The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg volleyball team opened its 2026 season Tuesday evening with a hard-fought four-set loss to Bethany College at Hummel Field House.
The Bobcats battled throughout the night before falling to the Bison, 3-1 (21-25, 14-25, 25-23, 18-25). Pitt-Greensburg moved to 0-1 on the season, while Bethany improved to 1-0.
"The team played hard despite the loss, but unfortunately our mistakes controlled the game," head coach Holly Saville said. "Although frustrating, we will take this loss, learn from it and do better. Today was only day one!"
Pitt-Greensburg showed promise from the start, recording 10 kills and hitting .154 in the opening set. The Bobcats remained within striking distance before Bethany secured a 25-21 win. The Bison carried that momentum into the second set, taking it 25-14 to build a 2-0 advantage.
The Bobcats refused to go quietly.
Facing a potential sweep, Pitt-Greensburg responded with a gritty effort in the third. The back-and-forth frame featured eight ties and four lead changes before the Bobcats came away with a 25-23 victory to force a fourth set.
Bethany answered in the fourth, however, taking the set 25-18 to close out the match.
Abigail Smulik led the Bobcats with eight kills while also contributing 10 assists, seven digs and three service aces. Damia Sibblies added seven kills and three aces, while Jackie Shields and Lauren Fajbik each recorded three kills.
Lilly Buckles handed out a team-high 13 assists and added four aces and five digs. McKenna Pore led the defensive effort with 10 digs and chipped in two aces, while Ainsley Martin collected nine digs.
Serving proved to be one of the Bobcats' strengths in the opener. Pitt-Greensburg finished with 13 aces, matching Bethany's total, while recording 28 kills, 27 assists and 46 digs as a team.
Despite the opening-night setback, Saville and the Bobcats will have an immediate opportunity to respond when they take their home floor Wednesday night.
"We are looking forward to tomorrow and ready to match up with Chatham," Saville said. "We're excited and hungry for our first win!"
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Pitt-Greensburg will host Chatham in its 2026 home opener Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m.
Bobcats Battle Bethany in Four-Set Season Opener
BETHANY, W.Va. – The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg volleyball team opened its 2026 season Tuesday evening with a hard-fought four-set loss to Bethany College at Hummel Field House.
The Bobcats battled throughout the night before falling to the Bison, 3-1 (21-25, 14-25, 25-23, 18-25). Pitt-Greensburg moved to 0-1 on the season, while Bethany improved to 1-0.
"The team played hard despite the loss, but unfortunately our mistakes controlled the game," head coach Holly Saville said. "Although frustrating, we will take this loss, learn from it and do better. Today was only day one!"
Pitt-Greensburg showed promise from the start, recording 10 kills and hitting .154 in the opening set. The Bobcats remained within striking distance before Bethany secured a 25-21 win. The Bison carried that momentum into the second set, taking it 25-14 to build a 2-0 advantage.
The Bobcats refused to go quietly.
Facing a potential sweep, Pitt-Greensburg responded with a gritty effort in the third. The back-and-forth frame featured eight ties and four lead changes before the Bobcats came away with a 25-23 victory to force a fourth set.
Bethany answered in the fourth, however, taking the set 25-18 to close out the match.
Abigail Smulik led the Bobcats with eight kills while also contributing 10 assists, seven digs and three service aces. Damia Sibblies added seven kills and three aces, while Jackie Shields and Lauren Fajbik each recorded three kills.
Lilly Buckles handed out a team-high 13 assists and added four aces and five digs. McKenna Pore led the defensive effort with 10 digs and chipped in two aces, while Ainsley Martin collected nine digs.
Serving proved to be one of the Bobcats' strengths in the opener. Pitt-Greensburg finished with 13 aces, matching Bethany's total, while recording 28 kills, 27 assists and 46 digs as a team.
Despite the opening-night setback, Saville and the Bobcats will have an immediate opportunity to respond when they take their home floor Wednesday night.
"We are looking forward to tomorrow and ready to match up with Chatham," Saville said. "We're excited and hungry for our first win!"
Pitt-Greensburg will host Chatham in its 2026 home opener Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m.
