No. 9 Pitt volleyball remains undefeated with weekend victories

The No. 9 Pitt volleyball team was scheduled to take their show on the road this weekend. However, due to the storm on the east coast, Pitt instead hosted a pair of opponents. That was good not only because the matches were at home but also because they were also televised - something that wasn’t supposed to happen initially. Despite the late change, the Panthers had little trouble in picking up wins over College of Charleston and High Point.

Pitt (11-0) first knocked off College of Charleston on Friday night, winning 3-1. The Panthers then defeated High Point on Saturday, also taking that contest 3-1.

The most notable thing we got here is that starter Nika Markovic, one the team’s best hitters, was out of action with an apparent arm injury. Hopefully she’s not out too long because Pitt is clearly better with her in there.

That said, getting her place in the starting rotation was 6’2” middle hitter Sabrina Starks. Starks is a true freshman and the only one in this year’s class to crack the rotation at all. She had an incredible pair of matches, shining particularly on defense. Offensively, when given her turn to take some shots, she was also a force. Starks actually led the team in blocks (six) and hitting percentage (57%) against College of Charleston, and also led the team in blocks (three) against High Point.

I’m pretty convinced she’s going to be a good one as the years go on. She could certainly start for less experienced teams and getting the nod this weekend on such a good team shows she’s pretty far along in her development.

Two good wins for Pitt here. Neither team is all that great but what the Panthers really need to do from this point on is avoid the bad loss.

The Panthers do have one more non-conference matchup against North Dakota later in the season but they will start ACC play this week with a matchup Wednesday night at home against Virginia. All of this year’s remaining matches will be broadcast on the WatchESPN.

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