Louisville Extends ACC Lead Behind Blackshear’s Career Day

The No. 4 Louisville Cardinals kept their ACC momentum rolling with a four-set win over Virginia on Sunday, 25-11, 25-21, 23-25, 25-17, inside L&N Federal Credit Union Arena.

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Opposite hitter Kalyssa Blackshear delivered a career performance, finishing with 20 kills to lead all scorers. Middle blocker Cara Cresse joined in with a career-best 16 kills of her own, and together the duo powered Louisville to a .396 team hitting percentage. The victory improved the Cardinals to 14-2 overall and 6-0 in ACC play.

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Louisville’s balanced offense produced 71 kills, 63 digs, and four aces on the afternoon. Outside hitters Chloe Chicoine and Payton Petersen each recorded double doubles, their fifth and sixth of the season respectively. Chicoine added 12 kills and 16 digs, while Petersen contributed 14 kills and 13 digs.

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Defensive specialist Hannah Kenny served up three aces and 10 digs, and libero Kamden Schrand steadied the backcourt with 12 digs. Middle blocker Hannah Sherman anchored the defense at the net with two solo blocks and a block assist.

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Virginia, now 8-8 and 1-5 in conference play, was led by Reagan Ennist with 14 kills. The Cavaliers kept things close through the middle frames, stealing the third set before Louisville closed out the match with a decisive fourth set capped by eight kills from Cresse.

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Next up, Louisville hosts No. 10 SMU on Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m. inside L&N Arena, marking one of the most anticipated matchups of the ACC season.