a freshman, led the Panthers with a game-high 26 points. “Wa...
Pitt hoops showcase new faces in Blue-Gold Scrimmage
By Chris Puzia / Assistant Sports Editor
October 25, 2015
Though he hasn’t appeared in an official contest yet for the Pitt men’s basketball team, Alonzo Nelson-Adoda can check one accomplishment off his season list: make a game-winning shot. With seconds left in Pitt’s Blue-Gold Scrimmage event on Sunday, Nelson-Adoda’s side trailed by one point as...
Yacine Diop charged with aggravated assault, other counts
By Dan Sostek / Sports Editor
September 14, 2015
Pitt sophomore women's basketball player Yacine Diop faces charges after an undisclosed incident on campus last month. Pitt police arrested Diop on Aug. 28. Diop faces three counts of aggravated assault, three counts of recklessly endangering another person, one count of disorderly conduct and...
Panthers lose Kiesel, gain experience in pivotal third year under McConnell-Serio
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
August 30, 2015
At this time last year, the Pitt women’s basketball team was shrouded by a cloud of mystery. Questions about youth, a short bench and an overwhelming lack of experience swirled around a team hoping to trend upward during Suzie McConnell-Serio’s second year at the helm. Enter present day, and the team is looking to build ...
After the final buzzer: Brianna Kiesel looks to WNBA following Pitt career
By Jasper Wilson / Senior Staff Writer
April 15, 2015
Even though Brianna Kiesel’s college basketball career has ended, she may not have taken her last shot.After a decompression period following the Pitt women’s basketball team’s 77-67 loss to University of Tennessee on March 23 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the senior met with associa...
Pitt News looks back on women’s basketball predictions
By The Pitt News Staff
March 26, 2015
Pitt’s women’s basketball team completed a remarkable season when it advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to No. 2 seed Tennessee.Making the tournament was a surprise. Before the season started, voters picked the Panthers to finish last in the ACC after several seasons of ...
Storybook season ends with loss despite herculean performance by Kiesel
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 23, 2015
Despite a season in which the team overcame numerous odds, the Pitt women’s basketball team couldn’t surmount the challenge of the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers, falling by a score of 77-67 in Nashville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament Monday evening.The Panthers, who the official ACC ...
Moving on: Panthers to face Vols in second round of NCAA Tournament
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
March 22, 2015
Despite the attention that senior point guard Brianna Kiesel’s performance commanded all season long, a freshman led the way on Saturday.Forward Stasha Carey scored 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds — both team highs — to guide her Pitt women’s basketball team to a 51-40 first-round victory over No. ...
Carey leads Pitt to first-round NCAA Tournament victory over Chattanooga
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
March 21, 2015
Stasha Carey did not lie when she said before Saturday’s NCAA Tournament game that nerves would not play a factor in her performance.“I’m kind of used to being put on a bigger stage, so I’ll shake off the nerves before I get there,” the freshman forward said.Carey played like an experienced...
Kiesel, team excited for first tournament game Saturday
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
March 19, 2015
Even Brianna Kiesel, Pitt women’s basketball’s senior leader and most battle-tested player, will have no experience from which to draw on Saturday in the first round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament.The point guard, who never played on an NCAA Tournament team before her final year, has led the team to come-f...
Kiesel, McConnell-Serio help lead turnaround effort
By Logan Hitchock / Staff Writer
March 17, 2015
In less than two calendar years, Suzie McConnell-Serio rerouted Pitt’s women’s basketball program from a downward spiral of losses to the start of a victorious upward climb.I did not see that coming.In November, when I made my prediction about the team’s upcoming season, I was the most optimistic of my p...
Panthers earn No. 10 seed in NCAA Tournament
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
March 17, 2015
Only two years and one head coach removed from a season in which it did not win a single conference game, the Pitt women’s basketball team have grabbed a spot in the NCAA Tournament.Pitt (19-11, 9-7 ACC) earned a No. 10 seed in the tournament and will face No. 7 seed Chattanooga (29-3, 14-0 Southern) in the first r...
