In a thrilling National Semifinal match on Thursday night, the No. 1 seeded Pitt volleyball team faced off against No. 1 Louisville but ultimately fell 3-1. The match took place at the KFC Yum! Center, where Olivia Babcock shone with a remarkable performance, securing a career-high 33 kills, setting a new Pitt program record for the most kills in an NCAA Tournament game, while hitting at an impressive percentage of .391.
Despite Babcock’s outstanding contributions, which also included the support of Torrey Stafford, who achieved a double-double with 18 kills and 14 digs, and Emmy Klika’s season-high 21 digs, Pitt struggled to maintain momentum after taking an early lead in the first set. The Panthers initially fell behind but managed to rally back after a tight battle, winning the first set 25-21.
The second set saw a back-and-forth struggle, with both teams showcasing their skills. Pitt initially led but the Cardinals rebounded after a timeout, winning the set 25-23, tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set displayed a thrilling fight for control, with Pitt leading at various points. However, despite having multiple set points, they narrowly lost 29-27, placing them in a challenging situation. The fourth set proved difficult as Louisville surged ahead and managed to close out the match 25-17.
Although Pitt experienced a heartbreak in the semifinal, the remarkable achievements of athletes like Babcock and the team’s overall performance throughout the tournament demonstrate their resilience and potential. With such talent and determination, there are promising prospects for the Panthers in future competitions.
Summary: The Pitt volleyball team lost to Louisville 3-1 in the NCAA Tournament semifinals, despite Olivia Babcock’s record-setting 33 kills. The match was marked by intense competition, with both teams exchanging leads and close sets. Pitt’s strong performance, led by Babcock and Stafford, highlights their potential for future success.