Fall Sports Are A "Go" -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

ACC Fall Sports Are A "Go"

We have our answer.  After speculating for weeks on end if we would have a season or not the ACC made their decision yesterday.

All fall sports are happening.

For UofL, this means we will see volleyball, field hockey, women's soccer, women's cross country, men's cross country, men's soccer, and football.

Football and Olympic Sports (basically everything else that isn't football or men's basketball) have separate guidelines and restrictions.

Olympic sports may begin competition on Thursday, Sept. 10.  Any scheduled games and matches prior to that will be cancelled or postponed.

Conference play has been limited to what the NCAA considers the minimum amount of conference games to be permitted: field hockey (6), volleyball (10), m/w soccer (6).  If they choose to play more conference games outside of that it will not count towards the conference record.  Think of it when softball plays other ACC teams in early season tournaments, but those results are counted in the conference standings.

If schools choose to add non-conference games it is entirely up to each school.  Opponents must meet ACC medical standards.

ACC Championships have also been decided as followed: field hockey at Duke (Nov. 5, 6, 8), women's soccer at Wake Forest (Nov 6 & 8; only top four teams qualify), men's soccer at Wake Forest (Nov. 13 & 15; only top four teams qualify), no volleyball championship, which is normal.

Football is receiving an 11-game schedule with a lengthened 10-game conference schedule.  In the past, they played a 12-game schedule with eight conference games.  The sole non-conference game must be against an opponent instate.  Pending the SEC's decision, it's a safe bet that the non-conference game will be the Governor's Cup game against Kentucky.

If fans and media will be allowed at games is still uncertain.  Based of the ACC's announcement yesterday, I believe it will be up to each school to decide.  If media are allowed at games it is hard to see the chance of any type of post-game press conferences with players or coaches, due to the social distancing aspect.

Once we know each team's set schedule we will have plenty to talk about and give previews and predictions.

As long as all members of the teams can stay safe and healthy then I'm down with fall sports.  If we see an issue of COVID-19 outbreaks amount student-athletes or staff then we may need to reevaluate our options.

WNBA Results

The WNBA played three games yesterday.  The first game, which featured no former UofL players, had the Fever taking down the Mercury 106-100

.

In game two, the Liberty squared off against the Wings.  Although the Liberty dropped to 0-2 with the 93-80 loss, we did see some production from the Cards.  Jazmine Jones, who sat out the season opener with a sprained ankle, logged her first professional minutes and scored her first career points on a short-range jumper.

Jaz finished the night with eight points, one rebound, one steal, and two fouls (one technical- questionable call).  Kylee Shook didn't have a hot night, but did pull in a pair of rebounds.

There was a WNBA record, with 10 rookies logging playing time in that game.

The final game of the night was Angel McCoughtry and her new team -- the Las Vegas Aces -- against her old team -- the Atlanta Dream. 

The "dream" turned out to be nightmare for Atlanta. Las Vegas took a 100-70 win. Angel had 12 points and seven rebounds for Las Vegas, who had no trouble in finding scorers against the porous Dream defense. McCoughtry was one of five double figure scorers for Las Vegas, who was led by A'ja Wilson's two points. 

The Aces built a 47-35 first half lead and increased upon that in the final 20 minutes. Both teams are now 1-1 in the young season.

Remember to continue to stay safe and stay healthy.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared