In a thrilling display of resilience, the University of Pittsburgh women’s volleyball team overcame a tough challenge from eighth-seeded Oklahoma, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the fifth consecutive year. The Panthers pulled off a 3-0 sweep of the Sooners (28-26, 25-21, 25-19) in the second round, thrilling a packed crowd of 6,647 fans at the Petersen Events Center on Saturday night.
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The victory came after a hard-fought opening set that saw Pitt stave off several set points from Oklahoma. Despite not playing at their absolute best, the Panthers showed their mental toughness, ultimately solving the Sooners’ puzzle and earning a spot in the Sweet 16. It was a triumph that underscored the Panthers’ championship-caliber depth and ability to stay focused under pressure, even in the face of adversity.
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The Road to Victory: A Battle of Wills
Pitt had already swept Morehead State in the first round, but Saturday’s match against Oklahoma was far from a walk in the park. From the outset, the Sooners showcased their strength, led by towering 6-foot-9 pin hitter Kari Geissberger, whose presence at the net gave Pitt’s offense trouble. Oklahoma’s defensive efforts were formidable throughout the match, as the Sooners finished with an impressive 15 blocks, eight of which came from Geissberger alone. Geissberger was also one of Oklahoma’s top offensive players, finishing with 12 kills, matching the team-high alongside fellow Sooner Alexis Shelton.
Despite their dominant blocking game, Oklahoma found themselves in a precarious position in the first set. After a fast start by the Sooners, Pitt had to dig deep to stay in contention. Oklahoma had two set-point opportunities during this opening frame. The first came when Lydia Martyn stuffed a Pitt attack to give the Sooners a 25-24 lead. However, a service error by Oklahoma’s libero Callie Kemohah opened the door for the Panthers.
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The Sooners had another chance to secure the set when they led 26-25 following a kill by Gibson. However, Pitt responded with a surge of their own. Junior outside hitter Torrey Stafford delivered a critical kill to even the score at 26, and then Pitt completed their comeback with a block from Bre Kelly and a decisive kill from Valeria Vazquez Gomez, clinching the set 28-26.
“I think it was a good moment for us,” said senior setter Rachel Fairbanks, who was instrumental in orchestrating the Panthers’ offense with a match-high 36 assists. “Any tight match is a good experience. It’s good to have in your pocket. Even though we weren’t playing our best, we found a way to rally it out and take the set.”
An Unwavering Focus: Pitt’s Dominance in Sets Two and Three
With the first set secured in dramatic fashion, Pitt carried the momentum into the second frame. After trading points with Oklahoma early on, the Panthers began to pull away after a 3-0 run, powered by Stafford’s two kills and a third from outside hitter Olivia Babcock. The Sooners, despite their size advantage and aggressive blocking, could not match Pitt’s intensity. The Panthers ran away with the second set, winning 25-21.
Throughout the match, Pitt’s hitters found their rhythm as the match wore on, overcoming the height and blocking power of Oklahoma’s defense. Vazquez Gomez explained how they adjusted to the challenge. “We found a way to hit higher. Rachel was putting up good sets. It was up to us to hit high. That’s what we did.”
By the time the third set rolled around, the Sooners had little left in the tank. Despite showing flashes of brilliance and a valiant effort, Oklahoma could not recover from the early deficit. The Panthers took control early, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout and finishing the set 25-19. Pitt’s diverse offensive attack, including Babcock’s 12 kills, Stafford’s 10 kills, and Vazquez Gomez’s 10 kills, was simply too much for the Sooners to handle.
Overcoming Injuries and Illness: Pitt’s Resilience
The victory came amid a challenging week for the Panthers, as coach Dan Fisher revealed that several players had been battling illness and injuries leading up to the match. “All week long, we’ve been struggling with sicknesses and girls banged up, and we found a way to win when we weren’t feeling our best,” Fisher said. “I’m proud of this group. I was expecting us to struggle a little bit because they run a fast offense.”
Despite these hurdles, the Panthers demonstrated their trademark grit and unity. Fisher acknowledged that the team’s depth and collective willpower were pivotal in overcoming the physical toll the match took on the players. “I think the girls need to take a day off,” Fisher said. “Finals are coming, and they need to take a day off and not think about volleyball.” The victory against Oklahoma came after a draining stretch, and the players were ready for some much-needed rest.
The Road Ahead: Hosting Oregon in the Sweet 16
With the win, Pitt (31-1) advances to the Sweet 16, where they will face Oregon, a team they swept earlier in the season with a 3-0 victory on the road on August 30. The upcoming match on Thursday at Petersen Events Center will be another crucial test for the Panthers, but they are confident in their ability to rise to the occasion once again. If their play against Oklahoma is any indication, this is a team that thrives under pressure and is poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
Pitt’s dominance throughout the season has positioned them as one of the top teams in the nation, and with the postseason in full swing, the Panthers are determined to continue their march toward the national championship. For coach Fisher and his squad, the victory over Oklahoma was not only a testament to their physical abilities but also their mental strength, a quality that will serve them well as they head into the next round.
Closing Thoughts
For Pitt women’s volleyball, advancing to the Sweet 16 for the fifth consecutive year is a remarkable achievement, one that reflects their ongoing excellence and consistency at the highest levels of collegiate volleyball. With a roster brimming with talent, leadership, and resilience, the Panthers are well-positioned to keep their championship aspirations alive. As they prepare to face Oregon, the next step in their quest for glory, Pitt is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead, knowing that their greatest strength lies not only in their athletic ability but in their unwavering resolve.
The road to the national championship continues, and for the Panthers, the journey is far from over.
