CARDS ON THE RISE: Louisville Heads to Lincoln Looking Dangerous

Louisville is back in the NCAA Regional Semifinals, and the timing could not be better. The Cardinals have found their rhythm at the right moment, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen and heading into the Lincoln Regional with confidence, balance, and a clear sense of momentum.

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The No. 2-seeded Cards will face No. 3-seeded Texas A&M on Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. ET inside the Bob Devaney Sports Center, one of the most challenging environments in college volleyball. The match will air on ESPN2.

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A win would advance Louisville to the Regional Final against the winner of Nebraska vs. Kansas, setting up the possibility of a high-stakes rematch against undefeated Nebraska on its home floor.

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Weekend Recap: Louisville Finds Its Stride

Louisville reached the Sweet 16 behind two contrasting but equally important wins, a dominant sweep of Loyola Chicago and a five-set battle against Marquette that required resilience, offensive efficiency, and timely adjustments.

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Across the weekend, the Cardinals hit above .400 in both matches, marking their most efficient two-match stretch of the season.

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Chloe Chicoine Leads the Charge

Junior outside hitter Chloe Chicoine was central to Louisville’s success. She totaled 37 kills across the two matches, including a career-high 28 against Marquette on .415 hitting. Her all-around play steadied Louisville in tense moments and set the tone for the offense.

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Reliable Production Across the Board

Freshman right-side hitter Kalyssa Blackshear posted double-digit kills in both matches, showing maturity and poise in postseason play. Sophomore outside hitter Payton Petersen added a double-double against Marquette, contributing heavily on both sides of the ball.

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Louisville also recorded 23 blocks on the weekend. Middle blocker Hannah Sherman anchored the net against Loyola, while Cara Cresse added seven blocks against Marquette. Setter Nayelis Cabello continued her strong postseason with 62 assists in the five-set win.

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Season Highlights and Milestones

Louisville enters the regional riding a season filled with notable achievements:

• Chicoine surpassed 1,000 career kills and now ranks 17th all-time in program history

 • Cresse eclipsed 500 career blocks and was selected 5th overall in the 2025 MLV Draft

 • Cabello earned multiple ACC Setter of the Week honors

 • Blackshear claimed ACC Freshman of the Year

 • Louisville finished the 2024 regular season ranked No. 1 nationally in blocks per set (3.09)

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The roster blends experience with emerging talent, a combination that has proven effective throughout the tournament.

Scouting the Regional Field

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Texas A&M

Head coach Jamie Morrison has led a quick resurgence, and the Aggies arrive with a balanced, disciplined roster.

Key contributors include:

 • Logan Lednicky (398 kills, AVCA POY semifinalist)

 • Ifenna Cos-Okpalla (SEC leader in blocks, .427 hitting)

 • Maddie Waak (nation’s leader in assists per set)

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The Aggies swept Campbell and defeated TCU to advance.

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Kansas

In his first season, Matt Ulmer has Kansas surging at the right time.

The Jayhawks

 • swept High Point and upset No. 5 Miami

 • feature standout scorers like Reese Ptacek and Jovana Zelenovic

 • bring a blend of strong serving, balanced attacking, and steady backcourt play

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Nebraska

Nebraska enters the weekend undefeated on its home floor with one of the deepest lineups in the country.

Notable leaders include:

 • Andi Jackson (Big Ten hitting percentage record holder)

 • Bergen Reilly (Big Ten Player and Setter of the Year)

 • Harper Murray (AVCA POY semifinalist)

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The Huskers are hitting .353 as a team, one of the best marks nationally.

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What’s Next

Louisville is playing its best volleyball of the season entering the regional. The offense is sharp, the block remains a major weapon, and postseason experience continues to show. Friday’s match will be a demanding test, but the Cardinals arrive in Lincoln prepared and trending upward at the most important time of the year.