November 2, 2026
The No. 7 Louisville women’s basketball team opened the 2026-27 season in historic fashion Monday night, defeating crosstown rival Bellarmine 119-47 at the KFC Yum! Center while setting a program record for points scored in a game.
The Cardinals (1-0) delivered an explosive offensive performance, combining efficient shooting, relentless defensive pressure and balanced scoring to overwhelm the Knights (0-1).
Louisville wasted little time establishing control, opening the game with a 23-0 run before building a commanding 44-9 lead after the first quarter. The 44 points marked the highest-scoring quarter in program history.
The Cardinals continued their offensive dominance in the second quarter, taking a 72-21 advantage into halftime. Their 72 first-half points established another school record, highlighting a remarkable opening performance under head coach Jeff Walz.
Junior guard Tajianna Roberts led Louisville with 15 points, shooting 7 of 12 from the field. Amiya Joyner added 14 points and six rebounds in her Louisville debut, while Carys Baker contributed 13 points.
Seven Cardinals finished in double figures, showcasing the depth and offensive versatility expected to play a significant role throughout the season.
Zamareya Jones made an impact on both ends of the floor, recording 11 points, nine assists and a career-high six steals. Freshman Ariyana Cradle added 10 points and six rebounds in her collegiate debut.
Louisville’s defensive intensity proved just as impressive as its offensive production. The Cardinals forced 35 Bellarmine turnovers, converting those mistakes into 53 points. Louisville also recorded 23 steals while committing just six turnovers.
The Cardinals finished with 27 assists and shot 54.1% from the field. Their dominance extended into the paint, where they outscored Bellarmine 66-22.
Bellarmine struggled to establish an offensive rhythm against Louisville’s aggressive defense. Hana Abdel Aal and freshman Leigha Acoff led the Knights with nine points apiece. Abdel Aal also collected seven rebounds, while Coumba Keïta grabbed a game-high nine rebounds.
The matchup carried additional significance for Bellarmine head coach Monique Reid, a former Louisville standout who played under Walz and helped lead the Cardinals to Final Four appearances in 2009 and 2013.
For Walz, beginning his 20th season leading Louisville, the victory provided an early demonstration of his team’s potential as the Cardinals pursue another successful season in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The 119-point performance surpassed Louisville’s previous single-game record of 116, set against DePaul in December 2020. The Cardinals also extended their streak of home-opening victories at the KFC Yum! Center to 11.
With a convincing victory over their Louisville rivals, the Cardinals opened the season with momentum and demonstrated the depth, defensive pressure and offensive firepower that could make them a formidable contender nationally.
Louisville returned to action Wednesday against Stetson at the KFC Yum! Center, while Bellarmine prepared for its home opener against Simmons College on Thursday.
Final Score: No. 7 Louisville 119, Bellarmine 47
Photos by Roscelle Griffin
502 Media Now | Women’s College Basketball Coverage
Roscelle Griffin, a talented photographer from Johnson City, Tennessee, excelled as a women’s basketball player at the University of Louisville. Her passion for photography, ignited by her grandmother’s gift of a Polaroid camera, now drives her to capture moments that transport viewers into a world of boldness and excitement. Roscelle’s media company, 502 Media Now, specializes in sports videography and photography, showcasing the dynamic world of sports while also excelling in real estate, headshots, weddings, and events.
