No. 3 Kentucky volleyball had another opportunity to settle the score against No. 4 Pittsburgh, but the Wildcats came up short once again, falling 3-1 in the AVCA First Serve Invitational in Milwaukee.
After opening the season with an impressive sweep of No. 6 Wisconsin, Kentucky entered the matchup with confidence and a clear motivation to avenge a previous defeat against the Panthers. However, Pittsburgh quickly showed why it remains one of the nation’s elite teams, using a dominant offensive attack and relentless defense to control key stretches of the match.
Pitt came out firing in the opening set, racing to a 15-9 advantage behind star right-side hitter Olivia Babcock. The two-time AVCA Player of the Year immediately made her presence felt, recording five early kills as the Panthers produced a 6-0 run. Kentucky struggled to find its rhythm offensively, with Brooklyn Deleye and Morgan Gaerte combining for seven attacking errors in the opening frame. Pitt capitalized and cruised to a 25-14 victory.
Kentucky responded strongly in the second set. The Wildcats faced an early 11-7 deficit but gradually settled down and began matching Pitt’s intensity. Gaerte provided an important spark, while Kentucky’s aggressive serving and attacking pressure helped turn the momentum. After the teams battled to a 16-16 tie, the Wildcats finished the set with authority. Deleye delivered three consecutive service aces to help Kentucky close out a 25-21 win and even the match at one set apiece.
The Panthers, however, regained control in the third set. Pitt established an early advantage and never allowed Kentucky to generate another significant comeback. Babcock continued to overwhelm the Wildcats’ defense, reaching 19 kills through three sets as Pittsburgh pulled away for a convincing 25-13 win.
Kentucky fought to extend the match in the fourth set, but Pitt maintained control late. The Panthers built a 21-17 lead, forcing Kentucky coach Craig Skinner to call timeout. The Wildcats responded with back-to-back kills from Deleye and Gaerte, cutting the deficit to 23-20 and creating some late hope.
Pittsburgh ultimately held its nerve, converting its second match point to finish the contest 25-22 and secure the 3-1 victory.
Babcock was the difference-maker throughout the afternoon, finishing with an outstanding 27 kills and four blocks while consistently putting pressure on Kentucky’s defense. Her performance helped Pittsburgh overcome Kentucky’s second-set surge and prevent the Wildcats from completing their revenge mission.
Despite the loss, Kentucky showed flashes of resilience, particularly in the second and fourth sets. The Wildcats now have an early-season reminder of the level required to compete with the nation’s top programs, while Pitt once again proved capable of delivering in crucial moments against elite opposition.
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