Tonight, Dec. 17, Pitt volleyball (30-4, ACC 18-2) takes on Texas A&M (27-4, SEC 14-1) in the National Semifinal at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri, in what is Pitt’s fifth try to make the National Championship game and Texas A&M’s first.
The Leadup
This National Semifinal matchup marks the second time the two programs have ever played one another. Pitt won the first matchup via a sweep in College Station, Texas, in 2022.
Rachel Fairbanks — who played right side and setter for Pitt in 2022 — led the Panthers in kills and digs with 13 and 12, respectively. Carolina Meuth led the Aggies in kills with nine, and Lauren Hogan led her team in digs with 16.
Pitt does not have a single player who played in 2022 still on the roster. Texas A&M has two — senior opposite hitter Logan Lednicky and senior libero Ava Underwood. Lednicky had eight kills and 11 digs, and Underwood had two assists and four digs.
Fisher was in his 10th year with the Pitt program in 2022, and Texas A&M’s current head coach, Jamie Morrison, was not yet hired by Texas A&M, as he was hired after the 2022 season by Texas A&M.
The Stakes
It’s obvious — win and make your programs’ first National Championship appearance. Texas A&M made it to this point by defeating Campbell, TCU, Louisville and Nebraska, playing a total of 17 sets. Pitt made it this far by defeating UMBC, Michigan, Minnesota and Purdue, playing a total of 13.
Pitt’s Final Four History
Pitt and the National Semifinal have not gotten along, if you ask any Pitt fan. The Panthers are 0-4 in this round, ending their season on the first game of this semifinal weekend for four straight seasons.
The Panthers have only lost to two different teams in this round — Nebraska and Louisville. Pitt lost to Nebraska in 2021 and 2023 in four sets and three sets, respectively. And Pitt suffered losses to Louisville in 2022 and 2024 in five sets and four sets, respectively.
Where to Watch & Follow
Tonight’s game will air on ESPN, and you can listen on SIriusXM Satelite Radio. Pitt fans can also follow @pittnewssports on X, formerly Twitter for live game updates.
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