PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Chatham Women's Volleyball opens their 2025 season on Saturday with two matches at the Athletic and Fitness Center.
 
The Cougars are coming off a third-place PAC finish in 2024. They were 7-3 in conference play and earned a trip to the semifinals of the PAC Tournament.
 
"As much as we want to build from past success, this is a new group, but it is more than capable of taking Chatham's success to a new level," Head Coach Joe Bortak said. "With a few graduates and off-season injuries, expect to see some new folks who are more than capable of stepping in and contributing immediately."
 
Bortak, who was named PAC Coach of the Year in 2023 after leading the Cougars to their first-ever conference title game, said that competing for a PAC title is the team's main goal for the upcoming campaign. "We know it is a long and tough road, but with the right work ethic and competition mentality paired with the overall support and trust from everyone on the roster during this process, we have as good of a chance as anyone."
 
Chatham graduated two seniors from last season's team and will return their three All-PAC second team selections from 2024. Senior Sierra Ricci along with juniors Ava Plunkard and Becca Gesner were recognized by the PAC as players to watch on this year's Cougar squad coming off All-PAC seasons.
 
"We certainly return a nice crew, but we also have plenty more players in the gym who are competing for spots," Bortak said.
 
Despite a hefty share of last season's star power returning to the court for the Cougars, Chatham was picked third out of six teams in the new PAC South Division in the Preseason Coaches' Poll.
 
"We have to go out and earn everything that we want in the classroom, weight room, and practice/match setting," said Bortak. "Thoughts and opinions don't necessarily matter until the 2 teams take the court and compete."
 
The Cougars will be the final PAC team to team to take the court this season, with the rest of the conference all having at least three games under their belt. Chatham will play two matches on Saturday at the AFC, at 12 p.m. against Pitt Greensburg before they take on Wilson College in the final game of the tri-match with a 4 p.m. scheduled first serve.
 
"We love the continued support from faculty, staff, students and the Chatham community. Come check out our team in action and help get everyone into the Cougar Spirit!" Bortak said.

Stay up to date with all Chatham Cougar Women's Volleyball news by following @ChathamCougar on social media and by visiting www.GoChathamCougars.com