Sports thrive on rivalries. And the Penn State vs. Pitt volleyball game on September 17 delivered the intensity women’s sports fans expect when it comes to rivalry showdowns. 

Despite the home crowd roaring for every Penn State point, it was the Pittsburgh Panthers who left victorious. In front of the No. 13 Nittany Lions’ home fans, the No. 5 Panthers stole the show with a four-set victory that solidified their national standing. With strong hitting, relentless blocking, and composure in high-pressure moments, the Panthers proved that they’re ready for something bigger as the postseason emerges. 

The Rivalry Match

The game began with an early lead for Pitt, who jumped out to a 12-7 lead in the first set. Penn State responded with an 8-2 run to pull ahead 15-14, causing an uproar from the Rec Hall crowd.

But Pitt answered back. Olivia Babcock notched a kill, followed by a double block that gave the Panthers a 20-18 edge. Penn State notched three straight points to go up 23-22, forcing a Pitt timeout. Out of the break, the Panthers steadied themselves with a kill from Ryla Jones and a kill-block combination from Dagmar Mourits that sealed the set 25-23.

Set two saw the Panthers build momentum. After an early 7-4 push and a tie at 11-11, Pitt leaned on its blocking and Babcock’s attacking to fuel a 7-1 run. Penn State was forced into a timeout, but the Panthers never let go of control, claiming a 25-17 win.

The Nittany Lions fought back in the third. Pitt led 15-12 at the media timeout, but clutch kills and an ace from Penn State turned the tide. The Nittany Lions edged out the Panthers, 25-23, keeping the match alive.

In set four, Pitt reasserted its dominance. A strong service run from setter Brooke Mosher and kills from Blair Bayless helped the Panthers pull ahead 15-10. Penn State tried to close the gap, but a vigorous kill by Jones helped Pitt seal the 25-17 set and a 3-1 match victory.

“This game showcased everything women’s volleyball and women’s athletics have to offer: high-level skill, teamwork, depth, and exhilarating competition.”

VIS Creator Alexa Doe

Why This Win Matters

Pitt pulling off this win against long-time rival Penn State shows that the Panthers are ready for bigger things ahead. This wasn’t about one superstar carrying the team—multiple players stepped up, each playing a key role in the four-set victory.

The depth of this squad was on full display. Olivia Babcock notched 16 kills and tied her career high with 13 digs, a double-double that emphasized her impact on both sides of the ball. She also added four assists, three aces, and two blocks, creating momentum swings that Penn State couldn’t take down.

Dagmar Mourits delivered one of her most consistent performances of the season, finishing with 13 kills and five blocks. Her late plays in the opening set were defining moments that gave Pitt the early advantage and quieted the Rec Hall crowd.

Setter Brooke Mosher directed the offense with 39 assists, keeping Pitt’s attack efficient and unpredictable. And players like Ryla Jones and Blair Bayless provided the finishing touches when it mattered most, with Jones sealing the match on the final swing.

With a team that demonstrates talent, grit, efficiency, and composure, Pitt proves how dangerous they are, and will carry that momentum with them heading into the postseason. 

Pitt’s victory over a top-ranked rival isn’t just a milestone for the program. It’s a reminder of the rising competitiveness and visibility of women’s sports. This game showcased everything women’s volleyball and women’s athletics have to offer: high-level skill, teamwork, depth, and exhilarating competition. Winning in a historic venue like Penn State elevates the profile of the sport and highlights the value of team dynamics, leadership, and resilience—traits often overlooked in women’s sports media. Performances like this also inspire the next generation of girls to pursue sports like volleyball for years to come.