Full Breakdown
Penn State Women’s Volleyball Falls to Pitt in Keystone State Rivalry
9/18/2025, 12:10:32 PM
Match Overview: Pitt Triumphs in Four Sets
On September 17, 2025, the No. 5 Pittsburgh Panthers defeated the No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions in a highly anticipated in-state rivalry match at Rec Hall, winning 3-1 with set scores of 25-23, 25-17, 23-25, and 25-17. This victory marked Pitt's third consecutive win over Penn State, extending their dominance in the series, which now stands at 34-23 overall.
Key Players and Performance
Olivia Babcock, the reigning AVCA National Player of the Year, led the Panthers with a match-high 16 kills and 13 digs, showcasing her all-around skills. Dagmar Mourits also contributed significantly, recording 13 kills and nine digs. The Panthers achieved a hitting percentage of .299, compared to Penn State's .169, which proved crucial in the match's outcome.
For the Nittany Lions, Kennedy Martin, a First-Team All-American, finished with 16 kills but struggled with nine errors, resulting in a .340 kill percentage. Freshman outside hitter Alexis Ewing emerged as a notable performer, contributing six kills with a .500 hitting percentage, indicating her potential as a key player moving forward.
Set-by-Set Breakdown
The match began with a competitive first set, where both teams exchanged leads. Penn State managed to take a 15-14 lead after an 8-2 run, but Pitt responded with a late surge, winning the set 25-23. The second set saw Pitt take control early, leading to a decisive 25-17 victory, putting Penn State in a two-set deficit.
In the third set, the Nittany Lions rallied, fueled by the home crowd, and managed to secure a 25-23 win, avoiding a sweep. However, the Panthers regained their momentum in the fourth set, dominating with a 25-17 finish to seal the match.
Coaching Perspectives
Head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley of Penn State acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “It’s hard to win, but I think playing these matches will prepare us for conference play.” She emphasized the importance of focusing on skills and minimizing errors to enhance performance in future matches.
Pitt's head coach, Dan Fisher, praised his team's resilience, particularly in critical moments, saying, “It matters how well you play after 20. We want to be a team that feels like the bigger the stage, the better we get.”
Looking Ahead
With this loss, Penn State's record falls to 4-4, while Pitt improves to 8-2. The Nittany Lions will look to regroup as they prepare for their next match against Princeton on September 19, 2025, at Rec Hall. Meanwhile, Pitt will enter a challenging stretch of ACC competition, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.
Conclusion
The match highlighted the fierce rivalry between Penn State and Pitt, showcasing high-level volleyball from both teams. As the season progresses, both squads will need to refine their strategies and performances to compete effectively in their respective conferences.
