Pitt women’s volleyball extends a 12-match sweep streak

The GIST: Less than one week into conference play, only four Division I women’s volleyball teams remain undefeated — but one squad is literally perfect: The No. 1 Pitt Panthers improved to 12-0 on the season this weekend and still haven’t dropped a single set.

The streak: The Panthers aren’t just winning — they’re crushing everyone in their path, including four Top-25 teams. This weekend, they opened ACC play with a pair of commanding road sweeps over Clemson and No. 13 Georgia Tech.

• The latter was particularly impressive, as the typically competitive Yellow Jackets never even came close to challenging the Panthers. Too easy.

The stars: Two sophomores, outside hitter (OH) Torrey Stafford and opposite Olivia Babcock, lead the Panthers’ attack, with senior setter Rachel Fairbanks running their formidable offense. That said, it’s Pitt’s impenetrable blocking game that really stands out, led by freshman middle blocker Ryla Jones. What’s that about defense and championships?

On other courts: Speaking of ACC sweeps, No. 5 Louisville welcomed No. 3 Stanford to the conference by handing the Cardinal their season’s second loss in yesterday’s 3-0 beatdown. Senior OH Charitie Luper led all players with a stunning 18 kills to seal Louisville’s fifth ranked win this season.

• The biggest deal in that dub, though? The Top-5 matchup received the attention it deserved with a top broadcast spot on ESPN. Between that and the Athletes Unlimited pro season starting up, women’s volleyball continues to be the moment.