Cardinals Claim Bluejay Classic Crown

Louisville capped an impressive weekend in Omaha by taking down host Creighton 3–1 to secure the Bluejay Classic title. It was a statement win in every sense, ending Creighton’s 34-match home winning streak and handing the Bluejays their first home loss after winning the opening set in 49 tries.

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For Louisville, the challenge went beyond the numbers. It was Creighton’s home opener, the debut of a new Teraflex court and uniforms, and the Cardinals’ first true road test. None of it fazed them. Louisville showed poise and delivered one of the biggest early-season results in the country.

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Payton Petersen led the way with 18 kills on .300 hitting while also handling serve receive responsibilities. Cara Cresse added 14 kills on .480 hitting, and Chloe Chicoine anchored the defense with 16 digs. The turning point came in the second set, when a Chicoine serving run shifted momentum. From there, Louisville took control and closed out the win in four sets.

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Match 2: Northern Iowa

The Cardinals then faced Northern Iowa in a rematch of last year’s five-set NCAA Tournament battle. This time, Louisville left little doubt. The middle attack carried the day, with Hannah Sherman posting 9 kills on .471 hitting and Cresse adding 13 on .571. Kalyssa Blackshear provided balance with 9 kills and just one error (.381), while setter Nayelis Cabello contributed 16 digs in limited back-row rotations. The result was a decisive 3–0 sweep.

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Match 3: Rice

Louisville finished the weekend against Rice, shaking up the lineup by starting freshman middle Addison Makun. The Cards dropped the opening set and had to scrap through the second, but they steadied late and closed out a 3–1 win. Blackshear stood out in the middle with 13 kills, while Cresse continued her efficient weekend with 14 kills on .485 hitting. Serving was the difference, as Louisville tallied 11 aces against just 9 errors.

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Why the Weekend Mattered

Each opponent was picked to win its conference: Creighton in the Big East, Northern Iowa in the Missouri Valley, and Rice in the American Athletic. Louisville didn’t just handle the gauntlet, they won each match with different players stepping forward.

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What’s Next

The competition only intensifies. Louisville now turns to a pair of in-state battles, first with Kentucky, the seven-time defending SEC champion, followed by Western Kentucky. Both matchups will offer another chance to measure where the Cardinals stand early in the season.