The top-ranked University of Louisville Volleyball team opened up the NCAA Tournament last weekend with two sweeps over the Illinois-Chicago and Ball State. The 30-0 Cardinals advance to the Sweet 16 against the 16th-seeded Florida Gators; the winner of that match will square off with the winner of Georgia Tech and Ohio State. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about Louisville’s opponent, along with the possible foes in the Elite Eight.
The journey continues … #GoCards x #NCAAVB pic.twitter.com/En4Oga5iLT
— Louisville Volleyball (@UofLVolleyball) December 6, 2021
Louisville Stats Leaders through 30 Matches:
- Kills: Anna DeBeer (296)
- Assists: Tori Dilfer (1,084)
- Blocks: Amaya Tillman (136)
- Digs: Elena Scott (369)
- Sets played: Tori Dilfer, Aiko Jones (101)
- Service aces: Aiko Jones (36)
#16 Florida Preview:
Match Info: Thursday, Dec. 9th; 1:00 PM @ Freedom Hall
Overview: The 16th-ranked Gators swept Florida A&M and #24 Miami (FL) in the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament and look to pull out a huge upset on the road. In terms of similar competition, Florida (22-8) has gotten swept twice by Kentucky and lost to Florida State earlier in the regular season.
Thrive & Advance 🔷🔶#GoGators pic.twitter.com/WwT1YYYAMJ
— Gators Volleyball (@GatorsVB) December 4, 2021
Key Wins: #11 Minnesota, #23 Mississippi State, #24 Miami, Tennessee
Players to watch: OH T’ara Ceasar (377 kills & 269 digs), OH Thayer Hall (282 kills & 254 digs), S Marlie Monserez (1,162 assists & 274 digs), L Elli McKissock (458 digs)
If the Cardinals defeat the Gators, they will advance to the Elite Eight to play either #8 Georgia Tech or #9 Ohio State.
#8 Georgia Tech Preview:
Possible Match Info: Saturday, Dec. 11th; 6:00 PM @ Freedom Hall
Overview: A matchup with the Yellow Jackets would prove to be difficult considering that it is hard to beat a team three times in one season. However, Louisville has swept Gerogia Tech twice, both at home and on the road. So far, Tech has swept The Citadel and Western Kentucky in the tournament.
📰: NCAA Volleyball Regional Schedule Announced
🔗: https://t.co/p7z0UiL4ZI
🆚: No. 9⃣ seed Ohio State
⏰: 3⃣ p.m.
📅: Thursday, Dec. 9⃣
📍: Louisville, Ky.
📺: ESPN+#TogetherWeSwarm /// #PointTech pic.twitter.com/o3lMop4KKX— Georgia Tech Volleyball (@GTVolleyball) December 6, 2021
Key Wins: #3 Pittsburgh, #14 Penn State, #17 Western Kentucky, # 23 Mississippi State, Florida State, Arkansas
Players to watch: OH Julia Bergmann (483 kills & 265 digs), OH Mariana Brambilla (441 kills & 291 digs), S Matti McKissock (1,227 assists &187 digs ), MB Breland Morrissette (106 blocks)
#9 Ohio State Preview:
Possible Match Info: Saturday, Dec. 11th; 6:00 PM @ Freedom Hall
Overview: The Buckeyes enter the week with a 27-5 record and two tournament wins over Howard and Tennessee. Ohio State currently sports a nine-match winning streak which will be put to the test against the Yellow Jackets on Thursday.
The stage is set‼️
🆚 Georgia Tech
📅 Thursday 12/9
⏰ 3pm EST
📍 Louisville Ky
📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/lEsV50eBBx— Ohio State Women's Volleyball (@OhioStateWVB) December 5, 2021
Key Wins: #12 Washington, #8 Purdue, #10 Nebraska, #15 Penn State, Tennessee
Players to watch: OH Gabby Gonzales (382 kills & 274 digs), OH Emily Londot (370 kills & 200 digs), Louisville native MB Rylee Rader (292 kills & 116 blocks), S Mac Podraza (1,252 assists & 270 digs), DS Kylie Murr (493 digs)
