Pittsburgh recently spotlighted the achievements of its Panthers in the realm of volleyball as part of the AVCA East Coast Region honors. Coach Dan Fisher received the AVCA East Coast Region Coach of the Year title for the fourth time, while Olivia Babcock claimed her second consecutive AVCA East Coast Region Player of the Year award. Six players from the Panthers were acknowledged for their exceptional performances throughout the season.
Babcock Repeats as Player of the Year
Olivia Babcock’s outstanding junior season solidified her status in the league. She averaged 5.89 points per set and garnered five ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Her performance peaked when she broke the program record with 41 kills against Louisville, only to surpass it with 45 kills against North Carolina. This achievement contributed to her recognition as a First Team All-ACC selection for the third consecutive year and a semifinalist for the AVCA National Player of the Year.
Fisher’s Continued Excellence
Dan Fisher’s leadership led the Panthers to their fourth straight ACC Championship and their sixth consecutive Regional Semifinal. Under his guidance, the team secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the third year running, allowing them to host through to the National Semifinal.
Notable Honors for Six Panthers
- Brooke Mosher: Recognized for her role in the Panthers’ offense, she averaged a career-best 9.86 assists per set and received First Team All-ACC honors.
- Bre Kelley: A dominating presence, she earned East Coast All-Region recognition, averaging 1.49 blocks per set and hitting .370.
- Blaire Bayless: Received her first career AVCA East Coast Region honor, averaging 2.66 kills per set.
- Marina Pezelj: Honorable Mention selection, noted for a strong debut season, averaging 1.95 kills and 1.73 digs per set.
- Ryla Jones: Also earned East Coast Region Honorable Mention, continuing her impactful performances with an average of 1.20 blocks per set.
Season Highlights
Throughout the season, Mosher recorded seven double-doubles and earned three ACC Setter of the Week awards. Kelley also stood out, receiving the ACC Defensive Player of the Week honors after impressive matches against Pepperdine and Jacksonville. Bayless showcased consistent growth, achieving double-digit kills 13 times and hitting above .400 in multiple matches.
Pittsburgh’s volleyball team not only showcased individual talent but also demonstrated remarkable teamwork and strategy under Fisher’s guidance, positioning themselves as a formidable force in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
