Cards Earn Post-Season Honors -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Emina Ekic Named To Best XI Team

Earlier this week, Jared talked about the success that the fall sports teams had throughout this season. Today, I thought I'd give a bit of attention to a couple of players that have received recognition this week as well. One of those players is Emina Ekic. Ekic had a fantastic season, as you may have heard, but it is not just local talking heads that were paying attention. Thursday, she added to her list of accolades when she was named to Top Drawer Soccer's Best XI Third Team. The TDS award is Ekic's second such national award, as she was named as a second team All-American earlier this month. Ekic was joined by Brooklynn Rivers when they were both named to All-Region teams. Ekic unfortunately did not make the finalist cut for the MAC Hermann trophy, but it would be hard to argue that she was not the most valuable player to Louisville's success this year. Everyone should consider making a trip to at least one of her senior season games to see just how critical she is to Louisville's team and how much she stands out on the field.

Aiko Jones Earns All-American Nod

Speaking of players that just stand out, Aiko Jones was honored this week by the AVCA. We've discussed it at length on the site and the radio show, but Jones was forced to step into a much larger role than anticipated and filled it very well. She filled it so well, in fact, that the coaches of the other teams in the country noticed her performance. Louisville is not known as being a "powerhouse" program, and that is especially the case this year, so to have a player stand out enough to make an All-American list is quite significant. Knocking off the number two seed on their home court helps. Jones, of course, is only a red shirt freshman, so her All-American honorable mention is very exciting for her personal future and the future of the program. As the volleyball season comes to a close this weekend, there are sure to be more awards forthcoming. I can't imagine this is the last time we will see Aiko Jones' name on these lists this year, and I'm excited to see how many she can end up on in future years.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

We've officially made it through fall sports season. For you basketball fans, that's great! For us radio hosts, it can make things a little more challenging. Despite that, the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour will still be on the air this weekend. We'll bring you a breakdown of volleyball's season ending loss as well as the scare that basketball experienced in Martin, Tennessee. As always, you can tune into the radio show on 100.9 FM, WCHQ. The show is also available in the WCHQ App, at wchqfm.com, or on Facebook live. Join us at 11AM for the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics.

Until next time, Go Cards!

-CH--