Funke Returns -- Duvall to NKU -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Funke Returns

Celene Funke and UofL officially announced that the center fielder would return for a fifth season.  The Carmel, Ind., product saw her senior season cut short to due the outbreak of COVID-19, so she qualified for an extra year.

We have known for some time that Funke was planning to return for another year, but we were waiting on the process of Funke submitting the request to UofL and then the NCAA for clearance of that extra season.

Funke is scheduled to be on a teleconference today with fellow graduated senior Caitlin Ferguson and Louisville Softball head coach Holly Aprile today. Paulie will have the recap tomorrow here at CARDINAL COUPLE

On the decision to return, Funke states:

"I am excited that I will be returning for a fifth year! I would like to thank Coach Holly Aprile, Vince Tyra, the ACC, the NCAA and all other support staff that have made this fifth year possible," Funke released in a virtual letter.  "I am extremely blessed to have the opportunity to play in front of CardNation for one more year."

I think I speak for all of the Cardinal Couple crew when I say that we are thrilled to see her return for one more year!



Duvall Transferring to NKU

Lindsey Duvall announced last night on Instagram (@little_duv5) that she will be continuing her basketball career at Northern Kentucky University.  She announced recently her plans to leave Louisville to further her skills at another university, which Coach Jeff Walz supported the entire way. She later confirmed the transfer to the Norse in a Twitter exchange with Paulie.

"Excited for the next step but thankful for the ones that led me here! #NorseUp," Duvall said.

We are sad to see the Bullitt East product and 2017 Miss Kentucky Basketball leave us, but also wish her the best in her final two years of eligibility. Duvall averaged 23 minutes a game last year for the Cards and 5.2 points per game.

Norse head coach Camryn Whitaker has not released an official statement yet.


SCHEDULING AND A QUESTION FOR YOU

2020-2021 UofL WBB opponents have not been released, but Walz loves to face in-state teams, including four last season, so there is a good chance we may still see Duvall play in person before her career ends.

Most collegiate programs are starting to look at scheduling changes and playing schools in a closer proximity to each other, because of travelling concerns created by the CoronaVirus and also because of decreased revenues.

Pop Quiz: Can you name the four in-state teams UofL played last season?  Two of them were at home and two of them were on the road.

Remember to stay safe!  Gloves and masks can be your ally when used properly.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared