Track and Field's Newest National Champion -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Synclair Savage Wins Long Jump

Louisville track and field has a new national champion, as Synclair Savage became the fifth outdoor national champion in program history on Thursday by winning the women's long jump. The redshirt senior has had an incredible season after returning from injury, and she has now capped off her career in the best way possible. Savage has been on a mission late in the season, and her determination and clutch gene were on display Thursday. 

Photo via GoCards

Savage entered the competition seeded in eighth of the 24 participants after she set a program record in the NCAA East Regional two weeks ago. Entering her final attempt at the leap, she stood in fourth. All she did with the last jump was set a new personal best, breaking her own school record, and moved to the top of the list. Her jump of 6.72m (22'-0 3/4") cleared second place by just one inch, though Savage was actually less wind assisted in her jump (+0.7 vs +1.4). The #1 seed had the same advantage as Savage, so her jump was just a heck of an effort. Savage's new PB broke her old program record by three-and-a-quarter inches! A huge congratulations to her for the new hardware. 

Jayden Ulrich had her first attempt at a championship come up a bit short, but she finished fourth in the women's shot put. That result is good for All-American honors, but I'm sure Ulrich will be slightly frustrated to come home one position off the podium for the second year in a row. Ulrich was able to improve on her throws from both the ACC Championships (17.56m) and the East Regional (17.97m), but her 18.26m throw in the NCAA Championship wasn't quite there. She was a quarter of a meter behind third (18.5). In fairness to the competition, Ulrich would have needed an almighty heave to finish better. Ulrich's personal best in the shot put is an 18.66m throw, which would have only been enough to move her up to third, as second was 18.85m and first was a whopping 19.01m. The gold medalist was Mya Lesnar, daughter of the former UFC Champion and WWE wrestler, Brock. 

Louisville currently stands at 4th in the team points, as Savage and Ulrich's results were supported by a 12th-place All-American finish for Ashley Callahan in pole vault and a 24th-place finish in the 3000m steeplechase by Layla Roebke. Roebke had a great season, peaking with a personal best 9:49.08 in the event in the East Regional, but the conditions weren't favorable on Thursday as she came home at 10:14.24. 

Photo via GoCards

The Cards still have Lucy Fellows, who started the heptathlon yesterday, and Jayden Ulrich's second attempt at a championship in discus to go. Ulrich enters the discus throw with the NCAA leading throw this season, so she'll look to stay on top as the competitors work to unseat her. Louisville looks on pace for an incredible team finish, which would be a great way to honor all that everyone on the team has done this season. 

No Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

After Paulie and I returned last week, we hoped to keep the momentum going this week, but unfortunately scheduling hasn't worked in our favor. We'll be off again this week with an eye on returning to the show next week with a larger crew on hand. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Track and Field Qualifiers -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Five Headed to Oregon So Far

With Louisville track and field in Jacksonville for the NCAA regional, they've been having some success heading into the final day of competition. The Cards opened Thursday with a day one qualifier in Synclair Savage. Savage set a program record with her mark in the long jump. It was a good return to the NCAA event after she missed last season due to injury, as Savage broke her own record previously set in 2023. Day one also saw Kiyah Yeast qualify for the 200m quarterfinal sprint. Her 100m opening heat didn't go her way so she has just the one event to focus on today. 

Photo by Mallory Peak, UofL

Competition was suspended due to weather in the afternoon, so the Friday schedule was a little compressed. Friday saw Louisville add four more athletes to their qualification list for the national meet in Oregon, with two of those on the women's side. First up was Ashley Callahan, who shook off the fact that pole vault was suspended in the middle of the event to advance to the outdoor championships for the first time in her career. It is the seventh straight year that Louisville has a had a female representative in the outdoor championship pole vault meet. Callahan was joined in qualification by Jaden Ulrich, who threw a good-enough 58-11.5 shot put effort to finish third in the event. It wasn't her best throw and she'll be disappointed with third in Oregon, but that's where they hand out the medals, so she met her goal of qualifying from regionals. 

Ulrich will be one of quite a few female Cards in action today, as most of the women's events were scheduled for today to begin with. She'll be trying to become Louisville's first athlete to qualify for multiple events in back-to-back seasons since 2017 when she throws discus this afternoon. Also competing today are Sophia Day and Sharvari Parulekar in the triple jump, Soledad Jean in the high jump, Layla Roebke in the 3000m Steeplechase, Yeast in the 200m, and Olivia Alessandrini in the 5000m. The field events won't be televised, but starting at 5pm, you can check out ESPN+ for coverage of the track events. 

CCHRP Hiatus Continues

As I mentioned earlier this week, we're still out for various reasons. It's been an inconsistent May for the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast, but we'll do our best to get back on track starting next week. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Cards Set for NCAA T&F Regionals -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Ten Women Headed to Jacksonville

Louisville women's track and field is coming off a team runner-up finish at the ACC championships, which makes it no surprise that they would send a big contingent to the NCAA Regional meet. This year, the East Region will compete in Jacksonville, FL from May 28 to May 31. The group will, of course, include Jayden Ulrich, who maintains her position on the watchlist for The Bowerman award following conference tournaments. The Bowerman is the top prize in track and field, awarded to the most outstanding male and female athletes each season. Ulrich was the first Cardinal to ever be named to a watchlist earlier this year, and she has held that spot on each subsequent release. 

