MADISON, Wisc. (11-December) – No. 2 seeded Pittsburgh pulled off a stunning victory over defending national champions and the No. 1 seeded Wisconsin with a 3-2 victory in the Madison Regional final of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament Semifinals on Saturday (10) to punch its ticket to the Final Four! – BOX SCORE
Pittsburgh won the contest 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 15-13 inside UW Field House in Madison, and the victory for the Panthers (31-3) saw them dethroning the reigning national champion in emphatic style. The win sees Pittsburgh advancing to play Co-ACC Champions Louisville in the 2022 NCAA Semifinals in Omaha, Nebraska on December 15.
Pittsburgh proves too strong for Wisconsin in Madison Regional final – Watch Video Highlights
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | 23 | 25 | 25 | 19 | 15 | (3) |
| Wisconsin | 25 | 21 | 21 | 25 | 13 | (2) |
Courtney Buzzerio had 18 kills on the night to take her NCAA Tournament total to 69, the second most in program history. Buzzerio now has 448 kills this year for a new career best. She was also named NCAA Madison Regional MVP and finished the weekend with 37 kills.
“What a game,” said Panthers head Coach Dan Fisher. “Huge congratulations to Wisconsin on a great season. We have a lot of respect for that program.”
Chiamaka Nwokolo had 12 kills, while Valeria Vazquez Gomez ended with 22 digs in the victory for the Panthers, the second most in program history in an NCAA Tournament match. Rachel Fairbanks contributed 37 assists and 16 digs, Lexis Akeo had a double-double with 16 assists and 10 digs and Emmy Klika added 16 digs in the win.
It’s easy to see why they’re great. You can see what a volleyball town this is and it was an honor to be here. I don’t know how much I can tell you about the Xs and Os,” added Fisher.
“We just found a way. I’m proud of this team. I’m proud that we’re doing it in the lineup we’re in. Cam Ennis hasn’t played outside all year and she’s being a true warrior. We’re showing a lot of heart in some tough moments. I’m so incredibly proud.”
Devyn Robinson had 21 kills, Sarah Franklin made 15 kills, while Anna Smrek ended with 13 kills for Wisconsin in the shocking defeat.
Gulce Guctekin finished with 24 digs and 14 assists, and MJ Hammill contributed 23 assists and 18 digs for the Badgers, who had 74 kills, 72 assists, 92 digs, and 22 blocks as a team overall.
Wisconsin battled hard all night and was backed by the 7,229 Badger fans inside the arena but in the end Pittsburgh proves too strong for defending champion in Madison Regional final.
