Do or Die for Softball -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Cards on Life Support Entering Final Week of Regular Season

Paulie broke down what was another loss for Louisville softball in Monday's column, something that has been an unfortunate topic for the last few weeks. After a 13-2 start to the season, the Cards have gone 13-21 since then. At 26-23, Louisville is most certainly not going to make the NCAA Tournament. unless they win the ACC Tournament, and that is contingent on whether they get in the conference get-together in  Durham later this week. 

ACC play has been brutal for the Cards. Games against #5 Duke, #15 Virginia Tech, #16 Florida State, and #21 Clemson have been rough.  Louisville went 3-9 in those match-ups. Six of those losses came by two runs or less or went to extra innings. Overall, Louisville is 10-12 in games that are decided by two runs or less or go to extra innings. Win those close games and you're 38-11 and in prime shape for postseason play and even a Top 25 ranking.

Following last weekend's events, the Cards sit at 7-14 in conference play. This mark puts them in a three-way tie for ninth with Syracuse and Boston College. The Cards and Orange did not play this season but we will see a UofL vs BC match-up this coming weekend.

So, what's at stake? A chance to play in the ACC Tournament. Two or more wins locks in a conference tournament berth while two or more losses puts things in jeopardy. Syracuse plays Florida State so best case scenario ends with the Seminoles sweeping the Orange.

If Louisville loses the series to Boston College and Syracuse wins enough games to finish ahead of Louisville then we will see the Cards finish 11th (or 12th depending on how Pitt does) and not make the ACC Tournament, effectively ending the season.

Louisville could also sweep Boston College and jump up to eighth place, a game ahead of Notre Dame, who has concluded the regular season a week early. But most importantly, the Cards just need to find a way to beat out at least Syracuse or Boston College. A trip to the ACC Tournament at least gives Louisville a chance to win the tournament and earn an automatic trip to the NCAA Tournament. With how many times the Cards have been in a close battle with top teams, it's not impossible to see them make a run. 

We will preview the series at it gets closer.

Happy Tuesday and Go Cards!

Jared

Clemson takes series against Louisville Softball with Sunday Win -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 TIGERS ROAR IN SUNDAY SERIES FINALE 11-5

Not a lot to smile about in the Sunday series finale with Clemson at Ulmer Stadiun if you are a Cards fan..., except for the nice, sunny weather and clear skies. Louisville Softball saw the Clemson bats finally awaken and they took it out on Louisville pitching with 11 runs and 11 hits in the 11-5 win. 

The action did't get started until the second inning, after a scorless fiirst inning. .Clemson used a walk and a single to plate a run on the Cards, all,with two outs already recorded in the inning.. Meanwhile ,in the home half of the inning, UofL was retired 1-2-3 for the second time in a row

It looked like the Cards might escape the top of the third without any serious damage, recording two outs iand allowing the Tigers just a single, but Clemson responded with  four more hits... and a Cards fielding error allowed the visitors to put up four runs and grab a 5-0 lead. They were able to chase Cards starter Alyssa Zabala from the circle. and Gabby Holloway was broight into the circle to finally stop the Tigers attack. 

Louisville got a run back in the bottom of the third on a Clemson error and Cardinals single, but UofL only managed one hit on Clemson starter Reagan Spencer. It was 5-1 and the Cards needed to put on a hitting show like they did on Saurday, But, neither team could plate a run in the fourth or fifth innngs...the Cards leaving two on base in the bottom of the fifth.. 

Both teams exploded in the sixth. Clemson used three hits and a three-run home run to add six more runs and threaten Louisville with a run rule end to the game, Sam Booe was the unfortunae victim in the circle to receive the Clemson hitting attack. Louisville did respond with four runs in the home half of the inning to make it 11-5, but that effectively ended the scoring for each team 

A tough loss in front off a huge Cards crowd to lose the series 1-2 to Clemson.and drop the Cards overall record to 26-23.

Louisville returns to action Derby weekend with three up at Boston College to end the regular season..The ACC Softball Tournament  begins May 8th.  

PHOTOS BY JARED ANDERSON

paulie

.   

Softball Evens the Series - Sunday Cardinal Couple

Softball Even It Up Against Clemson

Senior Day honors, parents of seniors
throwing out the ceremonial first
pitches to their senior daughters

The Softball Cards, on Senior Day, first honored a whopping eight players: Gabby Holloway, Mia Forsythe, Vanessa Miller, Daisy Hess, Bailee Richardson, Riley Frizell, Paige Geraghty, and Kiley Goff; before taking to the field and defeating 21st ranked Clemson.  The departures will, without a doubt, provide fodder for these pages in the future about how Louisville will replace their talent and capabilities for the 2025 season, but for now we'll enjoy their time remaining with this team.

Paige Geraghty patrolling left field

The Cards did go on to defeat the Tigers, though as is UofL wont, it was with scoring late in the game.  Gabby Holloway took the circle to start with and pitched three complete scoreless innings, she did come out to start the 4th inning, but after a double by Valerie Cagle, was lifted for Brooke Gray.  Gray got the three outs in the inning, but Cagle did make her way around the bases in the process.  Gray then came out for the 5th inning, and after allowing a walk and two hits that resulted in a Clemson run, got the hook for Sam Booe.  Booe did allow a run in the 6th, but was allowed to finish out the game and did so with solid results.

