Honor for Madison Pickens -- WEDNESDAY CARDINALCOUPLE

 PICKENS NAMED TO SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICAN SQUAD 

We all here locally saw how valuable left-fielder Madison Pickens was to the Louisville softball squad again this season and now the nation is recognizing her as well. 

Pickens was named as a Second Team All-American by Softball America. 

She was already recognized as a NFCA First Team All-Region selection and stood out as one of the top run producers in the country this season. She amassed 74 RBI's on 86 hits for Holly Aprile and UofL this season and, in doing so, set a new UofL record...surpassing Maryssa Becker's 60 RBI's back in 2016. 

The Flowery Branch, GA sophomore blossomed this season and led the Cards in batting average as well...setting a new single season record by batting .467. She also led the squad in slugging percentage (,.777), home runs (11). extra base hits (34) and total bases (146). If all that wasn't enough, she also stole 12 bases and batted .494 in ACC play. 

She was named earlier this month to the ACC All-Tournament Team. 

Pickens is part of a returning nucleus that could pay big dividends for the Cards next season.  Other key student-athletes slated to return (and hopefully the transfer bug stays away or is a bug that adds to the roster instead of depleting from it) are Brooke Gray, Riley Janda, Ava Venturelli, Camryn Lookadoo, Jordan Williams, Katie Thatcher, Taylor Monroe, Jayden Gohs and Madi Reeves.  

These 10, along with others, willt ry to improve upon the Cards stellar 44-14 record and 18-6 ACC mark from the 2026 season.. 

Getting runners around the bases and to home plate has to be on the short list of things Holly Aprile's list of things to improve for 2027. Just three runs scored in the final 14 innings of the season was a disappointing number...and it was against non-top 25 squads Grand Canyon and South Dakota. 

We look forward to the 2027 season at Ulmer. To butcher an old phrase, the Cards shouldn't  suffer from "slim pickings" 

paulie 

Track and Field Wrap Up ACC -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Cards Finish 6th in ACC Championships

There is one sport remaining in action for Louisville women's athletics, and that's track and field. The ACC Championships were here in Louisville over the weekend, but the news was (perhaps understandably) overshadowed by Louisville softball in the NCAA tournament. The Cards demanded attention, though, so let's take a look at some of the success from the weekend. Louisville athletes will be idle (in competition anyway) for a week before the NCAA East Regional begins on Wednesday, May 27th. 

Day one saw the Cards continue their recent pole vaulting success, with KJ Byrd defending his title on the men's side. On the women's side, Ashley Callahan finished with a silver medal. It is the seventh straight season that Louisville women have scored a podium in pole vault at the outdoor conference championships. Nancy Chepleting finished just fifth in the women's 10000m, but her mark was the fourth-fastest in school history and earned her Second Team All-ACC. 

Friday saw a couple of additional gold medals for the Cards. Roman Kuleshov took the top spot in men's long jump, while Lucy Fellows earned the women their first individual title of the weekend. Fellows took home the gold medal in the women's heptathlon. She's the first woman in program history to win the event in the ACC Championships. Just like their recent jumping success, Louisville continued their program tradition of throwing. Kaia Tupu-South finished second in the shot put with a throw of 17.56m, improving her position of third in program history and maintaining a spot among the top-ten in the NCAA this year. 

Louisville's team lead unfortunately unraveled in the final day of competition, as the sprints are not a program strength. While the men added three more golds, the women were unable to reach the top spot on the podium on Saturday. The Cards did earn three podium finishes on the women's side, though, with Alba Cuns Iglesias finishing second in the triple jump, posting the third-best wind-legal jump in school history. Sharvari Parulekar improved from ninth to third in her final jump, giving Louisville two on the podium in the event. Kaia Tupu-South added another silver medal to her collection, when she finished second in the discus throw. 

Louisville's final list of NCAA qualifiers isn't known just yet, but they won't have to travel far for the event regardless. UK hosts the East Region this year, so a quick trip over to Lexington is what awaits the qualifying Cards. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

After the thrill is gone --MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 WITH CARDS SOFTBALL SEASON OVER, WE GO INTO THE VOID FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. 

