The No. 1 Pitt volleyball team solidified its status as the best in the nation with a commanding victory over No. 3 Penn State on Wednesday night. The Panthers swept the Nittany Lions in three sets, winning by a total of 23 points.
The sold-out crowd of 11,800 fans at the Petersen Events Center cheered the Panthers to victory. Even if the game had been held at Penn State’s Rec Hall, the outcome likely would have been the same, as Pitt outperformed the Nittany Lions significantly.
Penn State’s middle blocker, Taylor Trammell, suggested that the result might have differed if the match had taken place at their home court. “If Pitt was at our house, I think this game would have had a different result,” she said.
While Trammell may have a point about home advantage, Pitt’s performance was overwhelmingly strong. Sophomore outside hitter Torrey Stafford led the Panthers with an outstanding match, achieving 17 kills on 28 attempts and finishing with a hitting percentage of .571.
Another key player, sophomore opposite hitter Olivia Babcock, contributed 13 kills and four blocks. Penn State head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley noted the ease with which the duo scored against her team. “They scored at will,” she remarked.
Senior setter Rachel Fairbanks played a crucial role in the win, delivering 42 assists and helping the team hit an impressive .506. Defensively, senior Emmy Klika excelled, making 15 digs without any errors in serve receive.
Head coach Dan Fisher praised the performance of his libero and setter, stating that it was the best he had seen during his tenure. He expressed confidence that his players would thrive in the high-pressure environment.
First-year middle blocker Ryla Jones had a standout performance, achieving a career-high seven kills and coming close to her blocking record with six. Fisher was impressed with how she managed the intense atmosphere of the game.
With this victory, Pitt volleyball continues to showcase its dominance. “I thought they were flawless at times,” Schumacher-Cawley said of the Panthers. “They stepped on the gas and didn’t let off.”
