Lineup Watch: What to Expect from the Cards in Their Spring Opener vs. Vandy

Louisville Volleyball kicks off its spring season this weekend with a much-anticipated match at Central Hardin High School. The Saturday night showdown (7:30 PM) marks the beginning of a new era under Head Coach Dan Meske, and all eyes are on how the Cards will line up for their first test of 2025.

With no tickets required and 4,000 seats available, fans are encouraged to show up early—it's first come, first serve (yes, pun fully intended). A coaches clinic will take place before the match, making the night not just a game, but a full-on volleyball celebration.

Now, let’s talk lineups.

Option 1: Traditional 5-1 Setup

In a standard 5-1 rotation, the Cards may take the court with:

• Setter: Nayelis Cabello (#11, So.)
• Outside Hitters: Chloe Chicoine (#8, Jr.) and Payton Petersen (#24, So.)
• Opposite: Reese Robins (#25, Jr.)
• Middle Blockers: Cara Cresse (#16, R-Sr.) and Hannah Sherman (#12, R-Jr.)
• Libero: Kamden Schrand (#5, Jr.)

Back row question mark? If Louisville sticks with a 5-1, a DS will likely sub in for Reese Robins when she rotates back. Options include Jessica Drapp (#13, Jr.), Sam Untiedt (#17, So.), or Molly Urban (#18, Jr.)—each bringing experience and serve-receive strength. Could Ava Utterback could also be a backrow contender?

Option 2: 6-2 Offense

Coach Meske may also debut a 6-2 system, giving more offensive options and rotating setters through the front row. That lineup could look like:

• Setters: Nayelis Cabello (#11) and Hannah Kenny (#7, Fr.)
• Right Side Hitters: Reese Robins (#25) and Kalyssa Blackshear (#25, Fr.)
• Lefts & Middles: Chloe, Payton, Cara, and Sherman remain in place
• Libero: Kamden Schrand continues to lock down the back row

This system adds more height and power to the right side with Blackshear, a 6'5" freshman middle transitioning into opposite in this setup, and keeps Reese Robins attacking consistently in a more dynamic offense.

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Between coaching debuts, new faces, and a roster stacked with both experience and emerging talent, the Cards’ first spring match is shaping up to be an exciting sneak peek of what’s to come.

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*Photo Credit: Dan Meske Instagram