SMU Volleyball Shocks No. 2 Pitt, Sets Stage For Huge Dallas Rematch

DALLAS - SMU volleyball has already proven it can beat the nation's best. Now the Mustangs have an opportunity to deliver another statement against one of college volleyball's premier programs.

After stunning previously unbeaten No. 2 Pittsburgh in four sets Wednesday night, No. 6 SMU returns to Moody Coliseum Sunday for a highly anticipated rematch that could have major implications for the ACC championship race.

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The Mustangs' 21-25, 25-19, 38-36, 25-22 victory in Pittsburgh wasn't just another ranked win.

It ended the Panthers' remarkable 58-match home winning streak, snapped their run of 40 consecutive home victories against ACC opponents and handed Pitt its first loss of the season.

SMU also improved to 5-0 in ACC play, extending its conference winning streak to 14 matches.

But the Mustangs aren't interested in celebrating too long.

"We know that what we have in mind is the ACC championship," junior middle blocker Favor Anyanwu said.

That championship mentality was evident during Wednesday's dramatic third set, when SMU survived a 38-36 marathon that ultimately shifted control of the match.

Junior middle blocker Natalia Newsome delivered a career-high 17 kills while hitting 51.9 percent. Sophomore Suli Davis added 17 kills, nine digs and four blocks as five Mustangs reached double figures in kills.

SMU finished with 69 kills and a 34.7 percent hitting percentage against one of the nation's toughest defensive teams.

The victory marked SMU's fifth win against a ranked opponent this season and fourth against a top-10 team.

Earlier victories over No. 3 Kentucky, No. 8 Texas A&M and No. 9 Texas had already established the Mustangs as legitimate national contenders.

Now, Pittsburgh joins that impressive list.

"We believe we can beat anyone if we just go out and play our game," Newsome said.

Head coach Sam Erger believes those performances reflect a program that's learning how to handle championship-level pressure.

"A lot of them, this is not their first rodeo with a big win," Erger said.

But beating Pittsburgh twice in five days presents a different challenge.

The Panthers entered Wednesday undefeated at 14-0 and feature one of the nation's most dangerous attackers in Olivia Babcock, who recorded 25 kills against SMU.

Erger expects Pitt to make significant adjustments before Sunday's matchup.

"It's hard to beat a good team twice," Erger acknowledged.

The rematch also provides a historic television opportunity.

Sunday's contest will air nationally on ABC at 2 p.m. CT, marking SMU volleyball's first appearance on the network.

For the Mustangs, the opportunity is considerably bigger than national exposure.

Another victory would strengthen their position in the ACC championship race and further establish SMU as a serious NCAA Tournament contender.

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Wednesday proved the Mustangs can beat Pittsburgh on the road.

Sunday offers the chance to prove it wasn't a one-time performance.