It was Glenn Frey and Don Henley who wrote the Eagles classic "After The Thrill Is Gone" Although a song about a relationship (or sexual affair) ending...it can easily be about the end of Louisville Softball and Cardinals women's spring sports fading into the hills. 

After TheThrill Is Gone

We will still find things to write about here at Cardinal Couple. We always have... and despite it being just Case and I now. He is a talented and creative writer and I am the old fart that is still doing this. I am no longer allowed to contact or interview Louisville coaches or players...(I envision this "wanted" poster of me hanging in locker rooms and entrances to Cardinals sports venues ) but, we have consistently tried to report on the joy and excitement of UofL women's athletics and remind the new "guard" down there to beware of the old dog on the porch. I do have a following. I know "stuff". 

We'll keep an eye on many things. Transfers and recruiting and prospects. ACC news, too. when it affects what is going on with the Cardinals.

What they fail to realize is that I was there way back in the mid seventies when it was a kinder, gentler and most friendly scenario. The days of the Cards in the Missouri Valley Conference. Before the foibles of internet accounts...and them being hacked and a paranoid staff in Louisville athletics. When you could actually go in and talk to a coach and discuss things that are off-base now. 

I have had some good teachers in journalism and some great writers here. I had a very successful radio show. I've also covered some pretty rough and program changing things. I guess all journalists go through the peaks and valleys of writing. It is encouraging to know that several of the previous coaches still follow me and offer the occasional encouragement or point-of-order corrections, ideas and suggestions. My days of covering events in person are done, and my photographer was bullied into ceasing his relationship with me in order to retain his media pass.  Things aren't always "Brady Bunch" happy and smooth sailing down on Floyd Street, y'all.

But, I am an alumni and continue to cover my school. I will, until the senility or health issues take those abilities away from me. A former, long time reader was surprised to see I was still "at it" with the site and sent me a interesting e-mail. She reminded me about a night at a conference basketball tournament when a certain someone engaged in a bit too much spirits and passed out in my room and on my bed. She told me that that person had recently had a debilitating stroke and she was now in a nursing home. She reminded me that the person was only three years older than me.  

Life is funny sometimes. But, as my daddy used to tell me...do the best you can, and settle for the results or look for a way to improve them. The sun will rise in the morning and you can't please everyone. Maybe try pleasing yourself now and then....you might just like it. 

Softball will regroup and recruit and go through the transfer bruhaha that now envelopes the sport. In watching the NCAA Tournament, it is eye-opening to see the former Cardinals shining on other teams. They have a solid nucleus returning (so far) and a great coach to guide them. A coach I had some great interviews with. Back when I wasn't deemed to be a "persona non-grata" on campus by some, who influenced a lot of others.  

Life is funny sometimes. 

paulie

paulie

Cards eliminated from NCAA Tournament in 4-2 loss to South Dakota -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

COYOTES BOUNCE PAST CARDS IN NCAA SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT. 

And, so, the 2026 Louisville Cardinals softball season comes to a dull thud with their second loss in two days in the NCAA Tournament. South Dakota, the school from Vermillion. South Dakota sent Louisville home with a 4-2 win in the Lincoln regional. For Louisville, another case of where the bats just never got productive . Sun's out, runs out held true for So. Dakota and not UofL Saturday in Nebraska on Saturday.

As usual, I don't choose to talk very much about Cardinals losses. In this one, it was Madi Reeves selected to begin the game in the circle for the Cards, and one has to wonder why Holly Aprile went with her instead of Brooke Gray or Alyssa Zabala in an elimination game. 4-2 on the season...an ERA of almost six runs a game. But, as I have often said here...I'm not paid to coach or make decisions, I just report on what i see. It was Reeves in the circle when the Coyotes scored their three runs, which proved to be enough to win the game.  Zabala came on in relief and kept the Coyotes at bay with them scoring just one runs the rest of the way...but...yeah...good pitch, no hit Cards in this one. 

