Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly expressed her enthusiasm regarding the new recruits, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the 2024 class. First, we feel like we are adding a setter with great athleticism and the ability to run a 5-1 offense. Nayelis Cabello has had great success in club and high school and understands what it takes to win at the highest level. Payton Petersen is signing today after winning the Iowa State Championship and finishing her career as one of the best volleyball players ever from the state of Iowa. Ava Utterback will add explosiveness and skill to our pin hitters. Both Payton and Ava are true six rotations outside attackers and could find themselves on the court very early in their careers. Fans are going to enjoy watching this talented group as they bring a lot of the fun characteristic Card Nation has grown to love.”

Clemson got off to a quick start, scoring the opening goal in just the seventh minute. However, Louisville quickly responded 12 minutes later. David Boccuzzo created a turnover in the attacking third, and Parker Forbes’ cross connected with Gage Guerra’s head, finding the back of the net for an equalizer.

Leading the pack is Lauryn Contini, a midfielder hailing from New Philadelphia, Ohio. Contini comes highly regarded, having been voted the no. 2 player on Ohio’s Best Top-23 high school girls soccer players for the 2023 season. Coach Ferguson-Dayes expects Contini to be an immediate attacking presence, praising her goal-scoring ability and offensive instincts.

“I couldn’t be more excited for this year’s signing class,” Blagg said. “Brady and Warren have dominated junior and high school golf in Kentucky and continue to show why they are ranked so highly in the state and national rankings. Both of these guys have serious grit and know how to win. Today is a big day for our program.”

Taking place at the Student Activities Center and the Thorntons Academic Center of Excellence, students from the University of Louisville eagerly registered and underwent swabbing to be included in the nationwide registry. The SAAC has been a steadfast supporter of the Project Life Movement, adding over 200 students to the registry this year alone.

Bush, who was one of the top running backs in school history, led Louisville to three consecutive bowl appearances from 2003 to 2005. Unfortunately, his senior season was cut short when he suffered a season-ending injury during the first half of the season opener against Kentucky. Despite the setback, Bush left a lasting impact on the Louisville program.

In their quarterfinal round, Louisville delivered an impressive performance, defeating second-ranked and top-seeded Notre Dame 4-3. Junior midfielder Sander Roed had a breakthrough game, scoring a hat trick with three goals and assisting on Joshua Jones’ game-winning goal in the 89th minute.

The Cardinals had contributions from nearly the entire team, with 10 players getting on the scoresheet. Sydney Taylor led the way with 16 points, while Jayda Curry made an impressive regular season debut with 13 points. Olivia Cochran was a force on the boards, collecting a game-high 10 rebounds to go along with seven points and three assists. Elif Istanbulluoglu and Kiki Jefferson also made strong collegiate debuts, scoring seven and nine points respectively.

The Cardinals impressed with their dominance in the paint, scoring 60 points down low, and saw five players reach double figures in scoring. Head coach Kenny Payne expressed the importance of this win, acknowledging that it was a hard-fought battle by his players. He highlighted the team’s execution and their ability to relentlessly attack the opposition while playing unselfishly.

In a commanding display of skill and athleticism, the Louisville Cardinals emerged victorious in their season opener against the Cincinnati Bearcats, with a final score of 77-59. The game took place on November 6, 2023, at the Fifth Third Arena, with a crowd of 1,725 spectators in attendance. The Cardinals’ head coach, Jeff Walz, proved once again why his team is a force to be reckoned with, as they secured their 14th win in season openers under his leadership.