Brooke Gray in the circle

The Cards got their scoring going in the 5th inning, with a five run inning.  Maddi Grant led off the inning and reached on an error, Kiley Goff was next up and also reached on an error.  Just calling this "an error", doesn't really do it justice.  Goff bunted, and probably would've been out at first, but the ball sailed by the fielder at first and out deep into right field foul territory.  It was enough that Grant was able to score, as well as Goff!  Jared, partly in honor of Goff's Senior Day wanted to score it as an inside the park home run bunt, but it was clearly an error.

"Pickle" Winkler rounding 3rd with
fierce determination

With the bases clear again, Daisy Hess singled, Chelsea Mack drew a walk, and Riley Frizell singled.  With the single though, Hess scored, and Mack got to third.  A throwing error trying to catch Mack allowed her to then score as well, meanwhile, in all of this madness, Frizell advanced to third.  Frizell would eventually cross the plate on a Paige Geraghty single, tallying five for the inning.

UofL would tack on one more in the 6th inning.  With two outs Daisy Hess doubled to left, and Chelsea Mack singled, getting the speedy Hess around to home.

Sam Booe finishing things out

Clemson would have no answer in the top of the 7th and the Cards would celebrate their Senior Day victory.  Jared, in addition to great photos, got audio and video with Daisy Hess and Sam Booe after the game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxJ2lIEHVn8

The Cards will play the series-deciding game against Clemson today at noon.  As typical for UofL hosted events, video is available, on ACC Network Extra.

 

(Photos by Jared Anderson)

Swim & Dive Quick Hits

 

Congratulations to Kim Herkle for winning the 200 meter IM in the German Championships.  Yes, of course, Herkle is German, she hails from Stuttgart Germany.

 

But then, Else Praasterink is competing in platform diving at the American Cup...and she's from the Netherlands, go figure.

 

Regardless, congratulations and good luck respectively.

 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

Case, Paulie, and myself for the the CCRHP call yesterday.  It was a good discussion, I think.  Mostly focused on Lacrosse's end of season and what the future holds there, as well as a bit of lamenting on Softball's Friday result.  We did get some indirect input from Jared as well, so check it out.

 

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cardinal-couple/episodes/Lacrosse-Season-Ends-Softball-Slumps-e2iv029 

-- JMcA

Cards Drop Series Opener; Ulrich Keeps Dominating -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Softball Can't Close Out Tigers in 6-5 Loss

Louisville softball held a 1-0 lead for four innings before surrendering that lead in the fifth. They scored four runs in the bottom half to take a 5-3 lead into the final frame. Unfortunately, visiting Clemson (ranked 22/21) added another three spot in the seventh which the Cards couldn't answer. Louisville fell 6-5 in the last home series opener of the season.

Alyssa Zabala got the start in this one and it looked like things might get sideways quickly. A single opened the game and a walk put two on. Zabala and the defense got out of the jam with an infield popup and a double play, though, and the offense went to work. Daisy Hess popped up to start, but Chelsea Mack beat out an infield single. Frizell grounded to short, but Mack was again too fast for the Clemson defense, who didn't even try to get her at second. Bailey Richardson made that pay off with a double down the line (confirmed fair on review) to give Louisville a 1-0 lead. 

Clemson won a challenge to open the second, getting an out call at first overturned, but Zabala got the next three batters out on just eight pitches. The Cards put two on base with singles from Katie Thatcher and Maddi Grant, but couldn't add to their lead. The third inning saw Clemson put together a massive threat, loading the bases with nobody out. Their third hit came on what was likely a sacrifice bunt attempt, but the Cards couldn't get the out. Again, Zabala and the defense buckled down with a three pitch strikeout and another double play, but their luck appeared to be wearing down.

The Cards and Tigers traded 1-2-3 sides in the bottom of the third and top of the fourth, but Thatcher's second single of the day prevented a third straight 1-2-3 offensive effort. The top of the fifth got off to about as rocky a start as possible. Zabala threw six pitches, none were swung on, and the Tigers loaded the bases. HBPs bookended a four-pitch walk, but Coach Holly Aprile decided to ride her ace. A foul out to left acted as a sac fly to tie the game, but it looked like the Cards might escape with minimal damage after a flyout gave Clemson two outs. A double ended that hope and scored a pair to make it 3-1. 

Louisville's offense responded in the bottom half, though, with Goff singling to open the side and Hess drawing a walk. Mack laid down a sac bunt, but a fielding error allowed her to reach and scored Goff unearned. Mack stole second to put two in scoring position (Hess also advanced on the error), and Frizell singled to score one. Pickle Winkler was called on to pinch run, and she stole second to put two in scoring position once more. Richardson hit a grounder to short, but it was sharply hit and Mack was out at home. On the throw, Winkler and Richardson both advanced, so the Cards had two in scoring position for the third straight at-bat. Vanessa Miller finally took advantage, singling down the line to score the pair and give Louisville the lead back at 5-3. A pair of fly outs ended the inning. 

