University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Emch, Russo Honored as PNC Achievers of the Week
10/7/2026 10:46:00 AM | Football, General, Volleyball
PITTSBURGH – Volleyball's Abby Emch and football's Gabe Russo have been tabbed the PNC Achievers of the Week for their stellar performances.
Sophomore middle blocker Emch hit .533 on the week as Pitt swept two road ACC matches, beating both Boston College and Syracuse. Emch was perfect on two swings against Boston College with two blocks and a dig. She followed that up with seven kills on 13 swings with an ace in the win at Syracuse.
Senior punter Russo was pivotal in the field position battle during Pitt's thrilling 35-33 win at Virginia Tech last Friday night. Four of Russo's six punts traveled at least 50 yards, and his 57-yard punt set a season-long mark. He averaged 46.8 yards per punt and landed one inside the 20-yard line in Blackburg, VA. On the year, Russo has landed seven punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and ranks third in the ACC in punting average (43.7).