Ulrich will compete in two events in Jacksonville, which is really no surprise, since she took the gold in both Shot Put and Discus for the ACC. She'll be joined in the Discus event by Jade Whitfield. Two other Cardinals qualified for a pair of events themselves: Kiyah Yeast in the 100m and 200m sprints, and Sophia Day in the Long Jump and Triple Jump. Day will be joined by Synclair Savage and Sharvari Parulekar in those events, respectively. 

Two Cards will also take on the Pole Vault, as Ashley Callahan and Iliana Triantafyllou both qualified. Each other competitor from UofL is a sole entrant in their event as the remainder of the representatives are Olivia Alessandrini (5000m), Layla Roebke (3000m Steeplechase), and Soledad Jean (High Jump). In all, ten Cardinals represent 14 entrants across ten events. Best of luck to all of them as the event gets underway following Memorial Day weekend. 

No CCRHP This Week

Speaking of Memorial Day weekend, we'll take this week off again from the podcast with a return on the schedule for next week. If something changes, we'll let you know. 

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

T&F at Outdoor ACC Championships -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Ulrich Among ACC Champs Again

It has been a strong weekend for Louisville at the ACC Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. So far, the Cards have picked up two gold medals, while also bringing in a heap of other podiums entering the final day of the event. Jayden Ulrich defended her shot put title by winning the event with a throw that bested the remainder of the field by almost a meter. She has a chance to take the double again later today in the women's discus event. Ulrich will have her eyes on the pair of ACC golds as well as strong performances in the national meet in a few weeks. 

The men's team holds the other gold medal so far, with Paul Kallenberg taking the men's decathlon gold and Louisville getting a 1-2 finish with KJ Byrd finishing as the runner up. The men also got podiums in shot put and pole vault to sit in 3rd overall in the competition. 

The women's team is currently first overall. In addition to Ulrich's gold, Louisville has earned silver medals from Ashley Callahan (pole vault), Layla Roebke (3000m steeplechase), and Synclair Savage (long jump). Lucy Fellows finished third in the women's heptathlon, earning a personal best in four of the seven events along the way. Kiyah Yeast will contest two finals today, having earned school records in both the 200m and 100m sprints. She had the second-fastest qualifying time in the 200 and the third-fastest in the 100 in the prelim races.

Louisville will look to hold their lead with discus, high jump, and Yeast's sprints among their top point-scoring opportunities. Events begin at 2PM eastern and can be streamed on ACCNX. 

No Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

The CCRHP will take a brief hiatus over the next two weeks. Hosts are scattered to the wind this week and next week is Memorial Day Weekend. We're looking to return to action on May 31st, but we'll be sure to let you know if things change. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Ulrich Comes Up Just Short -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Jayden Ulrich Finishes 18th in Discus Qualifying

Make no mistake: getting into the Olympics is quite an achievement all on its own. After finishing second at the USATF Trials and advancing to Paris, Jayden Ulrich can add the Rings to her collection of tattoos. Unfortunately, her dream of a medal in 2024 ended yesterday when her throw didn't qualify for the discus final. Ulrich finished 12th in her group, but was 18th of 32 qualifiers overall. Only the top 12 throwers advance. Six of the finalists met the AQ mark of 64 meters, with American Valerie Allman classing the field with a throw of 69.59. The second highest qualifier was a 65.63. 

Ulrich threw a 61.08, and the lowest qualifying throw was a 62.63. The third American in the mix, Veronica Fraley, missed the final by 0.1m, throwing a 62.54. Congratulations again to Jayden and we wish her the best in the coming season!

Another Louisville connection did advance in track and field action, yesterday. DuPont Manual alum Yared Nuguse, who went to Notre Dame, advanced to the semifinal in the Men's 1500m run. In the same conversation as the top rivals for the gold medal, Nuguse had a bit of a scrappy opening heat, having to lean across the line to advance. Good luck to another Kentuckian trying to earn a medal in these Games!

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

We'll have four (probably) in action today. We're without Jared, but we await final word from Daryl as to whether a tree will allow her to participate. We'll discuss the week that has been for UofL, with Olympics, interviews, and more news and notes. 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

Spotify: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Podcasts: Link

Overcast (free account required): Link

Pocket Casts (free account and app required): Link

RadioPublic: Link

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Fall Semester is here! -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Hello and good morning readers, IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER FRIDAY WITH DARYL !!

Let me cover the checklist in my head in regard to the joys and excitements of UofL! 

-New month - Happy August!  Which means, officially a new sports season month and Fall semester. 

-Olympics - If you were a little confused Thursday morning thinking UofL's Jayden Ulrich was competing yesterday afternoon... it wasnt just you.  But it wasn't yesterday!  It is today!  And I have linked the day's events schedule for you as well.  The Group B event can be found on Peacock at 2:20pm 

Olympics - Aug 2 Event Schedule

GOOD LUCK to our Olympic Card today!!!! 

I've said it before and I.ll say it again, bring gymnastics to UofL!   In the meantime, gymnastics fans can look forward to the legend Simone Biles coming to Louisville this fall...

Get tickets here Simone Biles at KFC Yum! Center this fall!

