Cards Fall at Pitt -- Paradise Jam Begins -- Thanksgiving -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Off You Go ! 


We'll try not too keep you long today as we know most of you have plans with family or friends that involve eating a lot of food.  However, we need to hit a couple Cardinal teams real quick.


Cards Volleyballers Fall at Pitt

As was expected, Louisville Volleyball hit a speed bump to close out the season.  They fell at #2 ranked/#5 RPI Pitt 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-11, 25-12).

The first half looked pretty spectacular for the Cards, who were hoping to ruin Pitt's chances for a perfect ACC season, the first since Georgia Tech accomplished the feat in 2004.

There were over a dozen ties and a half dozen lead changes in the first set as the conference rivals battled it out back-and-forth.  Pitt relied on a 5-1 run just past the midway point of the set to take a multi-point lead and force a Louisville timeout.  The Cards went on their own 5-1 run to take a 21-20  lead, thus causing the Panthers to use a timeout.  The hosts came out of the timeout with a fiery passion to take the first set. Three unforced Louisville errors at the end added to the Pitt momentum.

The second set showed similarities of the first set with 15 ties and five lead changes.  A series of blocks put the Cards up 20-17, sparking a Pitt timeout.  Amaya Tillman recorded one of her career-high 13 blocks after the break, causing a second straight Pitt timeout.  This time, the Cards would not falter, taking the set.

After halftime, Pitt showed why they are a Top Five team.  They dominated both the third and fourth sets, knocking UofL out of their offense and pushing them back on their heels.  Three straight challenges, all ending in favor of the Panthers, drug out the final set.

During the delays and the destruction of the Cards, analyst Katie George and her counterpart on the ACC Network discussed Thanksgiving food and why her 'nana' no longer cooks.

If there was ever a time that comic relief was needed, it was in the final two sets of the match.

Besides Tillman's personal career night there are a few other players with noteworthy accomplishments.  Claire Chaussee led the team with 14 kills.  Tori Dilfer recorded a double-double with 37 assists and 12 digs.  Anna Stevenson continued her hot streak with eight kills and three blocks.  Aiko Jones also pulled off a double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs.

Louisville finishes the regular season 19-9 with a 12-6 conference mark.  That record is good enough to put them in a tie with Florida State for 4th place.

The NCAA Selection Show for volleyball is Sunday at 8:30 p.m.  As we discussed on air Saturday, Louisville should be in the tournament.  The won their final two home matches in straight sets and had a solid showing against a Pitt team that could host through the quarterfinals.  They probably won't be high enough to host but it would be surprising if they do not get in.

Basketball Tips Off in the US Virgin Islands


Paulie gave a good rundown about basketball yesterday as they face UTA, Oklahoma State, and #1 Oregon all in the span of 52 hours in the US Virgin Islands.  Sadly, unless you're willing to drop $29.99 to watch them there will not be a live video.  You can, however, tune in to listen on the radio.

The team enjoyed some time on the beach and on a boat yesterday, per posts by the team, coaches, and players on social media.  Let's hope they wore sunscreen and had water in those hollowed out coconuts!

1 p.m. today is scheduled tip-off and the game will be available on 790 AM Cards Radio WKRD. Download the app and hear it that way also if you're not willing to pay the ransom "Flo" is demanding. The Cards have a better "calling" crew, no doubt in Nick and AJ.  So much for the spirit of "giving" there -- Flo" is taking.

UTA today for UofL and a UTA defense that is fourth in the nation in limiting opponent's shooting percentage. 


Thanksgiving!

Besides a day of being off work, sleeping in, and eating until your pants don't fit there is plenty of meaning behind Thanksgiving- giving thanks and being appreciative for what you have.

For myself, that includes being able to see friends and family and spend time with them.  I'm also thankful that my musical talents have not left me yet.  Grateful for the opportunity to cover all sorts of UofL sports and take pictures at these events, whether outside in the cold and rain, or hot sunny day, or somewhere indoors.

I'm also glad to share the opportunity with these knuckleheads here at Cardinal Couple!

What are YOU thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving and Go Cards!

Jared