Lacrosse Tonight; Softball Rained Out; Swimming Continues; Tennis Falls -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Lacrosse Hosts VT

Louisville Lacrosse will welcome the Virginia Tech Hokies (man, everyone is playing VT) this evening in L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. If they played in L&N FCU Arena, I think it would be quite the spectacle. That said, there should be plenty of fireworks tonight at the football stadium. Louisville is coming off of their unsuccessful comeback bid against Lindenwood Sunday. That loss dropped the team to 1-3, but they've shown fight in each game. 

Louisville is looking for consistency in their high-powered offense. The Cards have scored at least eight goals in each game and have averaged 11.5 goals per game, but they've come when Louisville had their backs against the wall in many cases, rather than when the Cards could put pressure on the opponents. If the offense can't keep pace today, they'll be playing from behind once more. Virginia Tech is 3-1 on the year, with the loss coming to 3/4 ranked James Madison in the second game of the season. They lost that one 17-5, but they've scored at least 10 in their other three games and have won their last two (over Mercer and Queens [NC]) by 13 goals apiece. 

Attendance at tonight's match is free, as is parking in the Bronze lots F and G. The clear bag policy will be enforced. The match will begin at 6PM and will be carried on ACC Network.

Friday Softball Canceled 

Louisville softball played the rescheduling game as part of the Battle of the Beach yesterday, but it ultimately didn't matter. The forecasted rain came early and it was relentless. Louisville's two games against Bowling Green and Coastal Carolina were both canceled. The Cards will be in action, weather permitting, today starting at 10am against Furman. They'll play Coastal later this afternoon (scheduled for 3:30) and they'll wrap up the weekend against Bowling Green tomorrow morning at 9:30. 

Swimming Holding Third at ACC

Louisville swimming and diving is currently at the ACC Championships and the Cards are doing well. Yesterday saw more podiums for Louisville's aquatic denizens, as Else Praasternik snagged a silver medal and the 400 medley relay team of Paige Hetrick, Ella Welch, Gabi Albiero, and Christiana Regenauer took the bronze. Those medals are added to the medals the Louisville women have already earned this week in the 800 free relay, the 200 free relay, 1m diving, 400 individual medley, 100 fly, and 200 free. Along with the medals, numerous other strong performances have helped Louisville into a solid hold on third. Louisville sits at 841 points, well clear of UNC's 627.5 in fourth place and right on the heels of NC State's 869. Virginia has just about locked up the team victory as they have 1178.5 points entering the final day. 

Events will get underway at 9:30 this morning and will include the 1650 freestyle, the 200 back, 100 free, 200 breast, men's platform diving, and the 400 free relay.

Tennis Drops ACC Opener

Louisville tennis went down to the wire in their ACC opener against Virginia Tech yesterday. The Cards lost 4-3, losing the doubles point with a score of 7-6 (7-3) in both the second and third doubles slots. As the day wore on, the score continued to bounce back and forth, with Louisville tying the match each time VT took the lead. Unfortunately, if you continue to trade wins in an odd numbered event, whoever took the point first will win. Such was the case as the final singles match of the day went to VT, giving them the 4-3 victory. That last match went three sets, extending the day about as long as possible. Louisville's doubles win came from Jamilah Snells and Lillian Mould, who unfortunately both lost their singles point. Singles winners were Allie Grekowski, Berta Miret, and Lika Peresypkina. 

Louisville, who now sits at 4-4 overall, will take on the sixth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers tomorrow starting at noon at Bass-Rudd. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

After an exciting week for Louisville athletics, which as included many ups and downs, we'll once again bring you the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics with the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast. There will be four on the floor in this week's episode, and there's plenty to discuss. As always, you can check out the live stream of the show by going to the Cardinal Couple YouTube page and clicking on the live video. Jeff usually creates that about an hour before the show, which officially starts at 11 AM Eastern. If the live time doesn't work for you, there are plenty of playback options, so be sure to check out whichever is best for you!

Cardinal Couple YouTube: Link

Anchor (podcast host): Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Podcasts: Link

Overcast (free account required): Link

Pocket Casts (free account and app required): Link

RadioPublic: Link

Spotify: Link

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case