Cardinals Handle Business in Winston-Salem Behind Blackshear’s Breakout Performance

Louisville continued its steady march through ACC play on Sunday in Winston-Salem, defeating Wake Forest 3–1 to secure its 20th win of the season. The victory keeps the seventh-ranked Cardinals in firm contention near the top of the conference standings and highlighted the team’s growing balance and composure down the stretch.

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Blackshear Leads the Way

Freshman opposite hitter Kalyssa Blackshear delivered a career performance, finishing with 18 kills on .412 hitting along with six blocks to anchor a Louisville attack that hit .302 as a team. She was joined by sophomore outside hitter Chloe Chicoine, who added 15 kills, 10 digs, and three blocks, while senior middle blocker Cara Cresse contributed 10 kills and five blocks.

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Defensively, libero Kamden Schrand recorded 13 digs and two aces, and middle blocker Hannah Sherman controlled the net with 10 blocks, helping to stifle Wake Forest’s offense throughout the match.

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Responding Under Pressure

After dropping the second set (the first Wake Forest has taken from Louisville since 2017), the Cardinals regrouped and responded with poise. They overcame early deficits in both the third and fourth sets, relying on serve pressure, blocking discipline, and timely swings from Blackshear to close out the match. Louisville’s front line repeatedly frustrated the Demon Deacons, sealing a mature road win that reflected both experience and youthful energy.

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Looking Ahead

Now 20–4 overall and 12–2 in ACC play, Louisville returns home for two key matchups at L&N Federal Credit Union Arena: Florida State on Thursday (ESPNU) and Miami on Sunday (ACC Network).

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With November volleyball heating up, the Cardinals appear to be finding their rhythm at exactly the right time.