University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panthers to Open 2026 Season Against Kentucky at AVCA First Serve
1/26/2026 10:58:00 AM | Volleyball
PITTSBURGH - The Pitt volleyball team is set to open the 2026 season against 2025 National Runner Up Kentucky in Milwaukee, Wisc. on Aug. 23 at AVCA First Serve. Fiserv Forum will serve as host to Arizona State, Kentucky, Louisville, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M and Wisconsin. All eight teams finished the 2025 season in the top 12 of the AVCA/TARAFLEX Division I poll and advanced to the Regional Semifinal.
The general public sale will begin on Jan. 30. All tickets will be available at www.fiservforum.com. The AVCA is hosting a ticket presale on Tuesday, January 27th beginning at 11 a.m. ET for 3-day packages. The presale code for Pitt fans is PITTFS26.
Pitt leads the all-time series against Kentucky, 7–3 and enters the matchup on a four-match winning streak. The Panthers swept the Wildcats last season at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, led by 15 kills from Olivia Babcock. Kentucky went on to reach the national championship match, falling to Texas A&M in straight sets.
The Panthers are coming off five straight National Semifinal appearances and four consecutive ACC Championships. Two-time AVCA National Player of the Year Olivia Babcock returns alongside starters Blaire Bayless, Marina Pezelj, Mallorie Meyer and Abbey Emch, and six talented newcomers will join the Panthers. The 2024 AVCA National Freshman of the Year Izzy Starck will also make her Pitt debut in Wisconsin.