Kiesel fuel: Senior guard’s four-year career culminates in NCAA berth
By Jasper Wilson / Senior Staff Writer
March 17, 2015
Brianna Kiesel couldn’t make a shot. She couldn’t even come close.The starting point guard of the Pitt women’s basketball team, who currently ranks fifth on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,893 points, has rarely had this issue of draining baskets over her past four seasons leading t...
Diop finds success on the court at Pitt thousands of miles from home
By Jessica Boddy / Staff Writer
March 17, 2015
It was 4:15 on a Wednesday afternoon in the Petersen Events Center, and the Pitt women’s basketball team was just finishing up a vigorous practice session. The final drill was underway, during which trios of players rotated around a hoop and took turns making free throw shots. One player, Yacine Diop, off...
Panthers’ ACC trip comes to disappointing halt
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 5, 2015
The clock ticked a little closer to midnight for the Pitt women’s basketball team’s Cinderella season, as the No. 7-seed Panthers fell to the No. 15-seed Virginia Tech Hokies by a final score of 51-45 in the second round of the ACC Tournament.The contest, which took place in Greensboro, N.C., st...
Litany of Pitt teams hope to return to winning ways this weekend
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
March 5, 2015
Several Pitt teams are looking toward this weekend as a chance to catch fire and end some recent disappointing runs.The men’s basketball team enters Saturday’s game on a two-game losing streak, the baseball team had a losing record in each of its three weekend series so far and Pitt’s wrestling team ...
Kiesel named to First-Team All-ACC
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
March 3, 2015
Brianna Kiesel’s strong performance this season earned her something that no other Pitt women’s or men’s basketball player has ever achieved: making the First-Team All-ACC.The ACC’s Blue Ribbon Panel named Kiesel, who averages 18.5 points per game this season, to the First-Team All-ACC on Tuesda...
Panthers earn No. 7 seed in ACC tournament
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
March 2, 2015
There’s a reason that basketball games aren’t played on paper, and Pitt’s women’s team embodies it.More than four months ago, the Panthers placed last in the official ACC preseason poll. Expectations were miniscule for Pitt in its second year in the ACC. The ranking was not unwarranted. The tea...
Kiesel leads Pitt in Senior Day win over Clemson
By Kevin Wheeler / Staff Writer
March 1, 2015
Three Panthers took their final shots as college athletes at home on Sunday. But, for much of the game, it seemed as if their final home game would result in a loss.The Pitt women’s basketball team (19-10, 9-7 ACC) sent off seniors Brianna Kiesel, Cora McManus and Monica Wignot with a 61-56 win over the Cle...
Panthers steamrolled by No. 4 Notre Dame despite Kiesel’s 27
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 26, 2015
Pitt’s women’s basketball team could not contend with ferocious onslaught of No. 4 Notre Dame’s offense Thursday evening, falling to the Fighting Irish 87-59 in South Bend, Ind.Even after falling into an early 14-4 deficit, the Panthers (18-10, 8-7 ACC) remained competitive early on in the game, ...
Kiesel one of 15 finalist for Nancy Lieberman Award
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
February 23, 2015
Although the Pitt women’s basketball team still doesn’t know its postseason destination, the team received some good news Monday in the form of an individual accolade.Senior guard Brianna Kiesel has been named one of 15 finalists for the 2015 Nancy Lieberman Award. The nomination recognizes her...
Slow start leads to Pitt loss at No. 25 Syracuse
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
February 22, 2015
The Pitt’s women’s basketball team lost its luck and the lead shortly after halftime in the Carrier Dome.Pitt, which led No. 25 Syracuse by six points at the half, went on to make only five more baskets en route to a 68-54 loss. The poor second-half shooting performance doomed the Panthers (18-9, 8-...
Panthers roar back to topple Virginia in OT
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
February 20, 2015
.Two minutes and fifty-one seconds. That’s how long Pitt women’s basketball led throughout the entirety of the team’s 68-63 contest against the Virginia Cavaliers Thursday evening at the Petersen Events Center. Fortunately for the team, it was the final 2:51 of overtime.After earning their first lea...
