Charitie Luper and Anna DeBeer powered the No. 5-ranked University of Louisville to a 3-1 victory over No. 3 Wisconsin in the AVCA First Serve Showcase at the KFC Yum! Center on Tuesday night. Luper led the Cardinals with 11 kills, while DeBeer added 10 in the thrilling 18-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-20 win. This victory marks Louisville’s first win over Wisconsin since 1985 and serves as a rematch of the 2021 NCAA National Semifinals, where the Badgers had emerged victorious in a close 3-2 match.
The Cardinals, now 1-0 on the season, were bolstered by Cara Cresse, who contributed eight kills and six blocks, and Sofia Maldonado Diaz, who matched Luper with 11 kills. Elena Scott anchored the defense with a match-high 22 digs. Despite hitting just .166 as a team, Louisville’s defense stood strong with 10 blocks and two aces.
Wisconsin, which hit .179 for the match, was led by Sarah Franklin’s 17 kills and two blocks, with Anna Smrek adding 12 kills and four blocks. The Badgers managed just one ace and 14 digs throughout the contest.
The match started unfavorably for Louisville, as they fell behind 7-2 in the first set and struggled to overcome Wisconsin’s .242 hitting and four blocks, ultimately hitting just .077 with two blocks themselves. However, the Cardinals rebounded in the second set, improving their hitting percentage to .364, sparked by three kills from Reese Robins, while the Badgers’ hitting dropped to .167.
The third set was a nail-biter, with Louisville overcoming .146 hitting to edge out a 26-24 deuce win. The Cardinals finished the set on a five-point run, hitting .163 compared to Wisconsin’s .079. Louisville then carried that momentum into the fourth set to secure the upset and start their season with a statement win.
2024 AVCA First Serve All-Star Team Selections
• Best Opposite: Brooklyn DeLeye, Kentucky
• Best Middle Blocker: Rebekah Allick, Nebraska
• Best Setter: Bergen Reilly, Nebraska
• Best Libero: Elena Scott, Louisville
• Best Outside Hitter: Charitie Luper, Louisville
• AVCA First Serve MVP: Rebekah Allick, Nebraska