I am currently in my super busy season of onboarding all the new faculty at UofL..  August 1st. is the first day for many salaried employees.   Looking forward to seeing campus thriving again.   There's just something about the fall semester!!    probably because coming back from the holidays for the Spring semester with low frigid temps is not always exactly motivating...  That's why they give us basketball to help us make it through!   

Let's go have a great year, Card Nation!  

As Always,
Go Cards!

~Daryl 

Jayden Ulrich Pre-Olympics Press Conference -- WBB announces season opener -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Happy Wednesday! 

Its Daryl checking in midweek with you... no, the Bats aren't in town, but since I do work on campus it is a perk to be able to pop over to a mid-day press conference every now and then and that's what I did Tuesday for the Louisville Track and Field program, the announcement of the first athlete to represent the Cardinals in the Olympics.

Discus thrower Jayden Ulrich answered media's questions and did a couple throws before practice Tuesday afternoon. 

Q: What was the moment like when you got the call that you made the team? 

Jayden: I was so excited, almost disbelief, but I'm happy I did. All the work I've put in is paying off right now.

Q: How big of a role is being on this team at UofL and getting you here to this point? 

Jayden:  A lot. All of the coaches have truly been helping me, being a transfer student it could be hard in my first year but they made it super easy. Being a part of the Louisville team has been super great.

Q: Did this come as a surprise to you? Was a dream/goal?

 

Jayden:  It's definitely been a longtime dream of mine but Id say its become more realistic these last couple of years its been something ive worked really hard for.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most?

Jayden: Getting out of the country, it's my first time abroad.

O: How are you feeling about Paris?

 

Jayden: Just excited for it.

   

O: Do you have a favorite type of throw? 

Jayden: Whatever is working for me at that time is my favorite.

Q: Do you have any superstitions of gameday rituals to get yourself ready to compete? 

Jayden: Nope, nothing!

Q: A lot of success at the NCAA level, has your preparation for the Olympic games been different at all?

Jayden: No, I really kept the same routine this year. Me and this coaching staff established the mental routine of getting ready for meets and mentally being prepared when im going to bigger championship events and I feel like ive got that down right now so it wont be much different. You could be a great thrower but if you don’t have the confidence or the drive, it’ll get you every time.

Q: What is your focal point physically at tiis time? . 

Jayden: 'Right now I'm working on my ab muscles because they play such a major role.'

Q: Theres so much fanfare that surrounds the Olympics do you think it will take you a few days to adjust?

Jayden: It will probably take the first three days for me to realize that ‘Omg Im really here at the Olympic games, its crazy!’

SPEAKING OF PARIS!!!!   

The UofL Women's basketball program announced on Tuesday afternoon they would be participating in the Aflac Oui-Play Event in Paris. The Cardinals will square off with UCLA on Monday, November 4 at the Adidas Arena in Paris, France. The Cardinals and Bruins will be part of a doubleheader with Southern Cal and Ole Miss to begin the 2024-25 season. Game times for the doubleheader will be 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. ET with the game designations to happen at a later date.

"We are thrilled to announce our participation in the 2nd annual Aflac Oui-Play in Paris, France," said head coach Jeff Walz. "This enriching experience allows our players and fans to immerse themselves in a unique environment, all the while playing in a fiercely competitive game against UCLA to kick off the 2024-25 season."

Grab your passports, Cardinal fans!!

As Always

Go Cards, 

~Daryl 

Jayden Ulrich Headed to 2024 Summer Olympics -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Ulrich is First UofL Track and Field Athlete to Represent United States

Photo by GoCards

The success of Jayden Ulrich continues. Louisville Track and Field's top woman student-athlete is headed to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics. She will compete in the discus throw.

Ulrich is the first woman on Louisville's track and field team to represent Team USA in program history. She is the second woman in program history to compete in the Olympics. Chinwe Okoro, who represented Nigeria in the discus throw in the 2016 Rio Olympics is the first.

In 2024, Ulrich finished NCAA Runner-Up in the women's discus throw. She also won an ACC Championship in the event. The rising senior was named ACC Female Athlete of the Year. 

Photo by GoCards

The women's discus throw will begin on August 2. If she advances to the finals, Ulrich will compete on August 5 at 2:30pm ET. 

Other Louisville track and field athletes to compete in the Olympics in the past include Matt Hughes (Canada - 2016, 2020), Wesley Korir (Kenya - 2016), and Ben Williams (Great Britain - 2020). Former coach Ron Mann was one of the coaches for Team USA in 2008.

NBC will carry the Olympics again this year. You can also stream all events on Peacock. $7.99 to watch every single Olympics event is a pretty solid deal.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared

Summer Debate -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

The year and summer are absolutely flying by as we are closing out the month of June and looking forward to the 4th of July holiday already.   But you know what that means... halfway to Christmas!

Ok ill stop freaking you all out now but the good news is that were less than a month from the Paris summer Olympics and two months from fall sport action.   So let's get into some athletics talk, shall we?

Jared put some predictions out there yesterday for fall sports.  I like the volleyball manifestation!  Paulie was finally able to put out the addition of Amanda Butler to the WBB staff so I am hoping we can bring you some more content on that in the coming weeks as she gets acclimated to the position. And our pal Cortnee Walton is now the Director of Basketball Operations on the womens side. It's good to know the DOBO...

