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Monday, April 27, 2015

Cards go 1-1 on Sunday -- Monday Cardinal Couple



DOUBLEHEADER DIVIDED AGAINST B.C.

Louisville Softball managed ten hits against Boston College pitcher Allison Frei in 13 innings yesterday but could only get one runner across the plate in a 1-0, 0-3 split yesterday at Ulmer Stadium.

If you like pitcher's duels, the Cardinal Softball complex on the corner of Floyd and Brandeis was the place to be.

The Cards...looking to stay in the running for a top three finish in the ACC Conference...got a strong performance from staff ace Maryssa Becker in the first game. The Oregon sophomore allowed just three Eagle hits and struck out five to improve her record to 13-5.

As she usually does, Becker helped her own cause at the bat. Jordan McNary, who went three for three in the first game, singled and scored in the bottom of the first. Becker drove her home with a single. The Cards added two more base runners in the inning but did not add to the 1-0 lead.

And that's how it ended...1-0.

In game two, Shelby McCombs took to the circle for Sandy Pearsall's squad and held B.C. in check until the top of third inning. An error, sacrifice bunt, fielder's choice and single gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead. A triple with two outs in the fourth helped Boston College (21-21, 4-14 ACC) push another run across the plate and they added a third score in the sixth inning with two singles and a two-base throwing error by Louisville.

The Cards threatened with runners in scoring position in the first, third and fifth innings but the scoreboard remained at 0 for the home team.

It was Senior Day at the ballpark and pre-game festivities honored Kelsi Jones, Kayla Soles, Brittany Duncan and Whitney Arion. Soles and Arion played all four years at Louisville. Duncan transferred in from Valparaiso after her junior year and Jones joined the Cards after two years at Missouri.

They were a part of 165 wins, two conference tournament titles and three NCAA appearances while wearing the Cardinals uniform.

-- Duncan...the powerful DH who smashed 10 home runs and drew 48 walks as a junior. Plagued by a thumb injury this season...she returned as a starter back on 4.21.15.

-- Soles, who did a bit of everything for the Cards after arriving from New Egypt, NJ...playing five different positions. A 2014 AAC second team selections as well.

-- Arion came in as a freshman and claimed the shortstop position and became the Cards leader in the infield. Always a threat at the plate and flawless on defense.

-- Jones, a transfer from Missouri who led the Cards at bat and handled all the outfield positions during her two years here. She currently leads the ACC in doubles and the Cards in batting average, steals and runs.

These four have a bit of playing to do, still, as they lead the Cards through the remainder of the regular season, conference tournament and, hopefully, an NCAA bid. Four student-athletes who made their mark at Louisville and will be missed after graduation.

The Cards were looking to gain ground yesterday on Notre Dame and UNC who are second and third in the ACC. Those two split in a couple of slugfests yesterday...UNC taking the first game 7-3 and the Irish responding win a 17-9 win in the second game. UNC ended a Notre Dame win streak that went back to March 17th by taking the first contest. UNC retains second behind Florida State with a 16-5 conference mark. Notre Dame sits at 17-6 and the Cards are 14-6.

Louisville returns to the diamond on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. game in Ulmer against in-state rival Western Ky.

paulie
xxxxx

6 comments:

  1. How about Syracuse? The #6 seed in the ACC women's lacrosse tournament wins it by knocking off #1 seed UNC. The Orange beat the #1, #2, and #3 seeds to get their first ever ACC Tournament title.

    How will the affect the Cards getting in the NCAA Tournament as an at-large? Now that UNC, Duke, Virginia, BC, are all in competition for at-large invites?

    It also looks like softball has lost their bats again...round up and swear in a few deputies, Paulie and form a search posse.

    The Real Joe Hill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BC was determined not to get swept by the Softball Cards and got a strong in the circle performance by Frei in both games. Sometimes good pitching can quiet bats.

      Lacrosse remains hopeful they will get an at-large bid. I still think they will. We'll know Derby weekend.

      Paulie

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    2. The women's lacrosse team is 11th and 16th in the polls. They should get an at-early bid, since there are 13 being offered. Remember, though, that this is the NCAA and they have a big dislike for all things Louisville.

      Softball? I guess they hold out hope for a first round bye in the ACC Tournament? How's that structured? Do all 11 schools play?

      Nick O.

      Delete
    3. The top eight teams in win percentage get invited to the torunament that will be held in Blacksburg. BC had motivation yesterday to try and get to eighth.

      Paulie

      Paulie

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  2. Softball needs to stick with Becker on the mound and forget about trying McCombs and Norman unless a game is a blow out. I'm seeing lots of teams that stay with their ace two games in a row and having success with it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. McCombs gave Louisville 5.1 innings and allowed just five hits, three runs but only one of the runs was earned. I'll take that performance any day of the week from a freshman in the circle...

      Paulie

      Delete

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