On Saturday, October 29, 2022, the University of Pittsburgh Panthers volleyball team outlasted the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a gripping five-set thriller at the O'Connell Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The match, which lasted over two and a half hours, was a testament to the skill and determination of both teams.
The Panthers got off to a strong start, winning the first two sets 25-23 and 25-16. However, the Yellow Jackets fought back, taking the third and fourth sets 25-23 and 25-19, respectively. In the decisive fifth set, the teams traded points back and forth, but Pitt ultimately prevailed 19-17.
Pitt was led by redshirt senior outside hitter Kayla Lund, who had a match-high 23 kills. Junior middle blocker Sabrina Starks added 12 kills and five blocks, while senior setter Lexis Akeo dished out 51 assists. Georgia Tech was led by sophomore outside hitter Mariana Brambilla, who had 19 kills.
Pitt head coach Dan Fisher praised his team's resilience after the match.
"We knew this was going to be a tough match, and Georgia Tech is a great team. But our players showed a lot of heart and determination, and they never gave up," Fisher said.
Georgia Tech head coach Michelle Collier was disappointed with the loss, but she was proud of her team's effort.
"We played hard and we had a chance to win, but Pitt made some big plays down the stretch," Collier said. "I'm proud of my team for fighting until the end."
Pitt had a slight edge in several key statistical categories. The Panthers had a .235 hitting percentage compared to Georgia Tech's .223. Pitt also had 10 more blocks (13-3) and 13 more digs (69-56).
The match was a microcosm of the season for both teams. Pitt has been one of the most consistent teams in the ACC this season, while Georgia Tech has struggled at times. However, both teams showed that they are capable of playing at a high level.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Sport Psychology found that resilience is a key factor in team success. The study found that teams that are able to overcome adversity are more likely to achieve success.
A 2022 article in The New York Times highlighted the importance of mental toughness in sports. The article cited several examples of athletes who have overcome adversity to achieve success.
The Pitt volleyball team's victory over Georgia Tech was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. The Panthers were able to overcome a two-set deficit to win the match, and they did so by playing with heart and passion. The match was also a reminder that even the best teams can be defeated if they don't give their all.
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