Fresh news out of the Cardinals program

Jayden Ulrich of  UofL Track&Field and Veronica Fraley of  Vandy finish 2-3 in the discus at the 2024 @usatf Olympic Trials with throws of 62.63m (205-5) and 62.54m (205-2), respectively. 

Fraley has already met the Paris Olympic standard (64.50m/211-7).

photo: Louisville Track & Field / XC twitter

But for now... in the spirit of the summer months and off season lets debate a few fun topics, shall we?

Gymnastics is the arguably considered to be the best summer sport in the Olympics.   Followed by volleyball and water polo.  

I've said for years I wish UofL had a a gymnastics team but I don't see that happening in my lifetime.  But what is on my list for this lifetime, is going to Paris.  I seriously looked at some flights to Paris about six weeks ago and it has been on my mind a lot so hopefully one day.  

WNBA jersey/situation are generally not good.   For a few reasons, the WNBA buying experience just isnt great.  Ive ordered a fair share of them over the last few years and between it taking over a year to acquire a Dana Evans jersey after she was drafted a few years back and the quality of the product.. they can sometimes have some cheesy ads and the logos printed are not consistent.  But the Emily Engstler Indiana Fever - Stranger Things edition was the coolest one but still had such missed opportunity.  The logos were heat sealed and the ads were screenprint.   The marketing team missed the opportunity to make the jersey reversible and flipping the logo just like the Upside Down   🙃🙃🙃🙃

There's also this whole issue.   👇👇👇👇

https://justwomenssports.com/reads/wnba-basketball-kelsey-plum-revenue-sharing-pay-gap/

Im looking forward to a holiday break next week, be safe out there and don't forget to put it in reverse, Terry! Put it in reverse, Terry!   👈👈👈👈 Click here

As Always, 
Go Cards

~Daryl 

Ulrich Still Seeking Championship -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Ulrich Places 4th in Shot Put

Jayden Ulrich won't be Louisville's first double national champion, but she'll still have a chance to be the first female Cardinal to place in the top-five in two separate events at the same national championship meet. Ulrich placed fourth in the shot put on Thursday evening with a throw of 17.89m (58'-8 1/2"). Her throw was not a personal best, but even her PB couldn't have touched Jaida Ross from Oregon, who threw 19.57m (64'-2 1/2"). Ross also holds the collegiate record, which she set last month, of 20.01m (65'-7 3/4"). That's a long way to throw a heavy ball. While it wasn't the goal, fourth is still a very impressive finish and earns First-Team All-American honors.

Ulrich will look to defend her spot atop the leaderboard in discus later this evening. That event is scheduled to begin at 5:05pm ET today. 

Natalie Lark also competed Thursday evening, but unfortunately failed to set a height in the women's pole vault. By qualifying for the national meet for the first time in her career, Lark earned an Honorable Mention All-American spot. The junior will look to get back to the event next season. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

It'll be an old school show for you today, as Paulie and Jeff take the (digital) airwaves. With the other three of us out for various reasons (I'd like to be able to talk without pain sometime soon), it will be a return to the basement on the hill and the origins of the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour. Paulie and Jeff will bring you all the joy and excitement of UofL women's athletics that they can find now that we're in the full midst of the summer slump.  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

Spotify: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Podcasts: Link

Overcast (free account required): Link

Pocket Casts (free account and app required): Link

RadioPublic: Link

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Lark, Jean and Ulrich in NCAA Championships -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 CARDS WOMEN'S ATHLETES VYE FOR FIELD EVENTS TITLES

The NCAA  2024 Outdoor Track and Field Chapuonships begin today in Eugene OR and three UofL women's track and field student-athletes will participate in four different events, beginnng Thursday.

Soledan Jean, Payton Ulrich and Natalie Lark are the Cards going for the wins. 

Lark will compete in the pole vault and that event gets under way Thursday night at 9:00 PM ET. She earned her berth with a runner up vault in theA CC Championships. The 4.27m (14 feet) mark she hit  is her personal best. She is seeded 22nd in the NCAA Championships. 

Also on Thursday night, Jayden Ulrich will compete in the first of her two events...the shot put. She is seeded fourth in the qualifiers, after she won in the ACC Championships. Her openng throw was 18.66m (61-2.75) and it was the best of the day among the participants. The shot put throws will begin around 10:45 p.m. 

Two more women's events on Saturday will include Cards Soledad Jean in the high jump and Ulrich's second event...the discus. 

Jean set a personal best in the  NCAA East Regionals with a leap of 1.84m (6.04). She is only the third Cardinals women's track and firld atudent-athlete in history to ever clear six feet. She's seeded 15th for the contest, set to start at 5 p.m. ET. It is her first ever visit to the NCAA Championships. 

Ulrich follows on Saturday in her second event, the discus, She is seeded fuurth in the event...fter win in the  Pacific Coast Invitational and her personal best of 64.29m (210-11)qualified her formthe Championhips

All events can be seen on various outlets of the ESPN network...you can check GoCards for the direct links. 

Best of luck to all our Cardinals participating in Eugene!

paulie

ULRICH COMPLETES THE SWEEP -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE  (finally...)