Louisville took a 1-0 lead in this one....when Easton Lotus Drove home Chelsea Mack. after that, just one more run...in the fourth when Taylor Monroe crossed home plate. 

Louisville left 11 runners on base in the seven innings. No, that isn't a typo. 11 runners. 

Three runs across the plate in two days. The days of Taylor Roby, Jordan McNary, Chelsea Bemis, Maryssa Becker, Megan Hensley and Melissa Roth are gone, gang.

 A team that is 21-35-1 defeats a team that ended 44-14. 

And...maybe that's as good a way to end today's column as any. 

pauli

Cards Drop NCAA Opener 5-1 -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Offense Falters Against GCU

Louisville softball opened their regional round against Grand Canyon yesterday afternoon in Lincoln, but unfortunately, it seems like the offense thought they had a bit more time off. The Cards managed just one run on four hits, three walks and an HBP. The only extra base hit was Madison Pickens's 11th home run of the season, which scored the Cards' only run in the sixth inning. By that point, GCU had already scored four. 

Louisville got off on the wrong foot straight out of the gate, allowing the leadoff batter to reach on an error. That was followed by a single, a productive fly out, and another single to score an unearned run. A fielder's choice would've been the third out, so the double that followed scored another unearned run. Zabala finally got out of the inning after allowing three hits and the error, and the Cards trailed 2-0. Louisville picked up one of their hits and one of their walks in the bottom of the first, but both came with two outs and they left the pair on base.

Zabala looked to have settled in a bit in the second, getting quick outs from the 8th and 9th batters in the GCU lineup, but the leadoff batter stung again with a solo homer to left. That was the only run in the inning, but the Cards trailed 3-0. A 1-2-3 bottom half, including the Cards' 2nd and 3rd strikeouts of the game kept the score as it was. Zabala picked up another two quick outs to open the third, but a double ended her day. Brooke Gray came on in relief and got a fly out to end the threat. The Cards got another single and another walk, but they also got another strikeout and they left two more on base, raising their count to four. 

Gray earned Louisville's first defensive 1-2-3 inning in the top of the fourth, but the Cards responded by doing the same thing in the bottom half. Two more strikeouts raised Louisville's count to six through four innings. Yikes. GCU threatened again in the fifth, with back-to-back singles opening and putting runners on the corners. Gray coaxed a pop-out and then the GCU runner got over aggressive on a fly out. Pickens caught the out in left and threw a rocket to Bri Despines at the plate. The runner was a bit late to leave, and tried to retreat to third, but it was a short pickle. Despines threw to Riley Janda for the out. 

The bottom of the fifth saw the Cards strand two more following two more strikeouts. Can you tell that the Cards would have been much better off if they could put the bat on the ball? A solo homer opened the sixth, and, after a fly out, a double ended Gray's day. Jayden Gohs picked up a strike out and a ground out to end the threat. Pickens' home run came in the bottom of the sixth, matching the GCU run, but the Cards couldn't score any more and the deficit remained three. 

The seventh saw GCU's McCray benefit from an error just like in the first. This time she singled and the error came when she stole second and Despines overthrew the attempt to catch her. McCray advanced to third with no outs. A sacrifice fly scored the run and advanced the other runner. Some base running antics ended the inning after another fly out resulted in a double play. Louisville entered the bottom of the seventh trailing by four with the 8th batter coming up. Ava Venturelli flew out, but Janda walked to turn over the order. Chelsea Mack and Easton Lotus hit back-to-back fly outs to end the game. 

Louisville will return to action in the region's first elimination game this afternoon at 3:30 PM. They'll take on South Dakota, the four-seed. The Coyotes fell 4-1 against Nebraska last night. No video availability is listed, but ESPN+ would be a good bet. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Softball Cards Open against GCU -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 CARDS MUST GO THROUGH GRAND CANYON TO REACH NEBRASKA

OK, most geography scholars would shake their head in disagreement when they read the headline for today's article. Or, ask the following question. "Where are they travelling from to get to Nebraska." 

