University of North Carolina Athletics

Photo by: NATE SKVORETZ
#21 Volleyball Falls To #8 Louisville
October 26, 2025 | Volleyball
CHAPEL HILL, NC - For the first time in 37 days, No. 21 Carolina fell to No. 8 Louisville (10-25, 23-25, 25-22, 24-26) snapping its 10 match win streak.
Carolina responded to the first set loss with an improved showing as they kept the score within two or three for the majority of the set, which featured seven ties and multiple lead changes, but ultimately fell by two.
The Tar Heels kept the momentum they built late in the second going with an even better third set. The Tar Heels took an early 3-2 lead, but the Cardinals responded by taking a 7-6 lead. That's when Laynie Smith and Safi Hampton took over and sparked a 4-0 run. Louisville had a 4-0 run of its own to regain the lead. The back and forth continued for the entire set but Chelsea Thorpe closed it out with back-to-back kills to win the set.
The fourth set started with UNC leading 13-9, but then having to battle back after Louisville tied it at 14-14. Much like the second and third sets, it was a back-and-forth affair. Tied at 24-24, Louisville rattled off the next two points to take the match.
Despite the loss, UNC remains tied atop the ACC standings and still controls its own destiny. The Tar Heels now turn their attention to a match against No. 7 SMU on Friday, Oct. 31, and No. 4 Pitt on Sunday at Carmichael Arena.
Carolina responded to the first set loss with an improved showing as they kept the score within two or three for the majority of the set, which featured seven ties and multiple lead changes, but ultimately fell by two.
The Tar Heels kept the momentum they built late in the second going with an even better third set. The Tar Heels took an early 3-2 lead, but the Cardinals responded by taking a 7-6 lead. That's when Laynie Smith and Safi Hampton took over and sparked a 4-0 run. Louisville had a 4-0 run of its own to regain the lead. The back and forth continued for the entire set but Chelsea Thorpe closed it out with back-to-back kills to win the set.
The fourth set started with UNC leading 13-9, but then having to battle back after Louisville tied it at 14-14. Much like the second and third sets, it was a back-and-forth affair. Tied at 24-24, Louisville rattled off the next two points to take the match.
Despite the loss, UNC remains tied atop the ACC standings and still controls its own destiny. The Tar Heels now turn their attention to a match against No. 7 SMU on Friday, Oct. 31, and No. 4 Pitt on Sunday at Carmichael Arena.
Team Stats
LOU
UNC
Kills
54
49
Errors
27
29
Attempts
187
176
Hitting %
.144
.114
Points
79.0
66.5
Assists
49
44
Aces
7
0
Blocks
18
17.5
Game Leaders
Players Mentioned
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