December Volleyball Is Here: Louisville Set to Host Opening Rounds of the NCAA Tournament

December volleyball has arrived, the lights inside L&N Federal Credit Union Arena are a little brighter, and Louisville is officially back in the NCAA Tournament for the 34th time in program history. The No. 7 Cardinals will begin their postseason at home, opening play on Friday, Dec. 5, against Loyola Chicago in the evening match. First serve will take place approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of Western Kentucky vs. Marquette, which begins at 4 p.m. The winners will meet in Saturday’s second round.

For head coach Dan Meske, the message is clear: Louisville’s best volleyball is still ahead.

“We’re excited. The NCAA Tournament is a really, really fun time of the year… we feel like our best volleyball is still ahead of us,” Meske said. “L&N Arena is an awesome place for volleyball, so we’re excited to host three great teams here.”

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Louisville’s Postseason Profile

Louisville enters the NCAA Tournament at 24–6 (16–4 ACC), tied for third in the conference and slotted as the No. 2 seed in Nebraska’s region. Their résumé reflects a team built on balanced scoring, high-level defense and postseason experience.

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Leading the Attack

Chloe Chicoine

The freshman outside has been one of Louisville’s most consistent producers, recording 10 double-doubles this season and tying her Louisville career high last week with 17 kills and 15 digs against Stanford.

Payton Petersen

Petersen continues to be a stabilizing force on both pins, posting back-to-back double-doubles last weekend, including a 16-kill, 15-dig performance in the five-set match with Stanford.

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A Milestone Middle

Cara Cresse

Now a member of Louisville’s 500-block club, Cresse sits fourth in the rally-scoring era for total blocks and remains the anchor of Louisville’s front line. Her impact extends well beyond the stat sheet, fueling the Cards emotionally and defensively.

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The Freshman Emerging Quickly

Kalyssa Blackshear

Blackshear has developed into a high-volume scoring option and one of the most exciting young hitters in the country. She’s posted five matches with 15 or more kills, including a 20-kill outing against Virginia.

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Running the Offense

Nayelis Cabello

With more than 1,000 career assists and a 10.36 assists-per-set average, Cabello continues to steer Louisville’s attack with precision and calm. Her connection with the outsides and middles has been central to the Cards’ late-season push.

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Together, this core—along with Louisville’s depth and postseason pedigree—renews expectations of another deep December run after last year’s appearance in the National Championship match.

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National Context

The 2025 NCAA Tournament field is stacked with elite talent and familiar heavyweights.

No. 1 seeds: Nebraska, Kentucky, Texas, Pittsburgh

ACC presence: One No. 1 seed (Pitt) and three No. 2 seeds, including Louisville

Seven ACC teams earned bids, marking the third-highest total of any conference.

Nebraska enters at 30–0, completing its third undefeated regular season in program history. With depth across all four regions, the upcoming weeks promise the high-stakes unpredictability that defines NCAA volleyball.

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A Closer Look at Louisville’s Pod

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Loyola Chicago

Louisville’s opening opponent enters at 17–15 after capturing its third A10 title in four years. The Ramblers are physical in the middle and built around strong defense.

Players to watch:

Ann Marie Remmes (MB) – A10 First Team; .332 hitting

Avary DeBlieck (MB) – 1.41 blocks per set

Kaitlyn Burke (OH) – 3.05 kills per set

Karli Molnau (MB/OH) – All-Rookie selection

Head coach Amanda Berkley has led Loyola to new heights, including last year’s NCAA win over BYU.

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Western Kentucky

The Hilltoppers, the pod’s No. 7 regional seed, won their third straight Conference USA title and come in at 27–5. Louisville swept WKU early in the season, but WKU’s postseason track record makes them a formidable potential second-round opponent.

Players to watch:

Callie Bauer (S) – C-USA Player and Setter of the Year

Izzy Van De Wiele (MH) – Defensive Player of the Year

Kaira Knox (RS) – Freshman of the Year

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Marquette

Under first-year head coach Tom Mendoza, Marquette enters at 17–10 for its 14th NCAA appearance in 15 seasons. The Golden Eagles reached the regional semifinals last year and have a roster capable of disruptive postseason play.

Players to watch:

Hattie Bray (MB) – All-Big East First Team; .369 hitting

Isabela Haggard (S) – Co-Freshman of the Year; sister of UofL freshman Hannah Kenny

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Postseason Begins in Louisville

Opening-round play runs Dec. 4–6 at LNFCU Arena, with regional action beginning Dec. 11 and the Final Four and National Championship taking place in Kansas City on Dec. 18 and 21.

The road is challenging, and the competition is deep, but Louisville enters with experience, balance and a roster built for the moment.

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December volleyball is here.

And Louisville is ready.