Louisville, Nebraska post AVCA First Serve Showcase wins to open the season

Down as many as four points, Wisconsin's back was against a wall early, trailing 8-4, in the fourth set. Louisville was getting everything they wanted and more.

That's when Wisconsin's Carter Booth had something to say about it with a kill assisted by Charlie Fuerbringer. From there, Booth's kill ignited the Badgers run, climbing back and taking the lead 15-14. 

With both teams battling to be the first to 25, Louisville leads 21-20.

Frank down the line?

Now THAT'S an Smart Play 🤓

Set 4
UW 17
CARDS 17

— Wisconsin Volleyball (@BadgerVB)

Even after Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield's successful challenge and two set points, Louisville outlasted the Badgers to take the third set (26-24), to go up 2-1.

Louisville leaned on multiple players down the stretch, including major plays from Anna DeBeer and Cara Cresse.

Once again, Wisconsin struggled with service errors, tallying five to Louisville's one. 

Set 2 looked like it was a head-banger. Both teams were neck-and-neck at the 15-point mark.

After the break, though, it was all Louisville, outscoring Wisconsin 10-2 to even the match at a set apiece.

A huge reason behind the Cardinals advantage was Wisconsin's struggles at serving. The Badgers couldn't find their rhythm with eight service errors to Louisville's three.

Louisville's middle Cara Cresse helped send the Cardinals into a media timeout after blocking Anna Smrek's attack — a much-needed break between two teams that had 13 ties entering the timeout. 

The Cardinals and Cresse continued the momentum, though, going on a six-point run and taking control of the set.

Louisville now inches closer to tying the match up at 1-1.

Set 2 | Louisville 21 - Wisconsin 15 (1)

BOOM 😤😤😤

📺

— Louisville Volleyball (@LouisvilleVB)

Jumping out to 7-2 lead early, the Badgers began to slow down following Louisville's time out. However, as the set continued, Wisconsin found its groove again and kept the distance between itself and Louisville. 

After reaching a seven-point edge, Wisconsin didn't allow Louisville to get within three points. 

A huge difference between the two teams was the attack errors, as Louisville had 10 to Wisconsin's four, helping the Badgers hit .242 as a team.

🦡 Badgers:

• Saige Damrow
• Trinity Shadd-Ceres
• Devyn Robinson
• Sarah Franklin
• Anna Smrek
• Gulce Guctekin
• Charlie Fuerbringer
• Carter Booth

🔴⚫️ Louisville:

• Charitie Luper
• Sofi Maldonado Diaz
• Nayelis Cabello
• Phekran Kong
• Cara Cresse
• Anna DeBeer
• Elena Scott

After claiming tonight's win over Kentucky, 3-1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-15, 25-20), the Huskers find themselves in familiar territory to start the season — the win column. 

Nebraska setter Bergen Reilly orchestrated a flowing offense, helping at least three of her attackers reach double digits in kills. Rebekah Allick and Merritt Beason both collected 11 while Andi Jackson put up 10 on the board. 

Eighteen blocks also set up the Huskers for success, along with a fan base that traveled well. Next up, Nebraska takes on Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Friday, while the Wildcats face Northern Kentucky on Friday.

📈 CATCH UP: See the final stats here

The Wildcats force a Nebraska timeout after attempting to mount a late comeback in set 4. Brooklyn DeLeye puts one away to keep Kentucky in the game, 19-15.

Nebraska's 7-0 scoring run paired with six blocks in the third set gave the team a 2-1 match lead.

Setter Bergen Reilly incorporated her middles to give the Huskers a few more kills on the board. Though, they still trail Kentucky in total kills, 40-34.

Kennedi Orr serves up a floating ACE to conclude Nebraska's wild scoring run! Orr helps the Huskers reach a 15-7 advantage in Set 3. 

Right on the 💸, ! ACE SERVE! |

— Nebraska Volleyball (@HuskerVB)