Thursday Cardinal Couple

 

THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

( JEFF MCADAMS is on the ball with Thursday's CARDINAL COUPLE...bringing us soccer and basketball reports.  Cardinal Caravan is also rolling around again and Emmonnie Henderson receives a St. Louis honor.)

Soccer is on the ball

We have the first set schedule for women's fall sports, and soccer is the first across the finish line...or perhaps the first to the goal is the better metaphor.

They start out on the road with a couple of exhibition games at Vanderbilt and Purdue on August 11th and 17th.  The real season starts at home on the 23rd and 25th with games against Butler and Illinois.  

Back out on the road to play a couple of games against future conference-mates Virginia Tech and Wake Forest at the Wake Forest Invitation on August 30th and September 1st.  The road trip continues with the obligatory in-state rivalry matchup with Kentucky on the 6th, then a quick trip up to Miami (Ohio) on the 8th.

Back to Cardinal Park for another in-state with Morehead on the 13th.  Texas-San Antonio comes into town that weekend as well on the 15th.

Another conference switch-up on the 21st with the trip to the now non-conference-foes Marquette.

The conference slate starts on the 27th with Memphis coming to Louisville...now there's a blast from the past.  Then I suspect we'll get a visit from Julie Hermann on the 29th with Rutgers, which is joining the Big 10 in 2014...except for football which is apparently playing in the Big 10 this fall...I'm already confused.

A road trip to the new Texas wing of the conference with visits to SMU and Houston on October 3rd and 6th.  Followed by the Florida wing of the conference, in the form of USF and UCF, coming to visit Louisville on the 11th and 13th.

Next is a trip to Philadelphia, but in the brave new conference world, it's to play Temple instead of Villanova.  That game will happen on the 17th.

The end-of-the-season road trip wraps up with thankfully familiar foes with games at UConn and Cincinnati on October 20th and 25th.

The American Athletic Conference, or AAC, or "The American"...take your pick...takes place Halloween and November 3rd at campus sites, then concludes somewhere undecided at this point on the 8th and 10th.

Boy, this conference realignment stuff is really gonna keep us on our toes!

Speaking of Scheduling

The Cardinal Caravan has announced its 5 stops this summer over 3 days.  June 4th stops include an
11:45 start time at Kreso's Restaurant in Bardstown, KY, followed by the always mobbed visit to Captain's Quarters here in Louisville at 6:30.

Stops the next day include a visit to the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center in Bowling Green at 12:45...presumably central time since its in Bowling Green.  The evening stop is at 5:30 at Grand Reserve in Lexington.  Stay safe, people!

The final visit is at the Shelbyville Fairgrounds at 6pm on the 6th.

All of the events are free, but an RSVP is required, and can be submitted online at http://www.uoflalumni.org/caravan2013 so the folks planning the events can make sure that appropriate accommodations are available for the crowds.

We just can't stay away from Basketball

Because we just can't seem to go without talking about women's basketball, it appears that UofL will be participating in the Women's Preseason WNIT tournament.

The 16 team tournament, which will be played at participating school locations, includes Georgia State, Gonzaga, Idaho, IPFW...yay, more Mastadons...Loyola University Chicago, LSU, Mount St. Mary's University, North Carolina A&T...hope they bring their band...Oklahoma, Quinnipiac, St. Joseph's, Stephen F. Austin, Stetson, Tennessee-Martin, and Wichita State.

The tournament guarantees three games for participating teams win or lose.  The first round will be November 8th, second round games on the 10th and 11th, semifinals on the 14th, and the championship game on the 17th.  The two teams that play in the championship game will get to play 4 games, so there's plenty of motivation to play well to get that extra preseason tune-up game.

We'll claim this one is track and field

Finally, Paulie forwarded me a link to this article about incoming freshman Emmonnie Henderson's
senior year at Edwardsville, Illinois.  Henderson will, of course, play for Jeff Walz on the basketball team, but will be dual-sport, participating in track and field throwing events.

Henderson was named Female Athlete of the Year by STLhighschoolsports.com for her successes in basketball and track and field.

She'll participate in both at Louisville...her Edwardsville hoops squad went 30-1 in Illinois Class 4A basketball. In track and field, Henderson has been equally dominant as a four-time champion in the shot put and three-time champion in the discus.

In the 2013 Illinois State Championships, she set another record in the shot..while winning both events.


