Pitt volleyball defeats VCU in NCAA Tournament, 3-1

Pitt’s volleyball team had its first match in the NCAA Tournament this season and mostly dominated VCU, winning three sets to one.

Pitt won the first set easily 25-14 and took the second one, 25-20, to grab a quick two-set lead. The Panthers, however, got off to a really slow start in the third and, despite coming back to tie it after being down by seven, they eventually lost the set, 25-18. But the Panthers’ disappointment wouldn’t last long as they routed VCU in the third set, 25-13, to win the match, 3-1.

I don’t know if they eased up a little in the third or not but it was clear in watching the first and third sets that they were the dominant team.

The Panthers are now likely to face top overall seed Penn State tomorrow (at 7:00 p.m.), who faces Howard later tonight. Playing a strong Nittany Lions team threatening for a National Championship is already a tough test but the Panthers would have to face them in a road match, which would be even tougher.

Not looking too far ahead, though, it’s great just to see the Panthers make a little bit of noise for the second consecutive year. Pitt has not only made the tournament twice in a row but has won at least one match each time. Head coach Dan Fisher really is doing a great job building a solid program and after being co-winners of the ACC Championship this year, it’s been a great season win or lose for his squad.

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