NC State volleyball failed to end its nine-game losing streak against No. 4 Pittsburgh on Friday night, falling to the Panthers in straight sets.

The Wolfpack (10-9, 3-6 ACC) looked to earn its first conference road win of the year at Fitzgerald Fieldhouse, but Pitt (16-3, 8-1 ACC) had other plans, starting the game off with an early 6-0 run, which set the tone for the rest of the match.

NC State’s defense struggled against the Panthers’ offense, led by Olivia Babcock, who is the reigning AVCA player of the year. Babcock was second with nine kills, finishing behind Marina Pezelj, who tied her career-high with 12.

The Wolfpack also struggled offensively, as Pitt did not allow it to put many strong hits on the ball, finishing with only 28 kills compared to Pitt’s 45.

NC State is not one to shy away, though, putting up a good battle in the second set before Pitt closed with a 4-0 run.

The red-and-white also put up a strong fight in the third set as it tried to claw its way back from an eight-point deficit. A 6-1 run cut the lead to just three, cracking the door to a comeback.

A mid-set service error proved crucial for the Wolfpack as it had scored seven of the last nine points and looked to continue this run. However, the very next play was a service error from NC State, sparking a 5-0 Pitt run to make the score 23-15 and ultimately help seal the game 3-0 for the Panthers.

NC State falls to 1-5 in away matches, with half of its road tests remaining. The Wolfpack looks to improve its record and play with just two set victories in its last four away games.

NC State will travel to Dallas on Sunday, Oct. 26, to face off against No. 7 SMU, which is on a six-game win streak.