Pittsburgh Panthers headline NCAA volleyball tournament as top seed

Pittsburgh Panthers Secure Top Seed in NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament

The Pittsburgh Panthers have officially claimed the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament, setting the stage for what could be a historic run. With a stellar 29-1 overall record and a dominant 19-1 mark in ACC play, Pitt is aiming to bring the Atlantic Coast Conference its first-ever national championship in women’s volleyball. The Panthers have been knocking on the door for years, making the Final Four in each of the past three seasons but falling short in the semifinals every time. Could this be the year they finally break through?

Pitt isn’t the only powerhouse in the mix. Joining them as No. 1 seeds are Big Ten co-champions Nebraska and Penn State, along with fellow ACC contender Louisville. Nebraska, the second overall seed, and Penn State, the third, both finished the season with impressive 29-2 overall records and 19-1 conference records. These two programs are no strangers to success—Penn State boasts seven NCAA titles, with their last coming in 2014, while Nebraska has five championships, most recently in 2017. Last year, Nebraska fell just short, losing to Texas in the national championship match.

Louisville, the fourth overall seed, has its sights set on making the Final Four in its own backyard. The championship will be held from Dec. 19-22 at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville. The Cardinals have reached the Final Four twice before, in 2021 and 2022, and were runners-up to Texas in 2022. With the potential to play every match on their home court, Louisville has a golden opportunity to make history.

Breaking Down the Top Four Seeds

The NCAA tournament format gives the top four seeds the chance to host all their matches through the Sweet 16, provided they advance. Here’s how the regions stack up:

• Pitt Region: Pitt’s only loss this season came against new ACC member SMU, and there’s a chance for a rematch in the regional final. SMU is the No. 2 seed in this region, with Kentucky at No. 3 and Oregon at No. 4. Pitt and Louisville are on the same side of the bracket, meaning they could face off in the national semifinals. Notably, Pitt defeated Louisville in both of their regular-season matchups this year.
• Louisville Region: The ACC has never won an NCAA volleyball title, but the league now includes the sport’s most decorated program: Stanford. The Cardinal, who joined the ACC this year after the Pac-12’s collapse, have nine national championships to their name. Louisville and Stanford were neck-and-neck for the final No. 1 seed, with the Cardinals ultimately getting the nod due to their strength of schedule. Stanford, the No. 2 seed, could meet Louisville in the regional final for a third showdown this season. Kansas and Purdue round out the top four seeds in this region.
• Nebraska Region: Nebraska’s path to the Final Four could include a showdown with No. 2 seed Wisconsin in the regional final. The Huskers swept the Badgers in both of their Big Ten matchups this season. Arizona State and Baylor are the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds, respectively, in this region.
• Penn State Region: Penn State’s only Big Ten loss this season came against Wisconsin. The Nittany Lions’ region also features Creighton as the No. 2 seed and Utah as the No. 4. However, the biggest threat to Penn State might be No. 3 seed Texas. The Longhorns, who have won the past two NCAA titles and four overall, are in their first year in the SEC and enter the tournament with an 18-6 overall record and a 13-3 mark in conference play.

What’s at Stake

All matches leading up to the national semifinals will be broadcast on ESPN networks and ESPN+, with the championship match airing on ABC at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 22. The stakes couldn’t be higher for these top programs, each with its own compelling storyline:

• Pitt: Can the Panthers finally get over the hump and deliver the ACC its first national title?
• Nebraska: Will the Huskers avenge last year’s heartbreak and reclaim their spot atop the volleyball world?
• Penn State: Can the Nittany Lions add to their storied legacy with an eighth championship?
• Louisville: Will home-court advantage propel the Cardinals to their first-ever title?

With powerhouse programs, rising stars, and plenty of drama, this year’s NCAA women’s volleyball tournament promises to be one for the ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this is a can’t-miss event. So mark your calendars, tune in, and get ready for some electrifying action on the court!