University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panthers Split Two Big East Matches
10/2/2000 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Panthers Split Two Big East Matches
10/2/2000
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh volleyball team opened Big East Conference play this past weekend and split a pair of matches with Providence and Boston College.
After capturing a three-game sweep over the Friars Sept. 30, Pittsburgh dropped a heartbreaking 3-2 decision to Boston College Oct. 1 in a match that saw several career-performances from the Panthers. Senior outside hitter Stacy Renick (Eagan, Minn./Eagan) continued her excellent play this season, setting a new Pittsburgh match record with 90 attempts versus the Eagles. In addition, she was just one dig shy of tying the match record for digs with 31.
Boston College got off to an early start in the match and took a 15-13 win in game one. Pittsburgh, however, rebounded and rallied from a 13-10 deficit in the second game to go onto a 16-14 victory and tie the match. The two teams traded wins in the next two games, with Boston College taking game three, 15-10, and Pittsburgh game four, 15-4. But the Eagles ultimately prevailed and captured the match with their 15-12 decision in game five.
Senior outside hitter Marcia Thiesen (Chatham, Ontario/John MacGregor) posted her third 20-kill performance of the season with 21 kills to go along with 14 digs. Redshirt senior Jennifer Nickels (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield North) tied two career-high marks with 18 kills and nine blocks.
The Panthers recorded their best blocking effort of the season against Boston College with 20 team blocks. Nickels led the way with her nine blocks, but freshman Wendy Hatlestad (Roseville, Minn./Roseville Area) was not far behind with a career-high eight blocks. Junior Heather Haff (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) also chipped in a career-high seven blocks that went along with 18 digs.
Pittsburgh opened the weekend with a 3-0 (15-7, 15-12, 15-8) sweep of host Providence in its conference opener. Renick led Pittsburgh's offense versus the Friars with 15 kills while also adding a solid defensive effort with a season-high five blocks. Thiesen recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 12 kills and 10 digs, and Haff had 12 digs and six blocks.
The Panthers' record stands at 13-5 overall and 1-1 in the Big East. Pittsburgh returns to action this weekend when it hosts Syracuse Oct. 7 and Notre Dame Oct. 8. Both matches are set for 2 p.m. and will be held at Fitzgerald Field House.