Fortunately this isn't a geographical website.  We talk UofL women's athletics here and we are talking about the most likely route Louisville Softball will have to follow in their NCAA Championship quest. Grand Canyon University is Louisville's first opponent in the Lincoln Regional and I'd say it a 99% certainty that Nebraska will defeat South Dakota St. to meet the winner of UofL and GCU. 

GCU has an impressive record, no doubt... at 52-8. They are a snake in the tall weeds for the Cards..with the fourth best winning percentage in the last five years in D1 softball at 253-58 (80%).

The Cards didn't get the easiest draw to reach the sweet Sixteen..if they manage to get by GCU..they'll most likely face homestanding Nebraska. Nebraska is #1 in the nation, according to ESPN.com. D1 Softball has Nebraska #2 . Softball America says #2 also. 

The Cards are #24 according to ESPN Softball. D1 Softball says the same. Grand Canyon was in the "also receiving votes" category in the ESPN poll...so maybe the Cards are a slight favorite to get to the field of 32...it's a close one, though, no doubt. 

What are five things UofL has to do to reach the final game of te Nebraska Regional? 

1) Get good pitching. Honestly, Alyssa Zabala has been less than spectacular lately. Brooke Gray has also been hot and cold. Zabala needs to re-find the fire and domination that made her a pitcher to fear back in the early days of her career. Gray needs to return to her unhittable status when she was the best pitcher in the state back in high school at Ballard.  

2) Clear the bases. The Cards have had problems this season with leaving runners on the bags against opponents. Louisville has the base path speed, no doubt, in their lineup...but not always able to get the runner to the plate or get the speed to reach third and to home plate. We hope they can clear the bases tomorrow. 

3) Eliminate the errors. Louisville was not in the top 50 fielding percentage teams in 2026. Grand Canyon snuck in at 48th. Let's hope they perform better in the playoffs. 

4) Powerball. Keep playing powerball. No, we are NOT suggesting the players play the Kentucky lottery games. We'd jut like to see them continue to amass runs like they did in thee regular season. 

5) Runs Cards Runs! This isn't a takeoff on the line for Forrest Gump movie. Louisville was 10th in the nation in runs scored in 2026 . They were second in the ACC, behind Va. Tech and outscored FSU.  We hope Jenny is yelling from the bleachers "Runs Cards Runs" (and they listen.)

4 p.m. game time against GCU. On ESPNU. Case will recap it tomorrow.  

paulie

Kentucky High School Softball Rankings -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 SOUTH WARREN LEADS THE WAY IN KY. SOFTBALL

Since we are approaching the end of college softball season, let's take a look at the local scene here in the state for Softball. 

A look at the top ten in the Commonwealth starts us out at South Warren. The school, which is located in the Bowling Green area, is 35-0 on the season. The Spartans haven't just been playing  smaller schools, either. They defeated Eastern (Louisville) 10-0 and Assumption 15-0. 

Checking in at second is Daviess County. They are at 29-3-1. Not sure how a  game ends up in a tie. My best guess is either rain, darkness or going past some of the kids curfew? 

Filling out the top ten: 

3) Ballard (Louisville) 20-5. 4) Bullitt East 27-4. 5) Mercy (Louisville) 31-3. 6) Henderson County. 7) Trigg County. 8) West Jessamine. 9) South Laurel. 10) Oldham County. 

Local teams in the Louisville area are Assumption, Atherton, Ballard, Bullitt East, Butler, central, christian Academy, Manual, Eastern, Fairdale, Fern Creek, Holy Cross, J-Town, Male, Mercy, Oldham County, PRP, Portland Christian, Sacred Heart, Southern, and Waggener.

paulie    

Former Cards Awarded -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Familiar Names Earn MLV Accolades

The Major League Volleyball season has just wrapped up and former Cardinals have been in the news as part of the league recently. Last week, the league announced their individual awards, and multiple former Louisville players saw themselves on the list. As part of the only team to have multiple players awarded, Elena Scott (of the Indy Ignite) was named the Libero of the Year. Indy also had the league's best setter, middle blocker, and opposite hitter. The top outside hitter came from the Dallas Pulse, but more on that in a moment. The other Cardinal awarded was Aiko Jones (Atlanta Vibe), who was named the Most Inspirational Player. Jones balances her professional playing duties with being an assistant coach for the Bellarmine Knights. 