-Jeff McAdams

-- 

Summer camps

WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

( Jenny O' Bryan takes us camping today. No need for marshmallows or insect repellent, though...she discusses the summer camps for athletes that UofL coaches hold for upcoming stars of the sports. Louisville has also released the women's soccer schedule for 2013 and...surprise!...the American Athletic Conference does offer women's soccer. As an entree only, side dishes cost extra... ) 

The academic year is over on campus.  As far as athletic events, all sports have wound down and are over except for the outdoor season of track and field.  They are heading in to their final competition of the year, which will close the entire year of women’s athletics at Louisville. 

Those that remain on campus spend part of their summer taking classes, but they also spend time in off-season workouts as well as camps for their prospective sports.  These camps are offered across the board in every program. 

The athletic summer camp experience ranges in age and talent level, skills camps, team camps and specialized skill development.  From beginners to elite athletes every aspiring athlete can learn something from their favorite athletic team. 

My volleyball-playing daughter is a returning attendee to Coach Kordes camps.  She loves the camp and spends her time at libero/defensive specialist skill development camp.  As a parent, camps like this are invaluable.  Not only is the athlete getting excellent coaching and training from a premiere program and staff, but it also helps the prospective athlete to gain some perspective.  My daughter is very clear that while she loves this camp and works very hard at this camp, that Division 1 athletics are not for her.  While she loves the game and wants to play at the next level, she also wants more out of her college experience than just volleyball.  I applaud her coming to that conclusion on her own, and credit the hard, intensive work at a 3-day camp in helping to give her clarity.   It is a tiny window into the life of a Division 1 athlete. 

From the University’s perspective, I am sure camps are multi-purposed.   It is a time to see young talent and also a time to build future Cardinal fans   Having the opportunity to work with these student athletes cannot help but build an affinity for the program as well as the athletes.    My family has become regular attendees at UofL Volleyball games (when it does not conflict with my daughters own high school schedule) as a direct result of attending camps and getting to know the players. 
.

So while the summer months means a quieter time for the teams that we love to watch compete, there is plenty going on and keeping them busy and active.  If you haven’t already, check out one of the many camp opportunities awaiting your daughters!

http://www.gocards.com/camps/lou-camps.html

********************************************************************************

Louisville women's soccer has released their 2013 schedule and we finally get a glimpse into some of the teams that will compete in the "American"...or American Athletic Conference. The Karen Ferguson-Dayes led charges with play 18 regular season games and two exhibitions before the AAC Conference Tournament. Eight of these will be at Cardinal Park. Memphis, Rutgers, SMU, Houston, USF, UCF, Temple, Connecticut and Cincinnati will be conference games for Louisville and the Cards will also play future ACC foes Virginia Tech and Wake Forest on the road.

The game against Kentucky will be in Lexington this year.

Home games have Louisville facing Butler Fri. Aug. 23rd. and Illinois Sunday Aug. 25th. In September the Cards will host Morehead State on Friday the 13th., UTSA on Sunday the 15th., Memphis on Friday 27th. and Rutgers on Sunday the 29th. Louisville has two home contests in October...USF visits the 11th (Friday) and UCF comes to town the 13th (Sunday). We like and applaud the schedulers for making these home games on the weekend! Let's show our gratitude by getting out there and attending them!

We'll have a preview of the women's soccer team when the season gets a bit closer and you can probably expect us to cover the schedule and team on Saturday's CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO

 www.crescenthillradio.com

on Crescent Hill Radio. We're on the air from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday and the broadcasts are also archived and available on the SoundCloud in case you miss one.

The squad returns a veteran defense and several high profile scorers, so
the one season in the AAC should be an eventful and successful one for the 
Soccer Cards. 


The full schedule can be found at www.gocards.com

-- Jenny O'Bryan

--

Tuesday Cardinal Couple -- Shoni pleased, Walz prepping.

TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Walz, Schimmel address media

-Newbauer accepts Belmont position

For someone who had just completed three intensive days of basketball, flown across country and even attended class on Monday...Shoni Schimmel looked fresh as a daisy and ready to go out and pop threes for several hours.

She and Jeff Walz answered various questions from the media yesterday in the SAC and both seemed quite pleased with the way things had been going lately.

Schimmel is excited about being selected to the 12 player USA Women's World University Games team roster and related that all she did was go out and play as hard and as smart as she could during the trials. She also added that draining five or six threes in a row during competition probably didn't hurt her chances.

