Louisville Athletics Women’s Volleyball December 19, 2024 Louisville Advances to NCAA Volleyball National Championship
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Louisville Cardinals are set to compete in the NCAA Volleyball Championship title game for only the second time in the history of the program.
Louisville achieved this milestone by defeating the top-ranked Pitt Panthers with a score of 3-1. This marks the Cardinals’ first appearance in the championship match since 2019 and makes them the only team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to reach this level while part of the league.
The Cardinals will go head-to-head with the winner of the Penn State versus Nebraska matchup on Sunday, December 22, at 3 p.m. ET, which will be broadcasted on ABC.
The thrilling match saw the Panthers initially take control by winning the first set 25-21. However, the Cardinals fought back, narrowly securing the second set 25-23. The intensity ramped up in the third set, ultimately giving Louisville a hard-fought 29-27 victory. The Cardinals displayed their strength in the final set, overpowering the Panthers 25-17 to win the match 3-1.
Louisville’s offensive effort was spearheaded by standout players Anna DeBeer, Charitie Luper, and Sofia Maldonado Diaz, who each recorded 14 kills. Noteworthy is the performance of Nayelis Cabello, who was named ACC Freshman of the Year and contributed with 44 assists. On the defensive front, Elena Scott excelled with 14 digs, while Cara Cresse and PK Kong collectively achieved 10 blocks.
Despite the loss, Pitt’s Olivia Babcock delivered a remarkable performance with a match-high 33 kills, marking the most kills in an NCAA semifinal since 2019.
Pitt, led by 2024 AVCA Division I Coach of the Year Dan Fisher, concluded an impressive season with a record of 33-2, including an outstanding 19-1 in conference play. The Panthers claimed the No. 1 overall seed in the national tournament, reaching the semifinals for the fourth consecutive year after overcoming teams like Morehead State, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Kentucky.
This victory for Louisville symbolizes the ongoing growth and competitiveness of their volleyball program, showcasing the potential for future accomplishments in collegiate sports. Fans can look forward to an exciting championship match and continue to support the rising talent within the ACC.