I said we'd come back to Dallas, and that's because there is more to discuss than just an individual award. Mimi Colyer was named the Outside Hitter of the Year, which isn't what I came to mention. The former Wisconsin Badger led the league in points and kills this season. In both categories, she narrowly beat out her teammate, Sofia Maldonado Diaz. Colyer had 5.08 points/set while Maldonado Diaz was at 4.94. The third place player was all the way back at 4.52. Dallas finished just behind Indy in total points per set (17.97-17.64), and they were far and away the best teams in the league. Grand Rapids was third with 16.47 points/set. 

The number one seed, Indy, was upset by the Omaha Supernovas in the tournament semifinals, though, depriving Louisville fans of a match of the ages for former Cards. Dallas won their semifinal round and defeated Omaha 3-2 in the championship match. It was the first time an expansion team has won in the league's young history, and it was Dallas's first season in play. It was also the first time the championship match has gone to five sets. Sofia Maldonado Diaz earned the upper hand over her teammate in this one, taking home match MVP honors after finishing with 26 kills. She had five in the decisive fifth set. 

It's always exciting to see former Cards continue to succeed in their post-collegiate careers. Congratulations to these (and all others who had a successful season) and good luck to them in the years to come. 

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Scouting the 'Lopes -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 LOUISVILLE SOFTBALL PLAYS FRIDAY AT 4 P.M.

Louisville will open their quest in the NCAA Tournament on Friday when they face Grand Canyon University at 4 p.m. in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Looking at the Antelopes, they went 52-8 overall, one of the best records in D1 softball. Shanon Hays is the head coach at GCU, a position he has held since 2022.  He has established them as a top 25 contender...and has taken the Antelopes to the NCAA Tournament in all four years ofbeing head coach there.  

Hays on the school: 

"GCU is a wonderful university and place to work," Hays said. "Tina and I love living here, and we love what GCU stands for. I'm glad I get the opportunity to coach here for the foreseeable future. I also want to thank President Brian Mueller and (Vice President of Athletics) Jamie Boggs for their vision and support of our program. Their leadership is a key component of why our program has had such great success. They both have a vision of wanting to not just compete for championships at the conference level but for national championships, and that's the kind of place I want to be a part of.

paulie

Cards Softball To Begin NCAA Tournament Against Grand Canyon -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 LOUISVILLE SOFTBALL HEADED TO LINCOLN REGIONAL 

Maybe not the best start one could hope for, but the Cards are in the NCAA Softball Tournament and will get their start against Grand Canyon University. And, some of you are saying...who? 

Grand Canyon University Softball had quite the season...going 52-8 overall and defeating Nevada to win the Mountain West Softball Tournament. They came from the WAC last year and GCU is located in Phoenix, Arizona. They are a private Christian university...

Being in the Lincoln Regional means that the winner of UofL vs GCU is going to have to face the winner of Nebraska vs, South Dakota St. Nebraska is the #4 seed overall in this year's tournament. The GCU squad is nicknamed the Antelopes. 

GCU won their first 25 games of the 2026 season, finally falling to Oklahoma St. Other losses have come to Arizona, Nevada (twice), Arizona St., San Diego St.and UNLV, 

“We’re excited about the opportunity,” Louisville coach Holly Aprile said. “We’re just going to go attack it like we have throughout the whole season here. We’re going to try to run. We’re going to try to hit the ball hard. We’re just going to play hard overall.”

Friday 4 p.m. (EST) is the scheduled start time and the contest will be shown on ESPNU. 

We'll have more on this as the tournament draws closer. 

paulie