LOUISVILLE, KY – The Pitt volleyball team, ranked as the No. 1 seed, faced a tough challenge in the NCAA Tournament National Semifinals, ultimately falling to No. 1-seeded Louisville with a score of 3-1. The match, held at the KFC Yum! Center on Thursday night, showcased a standout performance from Olivia Babcock, who recorded a career-high 33 kills. This remarkable achievement also set a new Pitt program record for the most kills in an NCAA Tournament match, with Babcock boasting an impressive .391 hitting percentage.
Alongside Babcock, Torrey Stafford contributed significantly with a double-double, delivering 18 kills on .333 hitting and adding 14 digs, while Emmy Klika achieved a season-high of 21 digs.
The match featured intense back-and-forth action. Although Pitt initially fell behind 2-0, they battled back to equalize in the first set after trailing, claiming it 25-21 with late contributions from Bre Kelley and Babcock. The Panthers started strong in the second set as well but struggled to maintain their lead, allowing Louisville to even the match at 1-1.
The third set was hard-fought, with Pitt leading at points but ultimately losing a close battle at 29-27. The Cardinals took control early in the fourth set and held off the Panthers’ attempts to rally, concluding the match with a 25-17 victory in the final set.
Despite the loss, Pitt’s performance throughout the tournament demonstrates resilience and showcases the talent within the team. The record set by Babcock stands as a symbol of her determination and skill, hinting at a bright future for the team as they look forward to future competitions.
The Panthers ended their season with a commendable record of 33-2, showing that while this match didn’t go as hoped, their journey has been filled with significant achievements and promise for the next season.