The selection list announcement had her a bit nervous and confused at first. The committee was going in alphabetical order and she was the second to last one named to the team...the final being Odyssey Sims. Technically, Bria Smith was still alive in the naming, too...for the last spot...but the Baylor guard got the nod.

When asked how she and Sims got along, Shoni smiled and commented, "Pretty good, actually."

I asked Shoni if playing against quite a few of the players involved in the tryouts over her career helped her in preparation for trying to gain a spot. She replied that it wasn't so much that...but playing with them during the sessions is what she believed helped her make the squad.

Shoni will tell you, she likes to play and that is what she goes out there to do. It has reaped pretty good rewards for her. A first trip ever to Russia coming up in a couple of months. The chance to shine on the world's stage. And being on a roster that includes seven other guards and "even bigs that can step outside and light it up"....according to her.

She also mentioned that Bria and Sara were excited for her selection and helped her celebrate...something that she noted some of the other players on other teams didn't seem as excited when their teammates, but not them, got selected. The mere experience of getting invited to participate with such a select group of college players is quite an honor in itself. It will be most beneficial to all three Cardinals who took part in the sessions.

Shoni also mentioned that several parents of the players and a few recruits complimented her and the squad on their magical run to the NCAA Championship game. When asked how many autographs she has been asked to provide over the last couple of months...she grinned broadly, in that unmistakable Shoni style, and replied:

"You'd be surprised..."

A fun summer ahead for the illustrious Shoni, doing what she loves best...playing the game.

Something she does quite well.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Jeff Walz is a humble man.

When asked if he would follow in Coach Pitino's footsteps and own a few thoroughbreds or Derby contenders...he smiled and replied that it would more likely be a couple of plow mules in his case. He's not ready to enter the world of horse-racing ownership.

He also dowplayed his role in helping get Cameron Newbauer primed and ready for his first coaching job...explaining that it was the incredible group of young ladies that drew the attention of the world to Louisville women's basketball and eventually Newbauer. He is proud and happy for Cameron, proud of all three assistants that have left his tutelage and assumed head coaching roles...but insists that his role in getting them there was based on what they wanted to achieve in terms of future goals and how he could help them get there. A true sign of humility and unselfishness. 

Walz also explained that there is no secret system or magical strategy involved in his successes and runs he has had at Louisville. He defers to the teaching that Paul Sanderford provided him when he was an assistant at Western and Nebraska and insists that the most important thing he learned was just how to "roll with it" as the game progresses. 

He also doesn't expect the proposed 10 second rule for women's college basketball will change the game dramatically. Maybe a bit at the end if a team is trying to protect a lead and can no longer dawdle in the backcourt for 15-20 seconds...but not for the majority of a contest. 

He is excited about Emmonnie Henderson, Janelle Cannon and Starr Breedlove arriving on campus to join the returning team and thinks they'll provide depth and immediate rewards for the squad. When pressed about the potential depth of sixteen players being a great benefit to Louisville...Walz gently reminded the questioner that he had similar teams with just as apparent depth but things can happen and he is choosing to take a wait and see approach on how things turn out.

Roll with it.

Walz maybe satisfied with mules in the field...but the championship fillies he'll have on the hardwood will provide Cardinal WBB fans with plenty of happy returns and exciting wins.  

A link below with Walz discussing Shoni's selection:
It'll get you to the main video page and you can go to
"Sports" and check out Walz's words.


WALZ ON SHONI'S WUG SELECTION

<><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


Cameron Newbauer made his acceptance speech at Belmont this afternoon and displayed a nice sense of humor in his opening remarks. Here's a link to Cam's words:

Cameron Newbauer talks about being head coach


-Paulie


--

Monday Cardinal Couple -- Shoni selected for WUGS

MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-Shoni one of twelve picked for World University Games team

-Shoni and Jude

-Walz, Shoni to meet with media today

-The hunt to replace Cam -- Some suggestions.

-JSW to transfer?


33 enter, 12 emerge.

Louisville's do-it-all senior guard Shoni Schimmel has been selected to play in the 2013 World University Games for the USA Women's Basketball team in Kazan, Russia July 8-15.

Sheri Coale (Oklahoma) head coach of the WUGS is excited about the squad and the upcoming event:

"Fun - that's the first thing that comes to mind. I think they will be a really interesting bunch to coach. They can do a lot of different things. There were a lot of shooters on this team. A lot of versatility, guys who can step out and score and we also have guys who can break you down off the dribble. Good pieces. Really good pieces and really good parts."

But none of them with as stunning hair as you, Sheri.

Her quote is interesting. Last I checked, she was the women's head coach but has two "guys" references. I know, it's popular parlance these days in coach speak...but then the pieces and parts references. She's either pleased with the 12-piece bucket she got at KFC or quite excited about the roster.

I live for Sherri Coale interviews.

Unfortunately, for Cardinal fans...our Bria Smith and Sara
Hammond did not make the roster. Honor enough to be invited, I suppose, but...hey!...this was the national runner-up squad and UConn got two on the squad.

Just sayin'...


Here's the roster with my own observations:

Ariel Massengale   G   Tennessee  Clutch shooter, solid "D".
Bria Hartley  G  UConn  Another good shooter, court savvy.
Cassie Harberts  F  USC Strong on boards, nice inside shot.
Reshanda Gray  F  Cal Card fans will remember her inside.
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis  G  UConn Three-point deadly.
Aaryn Ellenberg  G  Okla Knows Coale's system. Explosive.
Crystal Bradford  G  Cent. Mich. Good energy, hustle.
Shoni Schimmel  G  Louisville The wizard of the hardwood
Theresa Plainsance  F  LSU. Will be the glass cleaner.
Odyssey Sims  G  Baylor Quick, driving. Shoni's best pal.
Tricia Lister  G  Duke A good fit with these. Energy, scores
Jordan Hooper  F  Nebraska. Did she actually beat out Sara?

Louisville head coach Jeff Walz is happy for Shoni as well:

"This is a great opportunity for Shoni to play against some of the best competition in the world throughout the summer. It is an honor to have her represent USA Basketball, the University of Louisville, her family and her heritage on the world stage."

And, as several of you have mentioned in e-mails to me...she'll show up for summer sessions and fall practice at UofL in shape.

The squad starts against Belarus on July 8th. and the Czech Republic on July 9th.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

More good stuff on Shoni (and Jude) in the link below. Thanks to the several e-mails I received on this article. I'm always thankful and grateful for the links that our wonderful readership base provides us with. And, always glad to post them for all when we can.

Whoever is sending me the Brianna Stewart photos can stop though. Seriously.

LINKIE:

JUDE AND SHONI TALK GOALS AND INSPIRATION




"We're out of the house soup!!!"

UofL has called a press conference for Monday at 4:15 p.m. so members of the media can talk to Shoni and Coach Walz.
I'll meander on down there and report the festivities to you in the Tuesday Edition of Cardinal Couple. My guess is that they'll talk about the WUGS experience.

Either that, or they're opening a restaurant to compete with Geno's. I wonder if they'll offer a WALZdorf Salad and if Shoni will get up in your face for your order...ala Griner.


<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

We're getting e-mails about who will replace Cam Newbauer as an assistant for UofL women's basketball. We have no way of knowing who has applied, who is on the short list or who is on first. But, it true CARDINAL COUPLE sophomoric and parody fashion...the staff chimps came up with a list...of sorts.

10) Julie Hermann - It could be the one thing that would make her recant on the Rutgers job and stay here in the Ville.
9)  C Viv Stringer - She's said she likes the KFC YUM! Center and she and Walz appear to get along. We think she'd love 4th Street Live, too.
8)  Brianna Stewart - Has there ever been a player/coach in the history of NCAA WBB? Walz could set a rim-shaking trend here with the hire.
7)  Alicja Wolny - She mentioned to us on Cardinal Couple Radio that she will be looking for a job after graduation. She's popular, pretty, smart and could double as hitting coach for softball.
6)  Bonita Spence -  She and Walz have a wonderful relationship and she could cue the players in on what is and what isn't a foul. Plus, it would get her out of officiating.
5)  Jeff McAdams -  We think Jeff is an excellent writer, gets along with everyone and his selection would give us an unprecedented insider look and source to the program.
4)  Jerry Abramson -  He already has seats on the floor, has leadership experience and definitely knows the city. He can't be that busy as Lt. Gov...and has a great smile.
3)  Charlie Strong - Just look what he did for football! He attends games anyway, so why not 'get on the train' and add Charlie. Availability might be a problem until January...
2)  CeCe Moses - She raised 12% of the current roster, has coaching experience and knows her way around the cameras. Snappy dresser, too..which is always a plus.
1)  Geno -  Another candidate who likes the KFC YUM! Center, will be stuck in "The American" after next year and is looking to expand his restaurant and spaghetti sauce empire. Plus, he'd probably bring Chris Dailey! Bonus!

