dominance

Since the start of the 2017-18 season, Louisville has been on fire with 195 wins and an impressive .848 winning percentage. These numbers rank third and sixth in the NCAA during that span. The team’s defensive prowess was on full display against Pitt, as they extended their winning streak to 43 games when allowing 59 points or less. In fact, over the past nine seasons, the Cardinals have an outstanding record of 150-4 when limiting their opponents to 59 points or less.

The Cardinals had an impressive showing in multiple events, sweeping their opponents in several disciplines. Ilia Sibirtsev led the way in the distance events, while Denis Petrashov dominated the breaststroke. Lindsay Gizzi excelled in diving, Gabi Albiero showcased her skills in the butterfly, and Christiana Regenauer sprinted her way to victory. The Cardinals also won all four relays, with impressive performances from Ella Welch, Gabi Albiero, Dalton Lowe, Denis Petrashov, and Matias Santiso.

The Cardinals’ offensive firepower was on full display, scoring the most points against an ACC opponent since February 6, 2022. Their shooting percentage was equally impressive, marking the best shooting display against an ACC opponent since February 27, 2022.

Louisville’s success in ACC play over the years is unparalleled. With a record of 130-24 (.844) since the 2014-15 season, they stand as the only program with a winning percentage of .800 or higher in the ACC over the past decade. Their eight additional conference wins compared to the second-best team during that period solidify their dominance.

Louisville’s dominance at home against unranked ACC opponents continued, maintaining their perfect 53-0 record in such matchups since joining the league. Their success in ACC play over the years is evident, boasting a strong 128-24 win-loss record since the 2014-15 season. In fact, they are the only program with a winning percentage of .800 or greater in ACC play over the last 10 seasons and hold eight more conference wins than the second-best team during that span.

The Cardinals showed dominance on both ends of the court in the first half, holding Duke to a season-low four points in the second quarter alone. Louisville went on a 16-0 run that lasted 9 minutes and 18 seconds, giving them a comfortable 35-19 lead at halftime.

Louisville once again showcased their dominance in ACC openers, extending their perfect record to 10-0 since joining the league in the 2014-15 season. This marked the third time they have faced a ranked opponent in their ACC opener.

Kentucky’s impressive performance earned them a spot in the regional next week, with the location yet to be determined.

The Cardinals have established themselves as a dominant force when they score 70 points or more, boasting an impressive record of 87-5 in their last 92 games dating back to the 2018-19 season. Under coach Walz, Louisville has a record of 316-28 when surpassing the 70-point mark. The team has also been historically successful in the month of November, with a record of 91-18 under Walz and an impressive 39-5 record over the past seven seasons.

Kentucky showcased a well-rounded game against Texas A&M, excelling in both offense and defense. Four players reached double-digit kills, led by freshman Brooklyn DeLeye who had 18 kills and eight digs. Senior Elise Goetzinger had 13 kills with an impressive .435 hitting percentage, while Erin Lamb and Azhani Tealer contributed 12 kills each. Goetzinger and Tealer’s strong partnership in the middle proved crucial for the team’s success.