Pitt outside hitter Kayla Lund dominated the match with 21 kills and 10 digs to carry the Panthers to a 3-1 victory over Penn State.
The Nittany Lions went 0-for-3 on the power play.
Connor MacEachern scored the game-winning goal in the third period to lead the Nittany Lions to victory.
Jonni Parker's match-high 18 kills helped Penn State top Towson to open tournament play.
Penn State is 22-0 in first-round NCAA Tournament matches since 1998, but all of those matches were played at Rec Hall. What happens when the Nittany Lions hit the road?
Ali Brigham and Mackenna Marisa combined for 32 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, but they were bested by a strong Eagles squad.