I will ask Coach later today how the prospective search is going for Cam's replacement. If they let me attend the presser...

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

We are getting a few comments and e-mails that Jasmine Smithson-Willett has asked to be released from her softball scholarship from Louisville. No official verification on this yet. We'll keep you posted.

-Paulie

--

Cardinal Couple Softball report

SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

( Jeff McAdams with the recap of Louisville Softball's Saturday games in the NCAA
Regional. A disappointing way for the Cards to end the 2013 season.) 



Well, that certainly wasn't the Saturday I had hoped for.

UofL vs UAB

In the afternoon matchup, UofL fell in a hard fought game against UAB.   Starting off with 2 runs in the first, I thought this might be the return to the hard hitting bats that we have seen from The Cards in the past, and Alicja Wolny did oblige with a shot that pinged off the light poll in right field, but most of the rest of the game was small ball.  It was small ball that was working fairly well, however.  With a 4-1 lead in the fifth inning, it started to look like another Cardinal success was in the makings.

It started to become clear, however, that Rachel LeCoq was running out of steam in the circle.  Caralisa Connell came in for relief in the 5th inning.  Six pitches later, all balls, LeCoq returned to finish out the game.  Unfortunately, with a bit less effectiveness the rest of the way.  UAB would score four in the 5th inning, and two in the 6th to reach the winning score of 7-4.

UofL vs UCLA

In the late game, UCLA was to be the opponent.  Unfortunately, it really wasn't much of a game.

Caralisa Connell took the pitching duties most of the game, but her troubles with control continued.  Numerous walks, and plenty of base hits, and a couple of home runs came from the UCLA bats, handing UofL one of the worst losses in program history at 19-2.

The Cards just ran out of pitching.  We've talked about "Good Carl" and "Bad Carl" over the course of the season, and "Good Carl" has been missing in action for a couple of weeks now.  Rachel LeCoq tried her best to pick up the slack, but ultimately she just couldn't keep it going and the number of games took their toll on her.

What's in Store For the Future

Its hard to find much positive to say about these games, but I think you can look to the future and find, like so many sports at UofL, that the future is bright.

We knew all season that pitching would be the big question mark for this team due to circumstances that were largely impossible to predict, and for the bulk of the season they were able to overcome the marginal pitching situation with good fielding and absolutely phenomenal hitting.  This problem gets solved by recruiting good pitchers.  Its not an immediate solution as you likely aren't going to expect incoming freshmen to be star pitchers, though you might get lucky and find one that will be.  Over the course of a couple of years, though, you develop your pitching staff and solve the problem.

The other bright spot was Jasmine Smithson-Willett, who came in to pitch in the 5th inning.  While she didn't wow the crowd with incredible pitching, she held her own with a great hitting UCLA team.  JSW has potential in the circle.  Maybe she'll get to develop it, maybe there will be new pitchers that arrive through the recruiting process.  Alas, we don't have a Jenny for Softball to keep us informed on the recuit pipeline for Ulmer.  Regardless, we know that the cupboard isn't empty.  Both Rachel and Carl should be back for their senior seasons, JSW will be a sophomore and perhaps will develop her pitching skills some more.

Let's Get Some Perspective on the Season

Its hard to be happy about a season ending like this, but I think, if we take some time and look back over the season that Louisville Softball had, there's a whole lot to be proud of.  Wins over Top 10 teams, including an Oklahoma team that sat in the #1 spot the whole season.  Phenomenal hitting, great fielding, and some just generally fantastic athletes.

I'll be back at Ulmer next year, and I truly believe that this team will be even better.

-Jeff McAdams

( Editor's Note -- With LeCoq suffering from hand-swelling and Connell having control issues...the normally strong Cardinal pitching obviously wasn't at their best today. Head coach Sandy Pearsall mentioned to me in our pre-season interview that pitching was the question mark on this team. And, for 90% of the year..it was solid, impressive and maybe third best in the BIG EAST behind USF and Notre Dame inside the circle. Injuries, fatigue and being a bit off one's game can play a major role in the post season...and it did Saturday. Like Jeff, I'll recall this season very fondly, though...and hope that the two UofL hurlers can come back strong next year. I also hope my favorite player...freshman Jasmine Smithson-Willett...can earn a chance to be the Cards third producer of strikes and shutouts. We'll also look to see if there are any pitchers coming in for 2014. Coach Pearsall told me that you have to get in on the really good hurlers early...two or three years before they ever get to college. We hope the getting has been good for Sandy and the staff.  -- Paulie)

--

 

Saturday Cardinal Couple -- Softball Cards hold on for 2-1 win over IPFW

SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Cards escape bases loaded IPFW 7th to win.

