WSOC falls 4-1 to UVA -- FH vs UNC Preview - VB vs. VA: FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL

I wanted to start the day out with some gratitude.  I realized last night that I had been back in the workforce for 1 year after 7 months of being unemployed due to COVID-19...which eliminated all of my positions.  So I wanted to express some thankfulness for that as well as my coworkers with whom I share an office with.    

As the regular season wraps up for the Cards in the fall sports realm,  I am looking forward to the holiday and basketball seasons.  

WOMENS SOCCER

The Cardinals suffered their fourth straight loss on Thursday night vs #2 Virginia 1-4 in Charlottesville. 

UVA scored a goal in the first 90 seconds of play, had 6 shots in the first 15 minutes and poured on 25 shot attempts on the night as Gabby Kouzelos had her work cut out for her in the goal.  She had 8 saves as the UofL defense allowed 4 goals to the Cavs.  The Cards cut the lead to 2-1 after the half when Julia Simon scored in the 70th minute assisted by Emma Hiscock.  UVA would respond to the score with another goal of their own about a minute later.  They pretty much iced it with the final score before the 80th minute.  

UofL didn't record a single corner in this match...  a stat that stood out to me.  As Jared educated us in Thursday's edition, the Cards needed a huge performance to overcome the Cavaliers and make a case for the post season.  That didn't happen and those hopes are dwindling for the UofL women's soccer Cards.

  

FIELD HOCKEY

UofL has another tall order this afternoon with a matchup with the #10 UNC TarHeels in Chapel Hill.  UNC leads the series 10-5.  The two teams met each other three times in the 2020-21 season.  The Cards snapped the TarHeels 47-game win streak in October last year with the TarHeels getting payback in the ACC Championship in November. 

This TarHeels team is coming off a 1-0 win vs Wake Forest.  They were able to score in the 1st quarter and held on to the lead.  The Heels fell to Liberty 0-4 a week ago, a team that the Cards beat 3-1 back on Sept. 12th at Trager.  UNC Senior Erin Matson leads the nation with 18 goals and 44 points.

Bally Sports RSN Affiliates and ACCNX are listed as the broadcast providers. It's a 4 p.m. start in Chapel Hill 

VOLLEYBALL HOSTS VIRGINIA

UVA Volleyball rolls into town today for a match against the #2 VolleyCards in the LNFCU. 

It hasn't been a stellar season for the Cavaliers. They are 8-10 overall and 1-7 in ACC play. It's a rebuilding project in Charlottesville for first year head coach Shannon Wells -- the Cavs fell in straight sets to Miami last time out in Coral Gables. 

You never overlook an opponent and UV has several players who have the potential to give Louisville's defense some concerns.  Brooklyn Borum leads the waay with 157, Grace Turner has 153, Mary Shaffer has produced 148 and Alana Walker completes the list with 107.

As for the Cards, one hopes that their focus and concentration is on the task at hand. One would think dropping a set to Wake at Wake last time out caught their attention. Let's hope the "A" team and Claire the Bear are their usual efficient selves. 

The 500 lb. monster in the room is #4 Pittsburgh, though, who comes to town Sunday. One would hope Louisville comes out sharp, plays smart and takes care of business. It's a Cardinals team that does not appear to get rattled -- let's hope they don't get distracted thinking about Sunday.

ACCNX will provide the feed if you can't attend. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.

I hope you readers are happy and healthy and I want to thank you for your viewership. Be sure to catch the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast at 11 a.m. Saturday, where we'll review the week's action and preview Sunday's events. Click the image at the top of the article for the website and past broadcasts. 

Have a great weekend. Go Cards!  P.S. 21 Days until Basketball tip off :)

~Daryl