By Hallie Conley

The U of L Athletics Department has at least one sport that continues to be a standout each year at the national level, women’s volleyball.

The Cardinals are ranked sixth in the nation following their first three matches.

In their opening match of the season, Louisville faced eighth-ranked Texas A&M. The Aggies are consistently ranked each year in the top 25, and are this year’s defending national champions. They even ended Louisville’s season earlier in the 2025 tournament.

The Cardinals pulled out a win this time, 3 sets to 1. It was a statement win Louisville needed early on in the season.

In their second match, Louisville faced the notorious volleyball powerhouse Wisconsin Badgers. Here, Louisville fell 3-0.

It was a tough loss for Louisville as they aimed to set the standard early in the season. If the Cardinals make the postseason, Wisconsin is an opponent they’re likely to face again.

Looking into the rest of the year, Louisville is set face some big-name programs.

Sunday, Sept. 6, the Cards travel to Nashville’s “Broadway Block Party” to face  ninth-ranked Texas.

Texas powered their way into the Elite Eight last postseason, and are not an easy team to defeat. The Cardinals will rely on senior leadership like Payton Petersen to show up ready to play on Sunday.

Last season, Petersen told The Cardinal she was “ready for the challenge” when asked about being a starter, a mindset she must carry into this season with the team’s tough schedule.

Kamden Schrand, Blair Thiebaud and Addison Makun celebrate a point during the game against Indiana on Aug 18, 2026 at L&N Arena. (Photo by Adam Mouchrani / The Louisville Cardinal)

Going into late September, Louisville faces what may be their most difficult opponent of the season just an hour down I-64.

Sunday, Sept. 20, the Cards take on the third-ranked team in the nation in Kentucky.

It’s a rivalry like no other, and each school has had an outstanding volleyball program the last few years.

6-foot-2 middle blocker Brooke Bultema played for the Wildcats her first two seasons, and has now transferred to Louisville, where she will help the Cardinals try to pull out the rivalry win.

Kentucky ended last season on a loss in the national championship against Texas A&M, and there is no doubt they are looking to redeem themselves this season. That redemption starts with regular season play, where they’ll look to make a statement early on against the Cardinal.

Overall, Louisville has a good chance of showing up this year and making a deep postseason run.

With the return of senior leadership on the court like Nayelis Cabello, as well some new faces like Brooke Bultema, the Cards have all the tools they need to succeed this season.

Feature Photo by Adam Mouchrani