PITTSBURGH – The top-seeded Pitt volleyball team (29-4, 18-2 ACC) is set to face No. 3 seed Purdue (27-6, 15-5 Big Ten) on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Petersen Events Center, with the match available for streaming on ESPN2. This clash represents a pivotal opportunity for the Panthers to advance to their fifth consecutive National Semifinal.
The upcoming showdown marks the 13th meeting between Pitt and Purdue, with the Boilermakers leading the series 11-1. Notably, the Panthers triumphed over Purdue in the 2021 Regional Final, securing their first entry into the National Semifinal, thanks to standout performances from Leketor Member-Meneh, who recorded 21 kills, and Rachel Fairbanks, the 2024 ACC Setter of the Year, who contributed 28 assists alongside 10 kills.
Pitt’s momentum heading into this match has been bolstered by a flawless run in the NCAA Tournament, where they have achieved three consecutive sweeps, a first in program history. Most recently, the Panthers overwhelmed Minnesota in the Regional Semifinal, showcasing their strong performance, particularly from Olivia Babcock, who recorded 19 kills. Bre Kelley had an impressive hitting percentage of .800, further highlighting the team’s offensive prowess.
In recognition of their standout performances, several Panthers received All-Region accolades. Coach Dan Fisher was honored as the AVCA East Coast Region Coach of the Year for the fourth time, while Olivia Babcock earned the title of AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Six other Panthers—Bree Kelley, Brooke Mosher, Blaire Bayless, Marina Pezelj, and Ryla Jones—also secured All-Region honors.
Babcock’s record-breaking season continued as she surpassed the program’s single-season kills record with 556, eclipsing the previous record of 555 set by Wendy Hatlestad in 2003. Her scoring prowess has reinforced her position as a key player in the NCAA Tournament, holding multiple records for kills in tournament matches.
Playing at home has proven advantageous for Pitt, as they maintain a 51-match winning streak at the Petersen Events Center, having last lost at home in December 2019 against Cincinnati. The Panthers recently secured their fourth consecutive ACC Championship with a commanding sweep over Georgia Tech, extending their streak of titles—Babcock, Kelley, Bayless, and Tautua’a have won a conference title in each of their seasons at Pitt.
The excitement continues off the court as two Panthers—Bre Kelley and Brooke Mosher—have entered the MLV Draft, with Kelley being selected as the sixth overall pick by the Orlando Valkyries. Their success underscores the program’s growth as a training ground for professional talent.
As the Panthers prepare for their match against Purdue, the anticipation builds not just for a shot at the National Semifinal but also for continuing to break records and set new benchmarks in collegiate volleyball. With a strong roster and proven leadership, Pitt remains a formidable force as they aim for victory this weekend.