HEY THERE, HI THERE  AND.. what a crazy Sunday it has been  Storms swept theough the Louisville area and knocked out ol' Paulie's power and internet until this afternoon.  And, no one here could pck me up on the article. I have my own thoughts about that, but I will hold them, Let's look instead, at the continuing journey of Jayden Ulrich. 

The Cards throws specialist won the EAST regional shot put first, to advance to the NCAA Finals. I hope you read the article here detailing that. Then, yesterday, she came in second in the discus up in Lexington, with a hurl of 62.95 m ...or 206-6 feet. Once again, a qualifying throw for her to get her in the NCAA Finals. 

( "E" could do a little tossin, as well...)

The Cards have had a long history of excellent throwers in field events...just off the top of my head I can recall  Emmonnie Henderson,  Radisha Harris, Chinwe Okoro, Khadija Abdullah and d'Ana Mccarty,  just to name a few. But, Ulrich may jut be the best of them all. 

Jere Summers was a favorrite of mine, a few years back and I loved to watch when she threw the discus. She was second all time at UofL in throwing discus distance at UofL but Ulrich's throw beat her best ever by 5 meters! That's almost 17 feet...

Ulrich spent her first two years of college throwing at Indiana University And, was 17th in the NCAA shotput in 2022 and 18th last year at the NCAA Finals for the Hoosiers.  But, this year, she has sprung to like and is throwng so much better as a Cardinals field participant. One consistant is her throws coach. Cory Martin came down to take the assistant throwing coaching duties over this season at UofL, and brought Ulrich with him. 

The Cards have three other women also headed to Oregon for field events.. Soledad Jean in the high jump. Alba Cuns Iglessias in the triple jump and Natalie Lark in the pole vault. 

We wish all our Cardinals field event student athletes the best of luck in Oregon !! 

paulie

Ulrich Looking for Double (Again) -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Jayden Ulrich Trying to Qualify for Two Championship Events

After winning gold in the ACC Championships in both Shot Put and Discus, Jayden Ulrich is looking to sweep both events in the regional qualifiers to try to win two golds at the NCAA Championships. Ulrich got off to a good start with that effort Thursday afternoon, crushing her own personal record and the facility record in the shot put. Her throw of 18.66m (61'-2 3/4") was the fourth-best in the NCAA this season and is the 15th-best in the world (sixth among Americans). Her previous record of 18.27m and the facility record of 18.04m seem small in comparison. That top mark in the East region qualifies her for the nationals in Oregon. 

Image via GoCards

Ulrich's second event, as mentioned, is the discus. That event will go off this afternoon. Ulrich currently holds the top throw in the country. She'll look for a solid throw to solidify her place in the NCAAs, which would make her Louisville's first double-qualifier since 2019. 

Ulrich isn't the only Cardinal advancing on the women's side. After a rain delay pushed pole vault to yesterday morning, Natalie Lark made it six straight years for Louisville having a representative at the NCAAs in women's pole vault. Lark cleared 4.20m (13'-9 1/4") to finish in a tie for ninth. The Cards have five qualifiers across the men's and women's teams so far. Ulrich, Soledad Jean (women's high jump), and Alba Cuns Iglesias (women's triple jump) will look to expand that list today, starting at 1PM.

No Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

With everyone headed their separate ways for the holiday weekend, we'll take this week off from the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast. I'm also out next week, but I believe Jeff will be back, so we'll keep you up to date on the plans as the week comes closer. Read The Cardinal Couple website, though, daily, to keep yourself up on the best in women's sports at UofL coverage. 

Have a great (and safe) Memorial Day Weekend!

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Ulrich Wins Again - Sunday Cardinal Couple

ACC Championship Number 2

As Case mentioned in yesterday's Cardinal Couple article, Jayden Ulrich would be vying for her 2nd ACC Championship of the weekend yesterday in the discus throw, and sure enough, she prevailed and will return to Louisville one of only two UofL athletes to accomplish the double-thowing victories.  Her throw reached a distance of 61.31 meters, or 201 feet and an inch or so.  The previous meet record for the ACC Championships was 60.80 meters, or 199 feet 6 inches making her the first to break the 200 foot distance in the ACC Championship event.

The previous double ACC Champion was Emmonnie Henderson in 2015.  2015 was Henderson's freshman year, which was the year she played basketball, and was an Engineering student at Speed School, and after losing in the Sweet 16 to Dayton, decided to switch sports and take up throwing in track & field.  Not a bad decision, all things considered.

Next up for Ulrich and other track and field athletes, will be the NCAA East Regional event, taking play May 22-25 in Lexington.  Ulrich will qualify along with a few other UofL athletes.  The criteria for inclusion in the regional is to have a Top 48 finish in their event throughout the season.

If I'm reading the data I've found correctly, Louisville athletes will include Rylee Penn in the 1500, Soledad Jean in the High Jump, Natalie Lark, IlianaTriantafyllou, and Paris Bond in the Pole Vault, Ariel Lawrence in the Long Jump, Alba Cuns Iglesias in the Triple Jump, and Lucy Fellows in the Heptathalon.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

A fearsome foursome for the CCRHP yesterday.  We talk a bit of weather, both in atmosphere and space weather, before turning our attention to the rapidly thinning Cardinal sports calendar.  We took some time to honor some award winners around campus, and picked up a few other bits and bobs of news.  Of course we gave the newest ACC Champion, Jayden Ulrich a bit of coverage, and this was recorded before she won her second event yesterday.

