Sept. 25, 2009

PITTSBURGH–On a three-match win streak, the University of Pittsburgh women’s volleyball opens its Big East slate, this weekend, hosting Marquette and Syracuse at Fitzgerald Field House. The Panthers face the Golden Eagles on Saturday, Sept. 26 and then the Orange on Sunday, Sept. 27. Both contest begin at 2 p.m.

Coming off a Blue Gold Tournament championship, the Panthers found themselves in the top-30 on the NCAA blocking list. Tied for 27th on the list, Pitt is averaging 2.62 blocks per set and have 239 on the year. Senior Meagan Dooley leads the squad with 70, placing 22nd on the individual NCAA blocking leaders list. Additionally, Dooley was named the Big East Player of the Week and mentioned as a CVU Top Performer of the Week.

Also coming off a stellar performance, senior Michelle Rossi was named the Pitt Blue Gold Tournament MVP, averaging 4.92 digs per set while collecting four assists and three aces.

Marquette (10-4) enters the match after a hard fought five-set victory over Dayton last week. Ashley Beyer is leads the Golden Eagles’ hitters, averaging 2.70 kills per set. The Panthers shutout Marquette 3-0 last year and lead the series history, 3-1.

Syracuse (10-4) begins its weekend with a match against West Virginia on Saturday. The Orange are coming off a shutout victory over Cornell. Syracuse is led by Sarah Morton, who leads the nation in total blocks and is fifth overall in blocks per set. Syracuse earned a 3-0 win last year, but the Panthers lead the series history, 28-8.

Gametracker will be available for both matches on www.pittsburghpanthers.com.