White Squad Beats Red in Three Sets

Saturday, August 19

LOUISVILLE, KY

6:00 p.m.

University of Louisville

Red and Black Scrimmage

August 19, 2017 | Women's Volleyball

Photo Gallery

Cardinal Fans got a preview of both the squad and newly renovated Cardinal Arena

By: Nancy Worley

Tess Clark had 17 kills with teammate Amanda Green adding 14 to lead the White Squad to a 25-20, 25-21, 25-23 win over the Red Squad at the first intrasquad University of Louisville volleyball scrimmage of the 2017 season Saturday evening in newly refurbished Cardinal Arena.

"I thought as an entire group we did great," said first year head coach Dani Busboom Kelly. "There have been times in practice when the newcomers have struggled and I thought they held their own out there. We have a new setter and she is still figuring out all of the offense. They did a good job responding. We have a lot of weapons this year which is exciting. I can't wait to get to a match where we get to use all of them."

In all, there are six newcomers on the roster including two transfers who will be led by four seniors, including preseason All-ACC selection Tess Clark. Look for Molly Sauer, the other preseason All-ACC team member, to spearhead the Cardinals' back row at libero. Transfer Amanda Green brings a heavy hand at outside and setter Wilma Rivera, who transferred from Penn State, will quarterback the Cards.

"Our new setter brings height because In the ACC, you have to put up a big block everywhere," said Busboom Kelly. "She brings athleticism and she wants to be a leader. She sat two years at Penn State and she is playing with a little chip on her shoulder that not only is she good enough to be at Louisville but good enough to be in the US and playing."

The Cardinals unveiled a newly updated Cardinal Arena which includes new end zone balconies, Teraflex court, new chair back seating, updated lobby and cosmetic upgrades to the lockerroom, team room and office space.

"I can't wait to hear the feedback from the fans because we all think it is great," said Busboom Kelly. "The team loves it even more than they thought they would. It has more space, lockerroom, video room, lounges, training room are all larger plus the Teraflex floor. Very few programs have a facility that they are not sharing with anybody else. "

The Cardinals open the season with two of the most competitive teams on the schedule when they travel to Madison, Wis., for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The Cardinals and the Tar Heels of North Carolina will represent the ACC and face Minnesota and Wisconsin. UofL faces Wisconsin on Aug. 25. The Badgers fell in the regional final to eventual 2016 national champion Stanford. The Cards then face Minnesota on Aug. 26. The Gophers made the national semi-finals before also falling to Stanford.