Louisville, Kentucky – The No. 4-ranked University of Louisville volleyball team is gearing up for their final two regular season matchups. This week, they will travel to face off against No. 7-ranked Pittsburgh on Saturday at 1 p.m. Following that, they will return home for another Top-10 matchup against No. 9-ranked Georgia Tech on Wednesday, November 22, at 7 p.m. inside L&N Federal Credit Union Arena.
The Cardinals have had a strong season so far with a record of 23-3 overall and 14-2 in the ACC. They are coming off back-to-back sweeps over Duke and North Carolina, with several players stepping up offensively. Outside hitter Charitie Luper led the way with 23 kills and two aces, while middle blocker Cara Cresse won ACC Defensive Player of the Week with 17 kills and 11 blocks. Outside hitter Anna DeBeer and opposite hitter Aiko Jones also contributed to the team’s success.
The Cardinals will be facing familiar opponents this week, as they have already played both teams earlier this season. Louisville swept Pittsburgh in their previous matchup, and unfortunately fell to Georgia Tech in a four-set match.
Pittsburgh, with a record of 22-4 overall and 13-2 in the conference, has secured notable wins over highly-ranked teams such as Kentucky, Oregon, and Georgia Tech. Head Coach Dan Fisher has brought the program to new heights, leading the Panthers to multiple Elite Eight and Final Four appearances. Olivia Babcock and Torrey Stafford are the offensive stars for Pittsburgh, while libero Emmy Klika and middle blocker Emma Monks shine on defense and at the net, respectively.
Georgia Tech, with a record of 21-4 overall and 12-3 in the conference, fell to Pittsburgh in their last match. However, they have also had significant wins throughout the season over teams like Penn State and Ohio State. Head Coach Michelle Collier has been instrumental in the program’s success, as they have made three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Offensively, Tamara Otene and Bianca Bertolino lead the way for the Yellow Jackets. Paolo Pimental anchors the defense as libero.
With these exciting matchups ahead, the Cardinals are ready to give it their all in these final weeks of the regular season. Both Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech will be tough opponents, but Louisville is determined to end on a high note as they head into the postseason.
