The Panthers’ red-hot start hit its first speed bump this past weekend, but Pitt remains firmly in the ACC title hunt. Since our last update, the fourth ranked Panthers have gone 3–1, picking up impressive wins over No. 11 SMU, Clemson, and Georgia Tech, before suffering a tough reverse sweep loss at Miami.
Taking Care of Business at Home
Pitt returned to the Petersen Events Center and made a statement against No. 11 SMU, taking the rematch 3–1 (25–20, 25–22, 26–28, 25–21).
That win pushed Pitt’s streak over SMU to ten straight and gave them a strong 2–0 start in ACC play.
Road Trip Success — and a Setback
The momentum carried into a southern road swing, where Pitt notched straight-set victories over Clemson and Georgia Tech. Against Clemson, Babcock led with 12 kills, while hitting a whopping .632. In Atlanta, the Panthers out killed Georgia Tech 59 – 44 and won 3–1, with Babcock again pacing the offense with 25 kills. Blaire Bayless added 16 kills on a .429 percentage.
But the trip ended on a sour note. Facing Miami on Sunday, Pitt jumped out to a 2–0 lead before dropping three straight sets in a stunning reverse sweep. The Hurricanes found rhythm from the service line and attacked the edges effectively, handing Pitt its first conference loss of the year. Babcock finished with a ridiculous stat line of 30 kills while hitting at a .519 clip and adding 2 aces, 14 digs and 5 blocks.
Looking Ahead: Challenging But Winnable Stretch
Pitt’s schedule doesn’t let up. In the next two weeks, key opportunities and dangers lie ahead:
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Today at Florida State — A bounce-back chance. The Seminoles always bring energy, but Pitt will want to erase the sting of Miami and reassert its dominance in ACC play.
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Home vs. Virginia Tech & Virginia — Two home matches following the road test. These are winnable but require focus — especially Virginia, which has had flashes of strength this season.
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Road vs. Louisville — A tough environment and a chance to show resilience away from home.
If Pitt can respond with strong results, they’ll remain firmly in the ACC title conversation and maintain momentum toward postseason seeding.
Upcoming Matches & What’s at Stake
- Oct. 12 : at Florida State — must-win after a tough loss to Miami
- Oct. 15: vs. Virginia Tech (Home) — a chance to return home
- Oct. 18: vs. Virginia (Home) — strong challenge ahead
- Oct. 22: at Louisville — road test in a hostile environment
Each match is an opportunity for Pitt to stabilize after the Miami stumble and keep pressure on the rest of the ACC.