Volleyball Set to Host Notre Dame and Travel to UNC in ACC Opening Weekend

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville volleyball team opens Atlantic Coast Conference play this weekend with a pair of matches. Louisville faces Notre Dame on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at Cardinal Arena, followed by a road contest at North Carolina on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.

Prior to Friday's match, the first 500 fans will receive ice cream cones. The match will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra and ESPN3.com.

The Cardinals concluded non-conference action with a 6-4 mark, highlighted by three home victories. In their last outing, the Cardinals topped Kennesaw State, 3-0, for their fourth sweep of the year.

As a team, Louisville has outkilled its opponents, 425-381, while averaging 12.9 kills per match. Sophomore outside hitter Melanie McHenry has maintained her strong play from 2016, leading the team with 112 kills. Junior libero Molly Sauer has bolstered the Cardinals with 124 digs, with senior middle blocker Maggie DeJong pitching in with 36 blocks.

Opening opponent Notre Dame enters the ACC season at 10-1, following a three-match sweep this past weekend in the Shamrock Invitational. The Fighting Irish have been aggressive on the court this season, ranking second in the nation in digs per set (19.57) and third in team attacks per set (41.05). In last season's meeting, Notre Dame shutout Louisville, 3-0, at South Bend.

North Carolina has struggled early in 2017, opening the season with four consecutive losses, before winning three of their last four outings. Last season, the Tar Heels also blanked the Cardinals in a match at the KFC Yum! Center.

Following both matches, full recaps will be available on GoCards.com.

Series Record Vs. Notre Dame and UNC
Louisville trails the series with Notre Dame 14-20.
Louisville trails the series with UNC 4-6.

Cards Face Steep Schedule
After ten matches, the Card's rank No. 5 in the nation in toughest schedules. Four of their first ten opponents have been nationally ranked. Add Illinois into the receiving votes category and it's easy to see how the Cards rank this highly.

Cards Attendance is Ranked
UofL ranks No. 54 in attendance in NCAA with an average of 877. The Cards are ranked 26th in capacity percentage. Ranked third in the conference in average attendance.

Clark Among NCAA Career Leaders
Tess Clark is ranked No. 13 in active career leaders in hitting percentage with .373.

Conference Openers
UofL is 1-2 in ACC Opening matches.
UofL was 1-0 in AAC Opening matches.
UofL was 8-0 in Big East Opening matches.
UofL was 9-1 in Conference USA Opening matches.
Since 1995, UofL is 19-3 in conference openers.

Promotion: Enjoy a pre-match tailgate on the patio outside Cardinal Arena, with happy hour priced drinks from 6-7 p.m.

Clear Bag Policy
As Cardinal Volleyball fans get their first real glimpse of the newly refurbished Cardinal Arena, athletic officials want to remind them that the clear bag policy will be in effect for all venues for all University of Louisville sports venues.

In the interest of augmenting existing security measures at athletic events, University of Louisville Athletics is implementing new security measures at the entry gates and restricting the size and type of bag that may be carried into the arena for home volleyball matches.

Fans are encouraged not to bring any bags inside Cardinal Arena; however, each ticket holder is allowed one small clutch purse (no larger than 6.5 x 4.5 inches) and one large clear bag, either a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag or a 12 x 6 x 12 inches clear tote bag. The policy, which includes all UofL athletics venues on campus, is similar to one instituted at all NFL and many collegiate venues in recent years, enhancing security procedures to ensure a safe environment.

Diaper bags (with child) are permitted and subject to a thorough security inspection. A clear bag is strongly recommended for bringing diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children. An exception will be made to allow medical items that cannot be transported in a clear bag into the venue. Medically necessary items or equipment may be brought to the match, but the bags or equipment must inspected and tagged by security supervisors at the entry gates.

Fans will be asked to return non-approved bags or other items to their vehicle prior to arena entry. There is no check-in location for prohibited bags at the arena.

Approved clear tote bags are available for purchase from Cardinal Authentic, the store located at Gate 2 of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium at 2800 South Floyd Street. For additional inquiries on purchasing bags from Cardinal Authentic, call 502-852-3002. Fans are reminded that a standard, one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag is approved. Fans may also bring appropriately sized clear tote bags they have previously obtained at other venues.

Fans are also advised that the use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and vaping, is strictly prohibited in all UofL facilities, as well as within 50 feet of an exterior gate or entrance. There are no designated smoking areas near Cardinal Arena and re-entry is prohibited. All UofL athletic facilities are part of the UofL tobacco-free campus.

Volleyball Set to Host Notre Dame and Travel to UNC in ACC Opening Weekend

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Players Mentioned

Tess Clark

Maggie DeJong

Melanie McHenry

Molly Sauer

University of Louisville Athletics