Panthers Open Conference Play Against Duke and North Carolina

PITTSBURGH – The No. 8 Pitt volleyball team (9-2, 0-0 ACC) begins ACC play this weekend, taking on Duke (9-2, 0-0 ACC) and North Carolina (6-3, 0-0 ACC). The Panthers will play the Blue Devils in Durham on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill on Sunday at 1 p.m. 

The Panthers lead the all-time series against the Blue Devils,14-8 and hold a six-match winning streak. Five of those wins came in 3-0 fashion. Duke is 9-2 overall and comes into the match with a nine-match winning streak of their own and have a top-25 win against No. 18 Creighton, defeating the Bluejays in five sets.

Pitt holds a 15-6 advantage over the Tar Heels and have defeated North Carolina the last seven outings. The Tar Heels are led by 2022 First Team All-ACC performer Mabrey Shaffmaster and Emani’ Foster. 

BLOCK PARTY 

• The Pitt Panthers are currently third in the nation in blocks per set (3.13).

• Chiamaka Nwokolo, Rachel Jepsen, Olivia Babcock and Emma Monks have all registered at least six blocks in a match so far this season. 

STAFFORD SHINES

• Freshman Torrey Stafford was named ACC Freshman of the Week (9/18/23) for the first time after her impressive performance in the Panther Challenge. 

• Stafford registered 32 kills, 14 digs, eight blocks and six aces during the three-day span. 

SWEET SWEEP

• Pitt looked impressive last weekend, sweeping both then No. 24 Marquette and Loyola Chicago. 

• Chiamaka Nwokolo registered a season-high seven blocks against Loyola Chicago while Emma Monks averaged 2.0 blocks per set. 

PANTHERS CLAIM ACC HONORS

• Olivia Babcock earned back-to- back ACC Freshman of the Week honors on Monday after registering 21 kills, eight blocks and seven digs last weekend.

• Emma Monks was named ACC Defensive Player of the Week for the first time after recording 13 kills, 12 blocks and a pair of digs against the Golden Eagles and Ramblers. 

84 LUMBER SWEEP

• The Panthers swept the 84 Lumber Classic series against then No. 15 Kentucky. Pitt beat the Wildcats 3-0 in Lexington on Friday night and earned a 3-1 win in Pittsburgh on Sunday. 

• Rachel Fairbanks registered her first double-double of the season with 25 assists and 15 digs. 

…