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Create a Player ProfileLouisville Blocks Out Florida State for Key ACC Win
The seventh-ranked Louisville Cardinals powered past Florida State on Thursday night at L&N Federal Credit Union Arena, earning a 3–1 victory built on one of their most complete defensive performances of the season. The win moved Louisville to 21–4 overall and 13–2 in ACC play, keeping them firmly in contention near the top of the conference standings.
Louisville’s front line proved nearly impenetrable, with Kalyssa Blackshear, Cara Cresse, and Hannah Sherman each recording eight blocks. Blackshear (13 kills) and Cresse (10 kills) both paired their presence at the net with efficient offensive outings, while Sherman added timely momentum-shifting plays throughout the night.
Setter Nayelis Cabello and outside hitter Payton Petersen each notched their eighth double-double of the year. Cabello guided the offense with 41 assists and a career-high 17 digs, while Petersen delivered 13 kills and 10 digs. Chloe Chicoine added nine kills and 15 digs, and libero Kamden Schrand anchored the back row with 14 digs.
From the service line, Louisville applied steady pressure, collecting five aces—one each from Petersen, Cabello, Schrand, Chicoine, and Hannah Kenny. As a team, the Cardinals tallied 51 kills while hitting .196 and posting 16 total blocks in a balanced and resilient showing.
Florida State was led by Kyleene Filimaua, who finished with 20 kills and 11 digs, but the Seminoles hit just .159 as Louisville’s block and backcourt defense continually disrupted their rhythm.
In the opening set, the Seminoles jumped ahead 4–0 before Louisville responded with a composed run. Big swings from Cresse and a service ace from Petersen helped the Cards seize momentum, and a combined block from Blackshear and Sherman on set point sealed the 25–20 win.
Florida State answered in set two, capitalizing on a late push to take it 25–19, but Louisville quickly reestablished control. The Cards opened the third set with strong serving and a decisive 6–0 run fueled by kills from Chicoine and Sherman, with Cabello adding an ace. Cresse’s quick middle attack closed the frame 25–18.
Louisville carried that energy into the fourth, pulling ahead 15–9 and never looking back. Blackshear’s late kill brought the Cards to match point, and Cresse finished the night with her 10th kill to secure a 25–19 win and the match.
Louisville returns to L&N Federal Credit Union Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. for a top-15 matchup against No. 14 Miami. The program will celebrate seniors Cara Cresse and Molly Wilson following the match.