University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Panthers to Play Tennessee in Second Shriners Children's Showdown at the Net
4/23/2026 10:58:00 AM | Volleyball
PITTSBURGH – The Panthers will face Tennessee in the second annual Shriners Children's Showdown at the Net on Sept. 9, ESPN Events announced Thursday morning. First serve is set for 7 p.m. at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Florida, with the match airing on ESPN2. Reigning national champion Texas A&M and Stanford will follow at 9:30 p.m. to conclude the event.
Pitt dominated Kentucky at the inaugural Shriners Children's Showdown at the Net last season in a straight-set victory in Fort Worth, Texas at Dickies Arena. Olivia Babcock led the Panthers with 15 kills and six digs on a .306 hitting percentage.
Pitt enters the match after five consecutive National Semifinal appearances, while Tennessee has reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the past five seasons. The Volunteers went 20-8 during the 2025 campaign, including a 10-5 mark in SEC play.
Building on the momentum of its inaugural year, the challenge series continues to spotlight the growth and national appeal of women's college volleyball, bringing together elite competition in a primetime setting across ESPN platforms. The tournament will also amplify Shriners Children's mission to provide world class pediatric care through a national media platform.
Tickets will go on sale in early May. In the meantime, fans can secure first access to the best seats by signing up for the event pre-sale at www.showdownatthenet.com.
