A big challenge for the University of Louisville volleyball team, squaring off against North Carolina in a match between two Atlantic Coast Conference heavyweights. UofL putting its No. 3 ranking on the line against No. 25 North Carolina, both undefeated in Atlantic Coast Conference play this season. Much on the line for the league’s two remaining unbeaten programs.
Nobody needed to remind UofL’s Chloe Chicoine, who was at her best Sunday in leading Louisville to a 3-0 win with scores of 27-25, 25-23 and 25-22 at L&N Arena. The 5-foot-9 outside hitter would come through with a total of 14 kills. This was the 17th match with double kills this season for the unshakeable senior from Lafayette, Indiana.
“What a great match and just a great team win,” said UofL Coach Dan Meskie. “UNC is clearly an excellent team. We were the last two undefeated teams in the ACC and you can see why. They block well, they attack well, they exposed some things for us that we need to get better at, but it was just our composure. That’s the biggest word that comes to mind. It was just a very composed win by a group that’s battled together a lot.”
Chloe Meester, a 6-foot-3 sophomore from Mt. Vernon, Iowa, would contribute eight kills and seven blocks. Her confidence is growing rapidly after redshirting last season.
Brooke Bultemer, who found joy at Louisville after transferring from UK, added seven kills, an ace and eight blocks. Her smile never wavers for the 6-foot-3 senior from Cincinnati. Clearly having fun this season.
Setter Nayelis Cabell continued her steady versatility, dishing out 32 assists to orchestrate UofL’s offense. The junior contributed defensively with six blocks and 11 digs.
In the third set, the Tar Heels were up 20-17 before the Cards soared back with a 4-1 run to tie the score at 21. UNC scored but a pair of blocks and a kill by Bultema helped UofL notch the 25-23 win for the sweep.
Next the Cardinals are off to Tallahasse for a match against Florida State on Friday at 6 p.m. The clash will be televised by ACCN.
