Cards Fall in Five to Kentucky in Battle of the Bluegrass

In front of more than 10,000 fans at the KFC Yum! Center, No. 3 Louisville dropped a five-set battle to No. 6 Kentucky on Thursday night. The Cardinals led 2–1 and had opportunities to close out the match, but the Wildcats rallied to claim a 21–25, 25–21, 24–26, 25–12, 15–7 victory and snap Louisville’s four-match win streak in the rivalry.

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What Went Wrong

Louisville controlled stretches of the match, but inconsistency proved costly. Head coach Dan Meske noted after the match that the Cards “lost themselves offensively” as Kentucky’s defense tightened. Louisville managed just 12 points in the fourth set and struggled to convert blocks into transition points during the deciding frame.

When Kentucky’s starting setter exited briefly with cramps in the third set, the Cardinals had a chance to take control. Instead, their offense stalled, and the Wildcats gained momentum that carried through the final two sets.

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Bright Spots

Despite the loss, Louisville’s defense at the net was a factor. Middle blocker Hannah Sherman posted a career-high 11 blocks to go with nine kills. Freshman outside hitter Payton Petersen added her fourth double-double of the season with 14 kills and 11 digs. Libero Kamden Schrand anchored the back row with 19 digs, while four Cardinals finished in double figures for digs overall. Setter Nayelis Cabello also recorded her 1000th career assist. 

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Louisville out-blocked Kentucky 18.5–12 but couldn’t sustain offensive rhythm late.

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Kentucky’s Response

The Wildcats leaned on their star power down the stretch. Brooklyn DeLeye finished with 24 kills and 14 digs, and Eva Hudson added 17 kills and 21 digs. Kentucky out-dug Louisville 87–72 and looked sharper in serve receive and transition as the match wore on.

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What It Means

Louisville’s four-year hold on the rivalry is over, and Kentucky now owns bragging rights heading back to Lexington. While the loss stings, the Cards showed stretches of high-level play that suggest adjustments can be made. If these teams cross paths again in the postseason, the rematch could be just as dramatic.