-Meet Bill Salyer

-Cardinal Couple Radio today!

-Preakness? Nonsense...

If you are a fan of strong, dominating pitching...you had to love last night's 2-1 UofL win over IPFW in Ulmer Stadium. If you have a heart condition, though...the seventh inning probably had you looking for a first aid station or a defibrillator. Alicja Wolny's grab of a shot from IPFW's Alex Bousquet down the first base line got the Cards out of trouble and into the 2 p.m. game Saturday against UAB in the winner's bracket.

The Cards couldn't figure out IPFW pitcher Miranda Kramer in the first four innings. Three up, three down in the first three frames and a perfect game on the scoreboard before Katelyn Mann singled with one out in the fourth, stole second and Alicja Wolny drew a walk. The Cards were unable to capitalize, though...Maggie Ruckenbrod flying out to right and Jordan Trimble caught looking at one of Kramer's nine strikeouts.

Meanwhile, starting Louisville pitcher Rachel LeCoq was creating her own masterpiece on the mound, allowing just two hits and two Mastodon baserunners through five innings. Louisville entered the bottom of the fifth deadlocked in a scoreless tie and needed to make something happen.

Hannah made it happen. Hannah Kiyohara, UofL's left fielder started the inning with a sharp single to left. She was lifted for pinch runner Chrisanna Roberts, who advanced to second when Kramer plunked Taner Fowler with a fastball. Whitney Arion followed with a bloop infield single the load the bags with Cards and no outs. Jennifer Esteban, playing in her first game back from injury, drilled a shot literally off third base that IPFW couldn't come up with and Roberts scored to give the Cards a 1-0 lead. They wasted a prime opportunity to add to the margin though...Katie Keller becoming another Kramer KO victim, Mann popping out to first and Wolny grounding out to second.

IPFW wasted no time in tying it up in the top of the sixth. Alex Bousquet took a LeCoq fast ball to right center and it cleared the fence by the slimmest of margins. LeCoq recovered, however and sent the next three Mastodons back to the dugout.

Louisville responded in the home half of the sixth. After Maggie Ruckenbrod benefited from a dropped routine fly ball by IPFW right fielder Hillary Kartman, Jasmine Smithson Willett came in to pinch run.

( Our own Jenny O'Bryan, sitting in the right field open seating claims responsibility for the error...surmising that her taunting must have finally got to Kartman.)

Jordan Trimble's sacrifice bunt moved JSW to third and Kiyohara came to the rescue again, drilling a rope up the middle of the infield that nearly decapitated Kramer. It scored Smithson-Willett. Fowler's bloop infield gave the Cards runners on first and second...but Kramer shut the door once again...sending Arion and Esteban away from the plate with her eighth and ninth strikeouts.

All Louisville had to do was retire the Mastodons in the top of the seventh to take the win...but it proved to be an arduous task. With one out, LeCoq hit designated hitter Audrey Minton with a fastball inside. Prestlee Cooper came in to pinch run but watched as LeCoq fanned Megan Flenniken for the second out. It looked like it was over when Brittany Kachur hit a routine grounder to Cardinal shortstop Arion...but she had trouble coming up with it and suddenly, the Mastodons and two runners. With the infield playing in...Kayti Hanson lined a shot at UofL third baseman Mann, but she bobbled it and it was pulse-check time. Bags loaded, two outs and home run hitter Alex Bousquet at bat.
Fortunately, Wolny fielded the hit safely and the Cards were winners. After scaring around 800 fans to death.

Kiyohara was humble in the post game press conference, as was Esteban...simply stating they did what they had to do to help the team to a win. LeCoq was brilliant in her performance in the circle...admitting she "might have got the pitch a little high" on Bousquet's homer.

On a night where Louisville's three All-Region selections went a combined 0 for 8 at the plate...a transfer pitcher, player fresh off an injury and Hannah "Kivohara" (according to her name tag placard in the post-game press room) bailed out the Cards on a night where the rain mercifully held off.



