Amber Aniston • October 6, 2024

Pittsburgh Volleyball Powers Past Syracuse to Stay Undefeated

The No. 1-ranked Pittsburgh Panthers volleyball team continued their impressive 2024 season with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Syracuse on Sunday afternoon. The Panthers extended their winning streak to 14 matches, improving their record to 14-0 overall and 4-0 in ACC play, while Syracuse dropped to 12-4 overall and remains winless in conference competition at 0-4.


Pitt’s Commanding Start

Pittsburgh wasted no time in establishing control of the match, jumping out to a fast start in the opening set. With precision serving and a highly efficient attack, the Panthers overwhelmed Syracuse, winning the set 25-11. Pittsburgh hit an incredible .591 as a team, while Syracuse struggled to gain traction, hitting a flat .000.


Sophomore outside hitter Torrey Stafford was unstoppable in the first set, recording seven kills on seven swings. Stafford’s offensive explosion, coupled with Syracuse’s inability to find an answer, forced the Orange to burn early timeouts in an attempt to stop the onslaught. Pitt capitalized on four Syracuse attack errors to build a commanding 13-6 lead before closing the set on an 8-2 run.


Panthers’ Depth Proves Too Much

In the second set, Syracuse showed resilience, closing the gap to 8-6 and keeping the score tight early on. However, Pittsburgh’s depth quickly became evident as the Panthers pulled away. Sixth-year outside hitter Valeria Vazquez Gomez stepped up with a series of kills, helping Pitt go on a 5-0 run that stretched their lead to 13-6.


Pittsburgh’s rotation of players proved to be one of their biggest advantages. Freshman standouts Dalia Vîrlan and middle blocker Ryla Jones added key contributions, showcasing the depth of Pitt’s roster. Despite a late push from Syracuse, Pittsburgh closed the second set 25-18 with strong serving and impeccable defense. Vazquez Gomez finished the match with 11 kills, proving to be a steady offensive force for the Panthers.


Setter Nisa Buzlutepe was another standout, registering a season-high 37 assists. Her smart distribution allowed the Panthers to diversify their offense, keeping Syracuse guessing. Buzlutepe's leadership on the court helped Pitt maintain control throughout, ensuring that the Panthers’ offense remained fluid and efficient.


Pitt’s Defense Stifles Syracuse

Defense played a key role in Pittsburgh’s victory. The Panthers held Syracuse to a meager .023 hitting percentage, their fourth straight match limiting their opponent to under .100 hitting. Senior libero Emmy Klika was instrumental on the back line, tying for a match-high eight digs. Pittsburgh's ability to block and defend in transition left Syracuse scrambling for solutions throughout the match.


In the third set, Pittsburgh took control early once again, racing out to a 14-7 lead. Syracuse struggled to generate any momentum, as Pittsburgh's defense continued to frustrate the Orange attackers. Middle blocker Zharia Harris-Waddy led Syracuse with three blocks, but even her efforts couldn’t slow down the Pittsburgh offense.


Late in the third set, head coach Dan Fisher rotated several players into the lineup, allowing more of his roster to gain valuable playing time. Sophomore Blaire Bayless and graduate student Cat Flood each added kills, helping Pittsburgh finish the match with a 25-14 win.


Syracuse’s Struggles Continue

For Syracuse, this marked their fourth consecutive loss in ACC play. The Orange started the season strong but have struggled to maintain their form in conference competition. Outside hitter Ava Palm led the Orange with 10 kills, but she lacked consistent support from the rest of the Syracuse attack.


Syracuse showed glimpses of potential in the second set, closing the gap and keeping pace with Pittsburgh. However, their inconsistency and inability to convert opportunities into points ultimately allowed Pittsburgh to take over. Syracuse’s struggles with serve reception and attack errors were significant factors in their loss.


What’s Next for Pitt and Syracuse

The victory keeps Pittsburgh unbeaten as they prepare for their biggest test of the season: a top-25 matchup against No. 17 SMU on October 9. This will mark Pitt’s fifth match against a ranked opponent, and the team will look to maintain their momentum as they aim to stay at the top of the rankings.


Syracuse, on the other hand, will look to regroup as they face Duke at home on October 11. The Orange are still searching for their first ACC win, and head coach Bakeer Ganesharatnam will need to find a way to shake off the team’s recent struggles and build confidence moving forward.


Pittsburgh’s Continued Dominance in the ACC

Pittsburgh has established themselves as one of the premier teams in college volleyball. Their blend of veteran leadership and young talent has made them a formidable opponent for any team. With a perfect record and multiple top-25 wins, the Panthers are not just aiming for ACC supremacy, but also have their sights set on making a deep postseason run.



Coach Dan Fisher’s emphasis on player development and team depth has been a critical factor in Pittsburgh’s success. The Panthers’ ability to rotate players and maintain a high level of play throughout matches has been one of their biggest strengths. As they continue their journey through the ACC, Pittsburgh looks poised to remain one of the top contenders for a national championship.

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