Join us as we continue to bring you all things UofL women's sports, even as we start into the summer slump.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cardinal-couple/episodes/Another-ACC-Champion-for-TF-e2jhk0p

-- JMcA

Cards Continue ACC T&F Championships -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Ulrich Earns Shotput Sweep

Jayden Ulrich's list of accomplishments at UofL continues to grow. After taking gold at the ACC Indoor Championships in shot put earlier this year, Ulrich defended her crown by winning the event in the Outdoor Championships yesterday. Her throw (17.95m; 58'-10 3/4") was half an inch shy of being three feet longer than second place. There is some distance to find to break the ACC record, though, as Laura Gerraughty from UNC holds the overall conference record (18.82m in 2003) and the ACC Outdoor Championships record (18.59 in 2006). Only a junior, Ulrich will be looking to chase those numbers down in her senior season next year. 

Photo per UofL Athletics

For now, though, Ulrich has her eyes set on a Louisville first: winning two events at the same ACC Outdoor Championships. Ulrich will compete in the discus throw, which is set for 2pm. Ulrich currently holds the best throw in the country, a scorching 64.29m (210'-11") set on April 11th. That throw is five-and-a-half feet longer than second place. It is almost six meters longer than the next best ACC competitor, Marie Forbes from Clemson. Forbes' best throw of a 58.31m (191'-4") came on April 12th, and it is the 15th best mark in the country. 

Louisville is sitting at 4th in the overall conference standings. They also got good points from Natalie Lark, Lucy Fellows, and Iliana Triantafyllou. Fellows, fourth in heptathlon, and Triantafyllou, fifth in pole vault, both earned Second Team All-ACC marks as freshmen. Lark set a personal best clear on the pole vault, taking second. Her podium gives Louisville five straight years of a Cardinal medaling in pole vault at the outdoor conference championships. 

Not scoring points, but turning in an impressive performance, was Rylee Penn. Penn ran the women's 800m for the first time this season and set the second-fastest time in school history. Somehow, that time wasn't fast enough to advance to the finals. 

Ulrich will be first up for the Cards, as the discus throw kicks off the events of the last day of competition. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

We ought to have four on the floor today as we return from our Derby break. Results may be harder to come by as the calendar isn't quite so packed with events, but we'll still bring you all the news and notes surrounding the joy and excitement of UofL women's athletics. 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

Spotify: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Podcasts: Link

Overcast (free account required): Link

Pocket Casts (free account and app required): Link

RadioPublic: Link

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Cards Drop Series Opener; Ulrich Keeps Dominating -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Softball Can't Close Out Tigers in 6-5 Loss

Louisville softball held a 1-0 lead for four innings before surrendering that lead in the fifth. They scored four runs in the bottom half to take a 5-3 lead into the final frame. Unfortunately, visiting Clemson (ranked 22/21) added another three spot in the seventh which the Cards couldn't answer. Louisville fell 6-5 in the last home series opener of the season.

Alyssa Zabala got the start in this one and it looked like things might get sideways quickly. A single opened the game and a walk put two on. Zabala and the defense got out of the jam with an infield popup and a double play, though, and the offense went to work. Daisy Hess popped up to start, but Chelsea Mack beat out an infield single. Frizell grounded to short, but Mack was again too fast for the Clemson defense, who didn't even try to get her at second. Bailey Richardson made that pay off with a double down the line (confirmed fair on review) to give Louisville a 1-0 lead. 

Clemson won a challenge to open the second, getting an out call at first overturned, but Zabala got the next three batters out on just eight pitches. The Cards put two on base with singles from Katie Thatcher and Maddi Grant, but couldn't add to their lead. The third inning saw Clemson put together a massive threat, loading the bases with nobody out. Their third hit came on what was likely a sacrifice bunt attempt, but the Cards couldn't get the out. Again, Zabala and the defense buckled down with a three pitch strikeout and another double play, but their luck appeared to be wearing down.

The Cards and Tigers traded 1-2-3 sides in the bottom of the third and top of the fourth, but Thatcher's second single of the day prevented a third straight 1-2-3 offensive effort. The top of the fifth got off to about as rocky a start as possible. Zabala threw six pitches, none were swung on, and the Tigers loaded the bases. HBPs bookended a four-pitch walk, but Coach Holly Aprile decided to ride her ace. A foul out to left acted as a sac fly to tie the game, but it looked like the Cards might escape with minimal damage after a flyout gave Clemson two outs. A double ended that hope and scored a pair to make it 3-1. 

Louisville's offense responded in the bottom half, though, with Goff singling to open the side and Hess drawing a walk. Mack laid down a sac bunt, but a fielding error allowed her to reach and scored Goff unearned. Mack stole second to put two in scoring position (Hess also advanced on the error), and Frizell singled to score one. Pickle Winkler was called on to pinch run, and she stole second to put two in scoring position once more. Richardson hit a grounder to short, but it was sharply hit and Mack was out at home. On the throw, Winkler and Richardson both advanced, so the Cards had two in scoring position for the third straight at-bat. Vanessa Miller finally took advantage, singling down the line to score the pair and give Louisville the lead back at 5-3. A pair of fly outs ended the inning. 

