Cardinals Defeat Western Michigan, Advance to Sweet Sixteen

The No. 2-seeded University of Louisville volleyball team secured a second-round NCAA Tournament victory over Western Michigan in a sweep on Friday night. Led by outside hitter Charitie Luper’s 11 kills, six digs, and two blocks, the Cardinals showcased their dominant performance at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly was quick to express her gratitude for the opportunity to host the tournament at the Yum! Center, recognizing the commitment of the university and the impact it has on the sport of volleyball. She praised Western Michigan as a formidable opponent, acknowledging their impressive season and highlighting the skills of their setter Logan Case and libero Andelyn Simkins.

The Cardinals displayed their offensive prowess, hitting .342 in the match with five aces and 10 blocks. Middle blocker Cara Cresse contributed nine kills and three blocks, while outside hitter Anna DeBeer recorded nine kills, nine digs, and two blocks. Middle blocker Phekran Kong added seven kills and five blocks, and freshman middle blocker Reese Robbins made a significant impact off the bench with a career-high eight kills and a block. Libero Elena Scott showcased her exceptional defensive skills with 22 digs, along with seven assists and two aces. Setter Elle Glock contributed 26 assists, 11 digs, and an ace.

Despite Western Michigan’s valiant effort, the Broncos finished their season with a 31-3 record, including a 21-match winning streak leading up to the tournament. Anna Calcagno stood out with 13 kills, seven digs, and a block, while setter Logan Case impressed with 36 assists and 14 digs.

With this victory, the Cardinals advance to the next round of the NCAA Tournament, eagerly awaiting the outcomes of other matches to determine their future opponents and location.

In the first set, the Broncos started strong with an ace by Reeghan Boyer, but the Cardinals quickly responded with a series of kills to take a 7-3 lead. Western Michigan fought back and tied the set at 18-18, but the Cardinals rallied to win the set 26-24, highlighted by Reese Robbins’ kill and an Ayden Bartlett ace.

Louisville carried their momentum into the second set, building an early lead and maintaining control throughout. They won the set 25-18, with key contributions from Ceci Rush’s ace and kills by Cara Cresse and Anna DeBeer.

In the third and final set, the Cardinals displayed their resilience once again, going back and forth with Western Michigan. Louisville emerged victorious with a 25-22 win, fueled by clutch kills from Charitie Luper and Cara Cresse.

Following the game, Coach Busboom Kelly acknowledged that the team’s level of play may have differed from previous years, but emphasized the importance of their collective contribution and the ability to use different players effectively. She praised Anna DeBeer’s performance after struggling in the previous match, highlighting her consistent steadiness on the court. The coach also expressed her confidence in the team’s mental fortitude and the freedom to make strategic changes during games.

Looking ahead, the Cardinals will be watching the Pittsburgh match closely, rooting for a Pitt loss to potentially bring the regional round back to Louisville. Coach Busboom Kelly also mentioned the possibility of offering guidance to USC, their conference opponent, if they face Pitt in the next round.

Ultimately, this victory represents a significant milestone for the Louisville volleyball program, as they continue to build upon their previous successes and establish an expectation of reaching the Sweet 16. The standout performance of freshman Reese Robins was also recognized, with Coach Busboom Kelly praising her for bringing joy and a spark to the team.

As the Cardinals move forward in the NCAA Tournament, their confidence remains high, fueled by the understanding that they can compete with anyone and the belief that their balanced approach will lead them to further success.