Pitt hosts Virginia to continue NCAA tournament push
By Jeremy Tepper / Staff Writer
February 18, 2015
In a conference as tough as the ACC, some talented teams are bound to fall to the strength of the league. Virginia appears to fit that prognosis, as, despite its talent, it sits at 15-10 and on the outside looking in for the NCAA Tournament.Today, Virginia (15-10, 5-7 ACC) will host the Pitt (17-8, 7...
Kiesel scores 22 as Panthers roll Demon Deacons
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
February 15, 2015
Pitt women’s basketball could have let its guard down over its past two games, as it played Virginia Tech on Thursday and Wake Forest on Sunday. But senior guard Brianna Kiesel quelled any notion of that happening on Sunday afternoon, scoring a game-high 22 points as Pitt (17-8, 7-5 ACC) cruised to ...
Kiesel drops 21 as Panthers blow past Hokies
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
February 13, 2015
Brianna Kiesel speedily erased any doubts Thursday night about her ability to perform with a left wrist injury, though she may have extra motivation, as she and her team were playing for head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio’s 150th career win.The senior guard set the tone for Pitt’s, and her individual, night wh...
Pitt falters late in road loss at No. 8 Louisville
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
February 8, 2015
When freshman forward Yacine Diop drew Pitt within two points of No. 8 Louisville with 7:26 remaining in the game, neither she nor the rest of her Pitt women’s basketball team knew they wouldn’t score for another six minutes.After that, the host Cardinals used an extended 10-0 run to close out t...
Panthers start weekend road trip at North Carolina State
By Jeremy Tepper / Staff Writer
February 4, 2015
Unsurprisingly, Pitt’s women’s basketball team has had more success in the friendly confines of its home court than when facing foes on the road.While Pitt only lost one more game at home than its three defeats on the road , the away games saw the Panthers playing their worst this season. Part of ...
All about the ‘W’: Welch scores 12 points off bench as Pitt handles Miami
By Jeremy Tepper / Staff Writer
February 1, 2015
In its last game, the Pitt women’s basketball team dug itself into a deep hole early, quickly trailing Duke 19-8. Learning from their mistakes, Chelsea Welch and the Panthers came out aggressive this weekend.The team used several scoring runs on Sunday, including one from the start of the game, to ...
Poor shooting Pitt’s detriment in 62-45 loss to No. 17 Duke
By Logan Hitchcock / Staff Writer
January 29, 2015
The Pitt women’s basketball team has battled teams to the final buzzer all season long, often leaving their eventual fate undecided until the final minutes. Thursday night was a different story for the Panthers, who trailed for all but little more than a minute of their game against No. 17 Duke. ...
Panthers continue ACC gauntlet against No. 17 Duke
By Jeremy Tepper / Staff Writer
January 28, 2015
Out of all the strengths of the Duke women’s basketball team, there’s one thing that sticks out to senior point guard Brianna Kiesel.“Their height,” Kiesel said, with little hesitation.Of the 11 players on Duke’s roster, eight stand 6 feet or taller. Out of those eight, all but one measure at least 6-foot-3 inches.It’...
Kiesel’s 29 points spur Pitt to victory
By Jeremy Tepper / Staff Writer
January 24, 2015
When Pitt needs a bucket or a momentum boost, it’s no secret who it looks to: Brianna Kiesel. With 3:42 left in the game, the team did just that and the senior point guard delivered. Kiesel drew a foul and made the 3-pointer from the wing, converting the free throw to move Pitt within one, 67-66.Th...
Panthers fall at home to rival Orange 68-60
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
January 22, 2015
Having played three out of its last four games against ranked teams, the Pitt women’s basketball team might have been used to facing top-tier competition on Thursday night.But that experience did not help the Panthers against No. 22 Syracuse.After beating Georgia Tech in overtime in their last game, the Pa...
Seminoles drub turnover-prone Panthers 58-43 in Tallahassee
By Dan Sostek / Assistant Sports Editor
January 15, 2015
The Pitt women’s basketball was unable to ride the momentum of a historic victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels, falling to the 20th ranked Florida State Seminoles on Thursday evening by a final score of 58-43 in Tallahassee.After Pitt jumped ahead 4-2 with 16:21 remaining in the first half, Florid...