After the shaky fifth, Zabala returned to the circle and got four outs, with an error giving Clemson their only runner. Louisville's offensive outburst also came crashing back to earth with a 1-2-3 bottom half. That brought up the seventh, with Louisville holding a 2-run lead and looking for a big upset to open the series. Zabala gave up a full-count walk and a single before striking out a batter to leave two on and one out. Clemson was on their fourth run through the lineup. It's very unclear to me what leads to Aprile's pitching decisions. In this case, Zabala was left in, and a double scored a run and left runners on second and third with one out. The go-ahead run was standing on second. Still, Zabala was left in. An intentional walk loaded the bases to set up a force at any base and increase the chances of a double-play in the infield. A sac fly tied the game and a single to center gave the Tigers the lead. Aprile finally pulled Zabala and Brooke Gray got a fly out to strand two and end the inning. Clemson led 6-5.

Louisville's offense, needing a run with the 2-3-4 batters due up, went down in order on ten pitches and the game was over. Ultimately, Zabala was saddled with a loss she didn't really deserve. Yes, she's the one that gave up the runs, and her final line (9H, 6R [all earned], 4BB, 2K, 2HBP, 101 pitches) isn't pretty, but there were ample opportunities to put in another arm to close this game out. I understand sending Zabala back out to open the seventh after she showed she still had it in the sixth, but banking on her getting out of a fourth major jam at that point was a genuinely bad call. 

In a game that the Cards pretty much needed to win (and had in hand), they instead lost their third straight and moved to 25-22 (6-13). They basically have to win out and have a strong showing in the ACC tournament to get a shout at an at-large bid in the NCAA tourney. They'll get started in game 2 against Clemson today at 1PM. Today is Senior Day, so be sure to get out early if you're wanting to take in the festivities.

Jayden Ulrich Sets New Records

Photo by Taris Smith, Louisville Athletics

After her incredible performances in the indoor season, Jayden Ulrich is back in action at Cardinal Park in the Clark Wood Invitational. Yesterday's events saw Ulrich break her own program record (twice) in shot put with throws of 18.08 and 18.27 meters. The previous record, which Ulrich set earlier this year in Texas, was 18.00m, narrowly beating Emmonnie Henderson's 17.98 from 2017. Yesterday's throw of 18.27m also sets a new high-mark at the event and the venue. Ulrich now holds a top-six throw in the country, and she will be looking to add to her hardware collection this summer. 

Also performing well on the first day of the event was Alessandra Rodriguez, who became the 7th Cardinal woman to break the 2:10 mark in the 800m. Rodriguez beat it by the slimmest of margins, setting a 2:09.99 personal best while earning an event victory. Lucy Fellows came fourth in the invitational long jump with a leap of 6.05m. It's the second time the freshman has exceeded six meters in the event. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

We look to have three on the horn today, as Jared and Daryl are out this week. Neither is running the marathon or the mini, as far as I'm aware, but perhaps they're stuck in perpetual traffic on the wrong side of third street (a perennial nightmare on campus). There aren't a ton of positives from the results of the week, but we'll still bring you the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics. If Jeff's computer woes are finished, 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

Spotify: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Podcasts: Link

Overcast (free account required): Link

Pocket Casts (free account and app required): Link

RadioPublic: Link

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Track and Field Honors; Walz Media Appearance -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Jayden Ulrich Earns Second ACC Award

The ACC announced its weekly awards for track and field performances and Louisville has moved into a rare category this season. The Cards locked out the ACC Field Performers of the Week award with Trey Allen and Jayden Ulrich both earning their second of those honors. They were joined by Cade DeWitt earning his second award of the year, twice being named ACC Male Freshman of the Week. 

Those give Louisville three weekly awards in the same week for the second time this year. Louisville, who is joined by Clemson as the only two schools to have met that mark, is the only school to have done it twice. Clemson very nearly locked out the entire slate in Week 2 of the indoor season, as the women's honors for track and field performer of the week were tied. The Tigers had both honors on the men's side and the Male and Female Freshman of the Week honors. 

Ulrich picked up the honor after setting a new meet record and a new facility record in her shot put win. The throw of 17.52m (57'-5.75") was her farthest of the season. Ulrich's personal best is another 14" beyond that distance, which is incredible to consider. She took bronze in the shot put at both the indoor and outdoor Big Ten Championships last season while with Indiana, and will look to best that performance at the ACC Championships throughout the year.

Walz Set to Preview Syracuse Game

Louisville announced that Coach Jeff Walz will have a media availability today over lunch to preview tomorrow's game against Syracuse. The Orange are ranked #21/22 in the latest poll and remain just 1/2 game behind the Cards in the ACC standings. Syracuse is locked in a three-way tie with Virginia Tech and UNC for second, sitting at 7-2, with NC State 1/2 game behind at 6-2. While we continue to say it's early in the season, tomorrow's games will put the entire conference at the halfway mark. Tomorrow's result in the Yum! Center could go a long way toward deciding the regular season winner when it's all said and done.