<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>><><><><>


Louisville opens action Saturday with a 2 p.m. game against UAB. The Blazers used a six run third inning to send UCLA to the losers' bracket 6-3. UCLA and IPFW follow at approximately 4:30 p.m.

If the Cards win, they play for the regional title Sunday. If not, they face the winner of the UCLA vs. IPFW game about thirty minutes after the completion of that one. That winner will also advance to Sunday's finals...in the double elimination format.


<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

I had a great conversation wih IPFW Assistant Athletic Director for Media Services Bill Salyer before the Louisville game. He explained the choice of a mastodon as the school mascot. An important archaeological "dig" a few miles from the IPFW campus uncovered a great skeleton of a prehistoric mastodon and a baby mastodon as well...

It's a good thing they didn't find Jimmy Hoffa. The IPFW Hoffas just doesn't have the same ring, does it?

The mascot is called Don the Mastodon and Bill revealed to me that the Fort Wayne, Indiana school has an enrollment of about 14,000 students....mostly commuters. They have 16 sports teams on campus and play men's volleyball instead of football. About 50 IPFW softball fans were on hand to cheer on the Mastodons.

Best quip of the night in the press box also came courtesy of Bill when he deadpanned:

"I only go out drinking on two different occasions a year. When it's my birthday...and when it isn't."

He didn't reveal whether he's a potential candidate to replace Julie Hermann at Louisville or not...probably because I never asked if he was or not...but you gotta love the guy's spirit. They even do occasional radio broadcasts of IPFW softball. Are ya reading this, Mr. Jurich?

Jeff and I stand ready to handle the play-by-play and color commentary duties. We haven't decided just who would do which and it probably wouldn't matter...two babbling guys who are going to go off on random tangents and things unrelated to softball or sports would well be worth a listen.

Speaking of...we're on the radio this morning at 11. Crescent Hill Radio, along with outfield hooligan Jenny. We'll see just how far her taunts get here over the internet airwaves...

Join us, won't you? Either live or archived on the heavenly Soundcloud.  

LINK BELOW:

THREE REASONS TO ACCESS THE INTERNET


<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

I've gotten several inquiries from folks on whether anyone can beat  ORB today in the Preakness at Pimlico. My answer? Not unless they've cloned Secretariat and have entered "BIG RED II" in the race. Sonja is in full agreement.

Since ORB will probably go off as the odds-on favorite, there won't be a lot of money to be made there. We're going to try a Pick 4 earlier in the card that ends with the Preakness. Looking for some prices in the first three and a "single" with ORB in the final leg.

IF pressed for a possible upset special in the Preakness Stakes, I'll offer either GOLDENCENTS..who will force the early pace and probably try to wire the field, or ITSMYLUCKYDAY, a horse I absolutely loved when he was a 2 yr. old and has still got me waiting for that one huge triumph.

Sonja says that beating ORB is liking pitching a no-hitter against the Louisville softball team. Improbable, highly unlikely but not impossible. She loves OPTIMIZER in a earlier race on the card today in Maryland and will be backing that one fairly significantly.

Happy Preakness!

-Paulie

--

Friday Cardinal Couple -- Cards hope third time is charm

FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Softball faces IPFW in Louisville NCAA Regional

-Three named to NFCA All-Great Lakes Region team

-Cameron Newbauer named Belmont head coach


Julie Hermann was fond of speaking about a sense of urgency around the UofL campus when it came to sports. Sandy Pearsall is a firm believer of taking games one at a time. So, can you combine urgency and systematic approaches when it comes to advancing in the NCAA softball tournament?

For Louisville, hopefully the answer will be yes. The Cards begin their quest to get to the WCWS (Women's College World Series) tonight when they take on the Mastadons of Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne at 7:30 p.m. in Ulmer Stadium.

The regional also represents the third title that the Cards will try for in the 2013 season. Louisville appeared to be in the driver's seat for the BIG EAST regular season crown...but a rough weekend in South Bend to end the regular season left the Cards in third place in the regular season standings. UofL came into the BIG EAST Tournament in Tampa, FL last weekend looking for redemption and blasted Syracuse over into the Gulf of Mexico briny deep with a 12-3 shellacking. The homestanding Bulls thwarted the Cards chances of getting to the title game, though...blanking the Louisville bats in a 3-0 win en route to the BIG EAST Tournament title.

Round three approaches. The Louisville lineup, filled with powerful hitters from leadoff to ninth batter, will look to bombard Brandeis Avenue behind the left field fence as they try to advance to a 2 p.m. semifinal date Saturday.