Panthers face third straight ranked team on Thursday
By Jeremy Tepper / Staff Writer
January 15, 2015
Stasha Carey admitted it. After beating then-No. 8 North Carolina, she and the rest of the Pitt women’s basketball team reveled in the victory in the locker room.“We got in the room and danced a lot,” the freshman forward said. “It’s crazy to be able to beat a ranked team knowing we came in a...
Pitt stuns highly ranked Tar Heels with 25-point drubbing
By Mark Powell / Staff Writer
January 9, 2015
One game removed from a narrow loss to a highly ranked Louisville team, the Pitt women’s basketball team was able to play the role of spoiler.The team defeated the eighth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels 84-59 in a monumental win for the program. Brianna Kiesel led the way, scoring 22 points while r...
Pitt faces second straight ranked team at home
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
January 7, 2015
The Pitt women’s basketball team made the case in its last game that even a loss can be encouraging for a team.The Panthers (10-4, 0-1 ACC) dropped a close contest to No. 7 Louisville (14-1, 2-0 ACC) 63-57, despite leading for much of the game. Led by senior Brianna Kiesel, who scored 19 points, the team gave a scare to one of the top teams in ...
What you may have missed: Winter break rundown
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
January 5, 2015
Students are just returning from break, about to begin the spring semester, but Pitt varsity sports have continued to compete during the intermission. Men’s and women’s basketball played a handful of home games each, preparing for the upcoming ACC schedule. The football team played its last game of ...
Winter Wonderland: Armed Forces Bowl, Louisville bookend winter schedules
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
December 8, 2014
With most students going home for the winter holidays, some Pitt students may forget about the sports that still compete over break. With that said, here are what different Pitt sports will be up to over the winter break.Men’s basketballThe Pitt men’s basketball team (5-3, 0-0 ACC) will be active ov...
Panthers hold on for road victory in Columbus
By Jasper Wilson / Senior Staff Writer
December 4, 2014
Columbus, Ohio — Standing just inside half court, slightly outside of the Value City Arena block-O logo at midcourt, Brianna Kiesel took one more dribble before looking up at the basket. The senior point guard then released a perfectly on-line shot: swish.The buzzer beater pulled the Pitt women’s...
Kiesel leads Pitt to blowout victory over Loyola (Md.)
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
November 30, 2014
Those who are more excited for the future of Pitt women’s basketball than for its current team roster might have to reconsider, after senior guard Brianna Kiesel again led the Panthers in scoring.Pitt topped 70 points for the fourth time already this season on its way to an easy 84-46 win over Loyola (Md.) on Sunda...
Just desserts: Pitt teams continue to compete over break
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
November 25, 2014
While most students return to their respective homes for Thanksgiving break, the athletes on varsity sports still continue their business as usual. The break for Pitt sports will be highlighted by the football team’s game at Miami on Saturday, in which the team plays a big game with postseason ramificatio...
Barrage of 3-pointers leads Pitt past Michigan
By Kevin Wheeler / Staff Writer
November 21, 2014
What a difference a week can make.Behind a strong defensive showing and senior point guard Brianna Kiesel’s offensive performance, the Pitt women’s basketball team defeated the Michigan Wolverines 85-64 in dominating fashion at the Petersen Events Center, improving its record to 2-1 on the season.P...
Thriving freshmen have Pitt looking to future
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
November 18, 2014
The first act of Pitt’s two-part competition with Niagara ended with the Pitt men’s basketball team trouncing the Purple Eagles 78-45 on Friday. Not to be outdone, the women’s team also beat Niagara on Monday, 70-54.But the latter result was less of a foregone conclusion than the men’s game ...
Freshman Carey scores 17 as Pitt wins first game of season
By Chris Puzia / Sports Editor
November 17, 2014
After a major second-half run by Princeton on Friday, Pitt head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio used a full-court press with minutes left in the game, in an attempt to turn things around.She wasted no time using that tactic Monday night, and she had her players press from nearly the start of the game.This p...