Unfortunately, we won't be able to make it out in person, but it will be interesting to get Walz's take on this game ahead of time. While this isn't an abnormal appearance in mid-week, it is becoming clear that people are no longer under the impression that Syracuse is just off to a flukey start. Hearing what Coach Walz has to say about the Orange, who are also just one regular win behind the Cards, will be key to seeing how Louisville will approach this one. The Cards didn't stand up to their previous test against UNC, so we'll look for a better performance in this big game at home. Jared will make sure you get the scoop in tomorrow's preview. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Recent News in CardNation -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Spring Sports Media Day Approaches

If you needed any further confirmation that Louisville's spring sports were just around the corner (after we've been beating you over the head with softball and lacrosse chatter during basketball season, I'm not sure how you could), UofL has announced its spring sports media day for Tuesday, January 23rd. Interestingly, this is the second media day for "spring" sports in as many weeks. This past week, the tennis, swimming, track and field, and rowing programs took part in the first of the season. Next week's media day will feature diving (why they were split, I'm not sure), golf, lacrosse, and softball. As the most available of us during the day, media days are usually covered by Paulie. We're going to do our best to maintain Cardinal Couple's coverage of the joy and excitement of UofL women's athletics, though, and make sure the programs feel our support.

Sam Untiedt Commits to Volleyball

It appears that Louisville's long run of a local libero may soon come to a close. The Cards have one more year with Elena Scott, which we certainly shouldn't take for granted, but after that, it looks like the streak of liberos from Louisville that started when Molly Sauer took over the position from Roxanne McVey in the mid 2010s will end. While there are certainly capable hands learning from Scott and ready to take over, it will be interesting to not see Assumption or Mercy listed as the school for Louisville's star defender.

This news comes as the Cards round out their 2024 class with the addition of Samantha Untiedt, a 5'8" libero from Okabena, Minnesota. Last season saw a load of accolades for Untiedt. She was named to the AAU National All-American team and USA Volleyball named her to the All-Tournament team. With her high school team, she was named to the Minnesota All-State and All-State Academic teams. Associate Head Coach Dan Meske said of Untiedt, "She is an elite backrow player who also has the ability to set..." Sound familiar?

Untiedt will join a crowded, but young, defensive room. With Ceci Rush and Ayden Bartlett graduating, the list of players behind Elena Scott will be three rising sophomores and Untiedt. Her competition for the 2025 starting position will be Kamden Schrand, Jessica Drapp, and Molly Urban. Schrand saw a fair amount of play time in 2023, primarily as a serving specialist. If you wanted to extend the "local" title, Schrand would be the closest to fitting that bill, as she comes from Villa Hills, KY and attended Notre Dame Academy. We may still see other freshmen join that battle going into 2025, so it will be interesting to keep an eye on.

T&F See Continued Success at "Home"

Since everyone in Kentucky wants to hold their events at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, Louisville track and field continues to impress in the venue they're quite comfortable with, since they call it home. This weekend's meet was no different, with the Cards picking up seven victories (five on the women's side), 19 podiums, and 14 personal-bests in the one-day Bellarmine Open yesterday. Louisville also set four meet records. 

Alba Cuns Iglesias had a strong day, winning the long jump and the triple jump. Louisville stood on the top two podium steps of the long jump, with Maya Follmer coming second, and they occupied all three podium spots in the triple jump. The Cards placed four in the top-five of that event, with Sophia Day, Rachel Darden, and Riley Burger coming in second, third, and fifth, respectively. Soledad Jean placed second in the high jump for Louisville, and Natalie Lark and Lydia Stuart set personal bests to place third and fourth in the invitational pole vault.

It wasn't just field events where Louisville was strong. Olivia Jenkins won two events, placing first in the 60m and the 200m sprints. Makenzie Bell came in fourth in the 200m, later claiming first in the 400m. Taylor Boggess stood on the 400m podium with Bell as she placed third in the event.

After Jayden Ulrich was named the ACC Women's Field Athlete of the Week on Tuesday, Louisville took the women's shot put event off this week. Ulrich set a conference-best 15.97m throw in last week's meet. 

In the weight throw, Zoe Yeast was the top performer for Louisville this week, placing third with a 17.32m result. Ajla Basic from WKU won the event with an 18.70m heave. That effort put Basic in a tie for 64th for the best throw in the country this year.

Louisville will host their only true home meet of the indoor season next week when they take part in the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational. Next week's meet is one of four US meets on the World Athletics Indoor Tour, so participation will be high. After that, Louisville will take part in their fourth straight weekend event at the NHSLC when Bellarmine plays host once more. The team will split on that February 2nd date, as they'll also participate in the New Mexico Collegiate Classic 2/2-2/3 in Albuquerque. That event will give them some experience at the venue ahead of the USATF Indoor Championships being held in Albuquerque on the 16th and 17th. Between those two, Louisville will be on the road in BC on the 9th and 10th, presumably as another sighter event for the ACC Indoor Championships in Boston February 22nd-24th. The NCAA Indoor Championships are also in Boston on March 8th and 9th.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

We'll have four in the virtual studio this week, a full house, all things considered. Yesterday's weather in Louisville and the turn back to frigid temperatures have done a good job of keeping our hosts at home and available for the show. We'll talk big Louisville basketball wins and look ahead to the matchups to come. There's also plenty of news to cover, so we should have new issue filling the hour. 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

Images from gocards.com.