University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt to Play Xavier on Day Four of AVCA First Serve
3/23/2026 4:30:00 PM | Volleyball
PITTSBURGH – The Pitt volleyball team will face Xavier on day four of AVCA First Serve on Aug. 24 at Fiserv Forum, the AVCA announced Monday. Marquette and Xavier were added to a tournament field that already includes Pitt, Arizona State, Kentucky, Louisville, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M and Wisconsin.
More details on the Monday matches, including ticketing information, will be announced soon. Ticket packages for the first three days of the AVCA First Serve, marking the start of the 2026 women's volleyball season, are available through Ticketmaster. Additional updates can be found on the 2026 AVCA First Serve page.
The Panthers are 2-0 all-time against Xavier and most recently defeated the Musketeers in straight sets on Sept. 16, 2000. Xavier finished the 2025 season with a 26-5 record and advanced to the Pittsburgh Regional of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Michigan in the Round of 64.
Pitt is 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.
