Chicago State Draws Louisville in Round 1 of the NCAA Tournament

The Chicago State Cougars are set to face their biggest challenge of the season as they make their NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament debut against No. 4 overall seed Louisville on Friday, December 6, at 7 p.m. ET. The Cougars, automatic qualifiers out of the Northeast Conference, are riding a wave of momentum after a historic season that has seen them reach unprecedented heights under head coach Tony Trifonov.

Chicago State’s transformation in its first year in the NEC has been remarkable. The Cougars posted a 19-9 overall record, including a dominant 13-1 conference mark. Their NEC Tournament run only underscored their dominance, with a 3-1 win over LIU in the semifinals followed by a commanding 3-0 sweep of perennial power FDU in the championship match. This success marked their first conference title and NCAA Tournament berth, further solidifying their rapid rise under Trifonov, who earned NEC Coach of the Year honors.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this Chicago State team is its unique roster. With only nine players, the Cougars face an undeniable challenge in depth, yet every one of those nine players has proven to be a difference-maker. While the roster is limited in numbers, Chicago State’s success stems from its ability to maximize contributions from every player, creating a team that is both exceptionally deep in talent and while remaining uncommonly small in numbers. This apparent contradiction has defined the Cougars’ season, as they’ve relied on a tight-knit rotation that rarely misses a beat.

Sophomore outside hitter Patrycja Lagida stands at the forefront of the Cougars’ attack. Named NEC Player of the Year and NEC Tournament MVP, Lagida’s 339 kills this season are a testament to her ability to dominate matches. Whether hammering kills from the pins or attacking in transition, Lagida has been nearly unstoppable. She is complemented by setter Wiktoria Zagumny, another standout sophomore who was named NEC Setter of the Year. Zagumny has accumulated 948 assists this season, excelling at spreading the ball across the net and ensuring all nine players remain engaged in the offensive scheme.

The Cougars’ supporting cast has proven just as critical. First-team All-NEC honorees Julieta Sandez and Andrea Calderon bring two-way excellence, with Calderon also earning NEC All-Tournament honors for her standout postseason play. Second-team selections Berenice Almeyda and Karly Klaer round out a core that has consistently delivered under pressure. Chicago State’s ability to compete at a high level despite the physical demands of a small rotation speaks to their conditioning and preparation. They’ll need both against the Cardinals.

Louisville, meanwhile, enters the match as a perennial powerhouse. Making their 33rd NCAA Tournament appearance, the Cardinals boast a roster laden with accolades, from their dynamic outside hitters to their stalwart defense led by libero Elena Scott, a semi-finalist for the AVCA National Player of the Year. The Cardinals are considered favorites not just in this matchup but to advance deep into the tournament, with their sights set on the Final Four in their home arena.

But if Chicago State has proven anything this season, it’s that the size of the roster or the odds against them don’t matter. They’ve navigated tight matches plenty of times, winning many sets in tight numbers even when sweeping the competition. They’ve delivered consistent and strong performances all season long, and relied on their core of nine players to reach heights previously unimaginable for the program. While there may have been some nerves in the first round of the NEC Tournament against LIU, by the time they met FDU the following night those were long gone and the match turned into a coming out party for the Cougars, who enter the big dance with some momentum on their side. They’ll need momentum, and much more.

Facing Louisville on their home court, the Cougars will need to rely on every ounce of their skill and chemistry. Lagida’s ability to crack Louisville’s imposing block will be key, as will Zagumny’s playmaking to keep the Cardinals’ defense on its heels. On the defensive end, Chicago State must contend with the Cardinals’ relentless attacking trio of Anna DeBeer, Charitie Luper, and Sofia Maldonado Diaz. If the Cougars can disrupt Louisville’s rhythm and capitalize on transition opportunities, they could push the Cardinals in ways few expect.

This David vs. Goliath battle is more than just a tournament matchup; it’s a defining moment for a program on the rise. For a team that began the season focused on building a foundation in the NEC and picked to finish 4th in conference, Chicago State’s entry onto the national stage symbolizes the power of maximizing potential.

As the Cougars take the court on Friday, they’ll do so as a team that has defied expectations at every turn. Whether their journey continues beyond Louisville or concludes in their first NCAA appearance, Chicago State has already made its mark.