Thu Dec 12 21:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Top-Seeded Pitt Volleyball Hosts NCAA Tournament Regional

**Pittsburgh, PA** – The University of Pittsburgh Panthers volleyball team, seeded number one nationally with a dominant 31-1 record, will host the NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinals and Finals this weekend at the Petersen Events Center. Their journey for a national championship begins Thursday at 3:30 p.m. against #14 Oregon (24-7), a match that will be streamed on ESPN2.

Pitt boasts a 3-1 series lead over Oregon, having last defeated them in August. The Ducks, who reached the Regional Final last year, are led by junior All-American outside hitter Mimi Colyer, the 2022 AVCA National Freshman of the Year.

A Pitt victory would propel them into Saturday’s match against the winner of #11 Kentucky vs. #25 Missouri. Pitt holds a 5-3 record against Kentucky, the SEC regular season champions, and a 2-1 series record against Missouri, with their last encounter in 2016 resulting in a Missouri win.

The Panthers’ success this season is underscored by numerous accolades: Head Coach Dan Fisher was named both the ACC Coach of the Year and AVCA East Coast Region Coach of the Year, while Olivia Babcock earned ACC Player of the Year and AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year honors. All seven Pitt starters received AVCA East Coast Region Team recognition for the second consecutive year. The team also secured their third consecutive ACC Championship.

This marks Pitt’s fifth straight appearance in the Regional Semifinals, and the team is aiming to reach the NCAA Semifinals for another shot at the national title. Their impressive statistics, including ranking first nationally in hitting percentage and opponent hitting percentage, showcase their potential for a deep tournament run.

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