Spring Recap: Louisville vs. Tennessee at Freedom Hall

Back inside Freedom Hall for the first time since punching their ticket to the 2024 Final Four, Louisville returned with a statement spring performance in front of a packed, energetic crowd. The Cards topped Tennessee in five sets, showcasing growth, grit, and a breakout performance on the right side.

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Set-by-Set Lineup Overview:

Set 1:

• OHs: Chloe Chicoine & Payton Petersen
• MBs: Hannah Sherman & Cara Cresse
• Opposite: Reese Robins (with Hannah Kenny as DS)
• Libero: Kam Schrand
• Serving Sub: Ava Utterback for Cara

Set 2:

• Alanna Bankston subbed in for Payton
• Molly Urban took over at libero
• Payton played backrow for Alanna
• Kenny continued to DS for Reese
• Ava remained the serving sub for Cara

Set 3:

• Molly remained at libero
• Ava played six rotations alongside Chloe on the outside

Sets 4 & 5:

• Back to the original lineup with Kam at libero and Chloe/Payton on the pins
• Cara and Sherman held it down in the middle

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Match Highlights:

• Reese Robins stole the show with a career-high 19 kills, bringing power, variety, and composure to the right side.
• Chloe Chicoine added 12 kills and a strong day from the service line, racking up 4 aces with a mix of pace and placement—especially with her hybrid serve and some well-placed short serves.
• Cara Cresse chipped in 8 kills in a consistent, efficient showing in the middle.
• Payton Petersen added 2 aces of her own.
• Set 1 at 22-all, Ava Utterback served a 3-point run, including an ace, to close it out for the Cards.

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Takeaways: While Louisville had flashes of excellence—especially behind Reese’s breakout and Chloe’s serving—there are still areas for growth. Setter-hitter timing on the pins needs refinement, and defensively (blocking and digging) the Cards will look to tighten up. Tennessee finished the third set hitting over .300, an area the staff will likely address heading into the next stretch of spring play, where the Cards will take on the Kentucky Wildcats for their last spring match of the year. 

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*Photo Credit: University of Louisville Athletics