If you're sitting out on the grassy knoll behind the outfield, a hard hat or motion sensing device might not be a bad idea. Louisville led the BIG EAST in home runs and with fence swingers Maggie Ruckenbrod, Alicja Wolny, Taner Fowler, Katelyn "Mannie" Mann and Katie Keller capable of saying goodbye to Mr. Spalding at any time...the Mastadons might need radar tracking devices to keep sight of the flights and the Cardinals' ability to clear the bags.

UAB and UCLA start it off at 5 p.m. Louisville is offering a free shuttle bus from Papa John's Stadium to Ulmer Stadium for fans from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m....in case you're looking to avoid the $5 parking fee closer to the stadium.

See you at Ulmer.

><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>

Alicja Wolny and Katie Keller were named to the NFCA All-Great Lakes Region First Team yesterday and Maggie Ruckenbrod received second team honors.

What Louisville and its' vicinity to the Great Lakes have in common is anyone's guess...but it's still quite a huge honor for these three softball Cards.

ALICJA WOLNY, a senior from El Dorado Hills, CA., was also selected for the first team last year. She's been a four-year starter and four-year member of the All-BIG EAST Conference team. Wolny led the Cards with a .417 batting average and had 10 home runs, 52 RBI's and scored 39 runs. If Katy Perry had been a Cardinal Softball season ticket holder, Wolny probably would have batted .600 and had 30 fence clearers. The steady first baseman for the Cards is also the team leader when it comes to advice, confidence and style.

KATIE KELLER, a junior second baseman from Livermore, CA. is also a two-time All-Great Lakes Region selection. She hit for .412 in 2013 and set a school single season record with 54 RBI's. Her 12 home runs led Louisville this season and she was selected as the USA Softball National Player of the Week this year as well. "Killer" Keller also plays a mean second base defensively and it's also reported that the Louisville International Airport air controllers have requested that special tracking devices get implanted in the softballs when Keller comes to bat....so they can identify the moon shots and not get them confused with meteors...

MAGGIE RUCKENBROD, a junior hailing from St. Louis, MO. is batting .349 in 57 games and has seven home runs, 40 RBI's and 35 hits. "Large Marge" also knows a thing or two about catching and baserunners who think about stealing on her usually regret the decision if they attempt it. She has thrown out 15 thieves this season and picked off 10 slow-to-react base dwellers. She holds the school record for season and career pick off and stealers retired. We're not sure if it's true or not, but it is rumored that the Louisville Metro Police Department anxiously awaits her graduation so  they can add her to the Crime Prevention Unit. No one steals when Large Marge is around.

In this columnist opinion, center fielder Jordan Trimble should have been the fourth Card to receive NFCA All-Great Lakes Region honors. She's a prime-time, tournament star...however and you can expect her to rattle some fences and shake the confidence of a few pitchers over the weekend.

Congratulations to our Softball stars!! Keep it up, ladies.

Readers, please try to get out to Ulmer tonight and this weekend to cheer on your softball Cards. One of the most common themes I've run into when talking to these incredible ladies that make up the UofL Softball team is the joy, excitement and delight they feel when they see the seats and outfield watching areas packed with red-clad fans.

You help them be what they are.

Make them great this weekend.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


Louisville assistant women's basketball coach Cameron Newbauer is headed to Belmont.

No, not the third leg of horse racing's triple crown. The university in Nashville, Tennessee. As the head coach.

Cam was a Louisville assistant for one year under Jeff Walz before taking the plunge and accepting the head position at Belmont University.

Cam is a rising, young star of women's college basketball coaches. He was instrumental in getting the University of Louisville women's basketball team to the National Championship game in 2013. His knowledge of skills, defense and fundamentals were a great help to the Cards in his one season here.

Another success story springs from the coaching tree that is Jeff Walz. We figured his time here at UofL was limited, at best....a man with so much talent and expertise doesn't stay un-recruited and ignored for long.

The wheels got into motion when Belmont head coach Brittney Ezell resigned April 28th. after three seasons to take the East Tennessee State head coaching job. Newbauer was an obvious choice and accpeted yesterday. A press conference is scheduled for Monday.

We have a feeling it's not the last stop on Cam's rise to head coaching. Recognition of talent and skill is always rewarded.

We wish Cam the best of luck with Belmont...he was always a great interview and know he'll be successful in this...his first head coaching opportunity.  



-Paulie


--