After the shaky fifth, Zabala returned to the circle and got four outs, with an error giving Clemson their only runner. Louisville's offensive outburst also came crashing back to earth with a 1-2-3 bottom half. That brought up the seventh, with Louisville holding a 2-run lead and looking for a big upset to open the series. Zabala gave up a full-count walk and a single before striking out a batter to leave two on and one out. Clemson was on their fourth run through the lineup. It's very unclear to me what leads to Aprile's pitching decisions. In this case, Zabala was left in, and a double scored a run and left runners on second and third with one out. The go-ahead run was standing on second. Still, Zabala was left in. An intentional walk loaded the bases to set up a force at any base and increase the chances of a double-play in the infield. A sac fly tied the game and a single to center gave the Tigers the lead. Aprile finally pulled Zabala and Brooke Gray got a fly out to strand two and end the inning. Clemson led 6-5.

Louisville's offense, needing a run with the 2-3-4 batters due up, went down in order on ten pitches and the game was over. Ultimately, Zabala was saddled with a loss she didn't really deserve. Yes, she's the one that gave up the runs, and her final line (9H, 6R [all earned], 4BB, 2K, 2HBP, 101 pitches) isn't pretty, but there were ample opportunities to put in another arm to close this game out. I understand sending Zabala back out to open the seventh after she showed she still had it in the sixth, but banking on her getting out of a fourth major jam at that point was a genuinely bad call. 

In a game that the Cards pretty much needed to win (and had in hand), they instead lost their third straight and moved to 25-22 (6-13). They basically have to win out and have a strong showing in the ACC tournament to get a shout at an at-large bid in the NCAA tourney. They'll get started in game 2 against Clemson today at 1PM. Today is Senior Day, so be sure to get out early if you're wanting to take in the festivities.

Jayden Ulrich Sets New Records

Photo by Taris Smith, Louisville Athletics

After her incredible performances in the indoor season, Jayden Ulrich is back in action at Cardinal Park in the Clark Wood Invitational. Yesterday's events saw Ulrich break her own program record (twice) in shot put with throws of 18.08 and 18.27 meters. The previous record, which Ulrich set earlier this year in Texas, was 18.00m, narrowly beating Emmonnie Henderson's 17.98 from 2017. Yesterday's throw of 18.27m also sets a new high-mark at the event and the venue. Ulrich now holds a top-six throw in the country, and she will be looking to add to her hardware collection this summer. 

Also performing well on the first day of the event was Alessandra Rodriguez, who became the 7th Cardinal woman to break the 2:10 mark in the 800m. Rodriguez beat it by the slimmest of margins, setting a 2:09.99 personal best while earning an event victory. Lucy Fellows came fourth in the invitational long jump with a leap of 6.05m. It's the second time the freshman has exceeded six meters in the event. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

We look to have three on the horn today, as Jared and Daryl are out this week. Neither is running the marathon or the mini, as far as I'm aware, but perhaps they're stuck in perpetual traffic on the wrong side of third street (a perennial nightmare on campus). There aren't a ton of positives from the results of the week, but we'll still bring you the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics. If Jeff's computer woes are finished, you can check out the live stream of the show by going to the Cardinal Couple YouTube page and clicking on the live video. Jeff usually creates that about an hour before the show, which officially starts at 11 AM Eastern. If the live time doesn't work for you, there are plenty of playback options, so be sure to check out whichever is best for you!

Cardinal Couple YouTube: Link

Spotify: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Podcasts: Link

Overcast (free account required): Link

Pocket Casts (free account and app required): Link

RadioPublic: Link

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Softball Hosts Senior Weekend -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Softball Welcomes Clemson for Senior Weekend

Louisville softball will honor eight seniors this weekend as they close out the home season against #21 Clemson. The seniors being recognized are Mia Forsythe, Riley Frizell, Paige Geraghty, Kiley Goff, Daisy Hess, Gabby Holloway, Vanessa Miller, and Bailee Richardson.

Forsythe, Holloway, and Miller all spent their full careers with Louisville. Goff spent a year at Purdue, two at Maryland, and played her senior season with the Cards. Geraghty played two years at Auburn and the last two seasons at Louisville. Frizell played three years at Missouri before joining the Cards this past year. Richardson was at Georgia State for four years before utilizing her COVID-19 eligibility at Louisville. Hess spent three years at Georgia State before spending her final two seasons of eligibility for UofL. Everyone but Hess and Richardson would be able to use a COVID-19 eligibility year next year if they choose.

Taylor Roby also returns to Ulmer Stadium this weekend. One of the best pitcher-hitter combo players that Louisville has ever seen has been a student coach with the Tigers this year. Roby holds the records for career and single season home runs at Louisville. 

Louisville enters the weekend 25-21 overall and 6-12 in the ACC. Their conference record currently places them ninth out of 13 teams. 

Clemson is 31-15 on the year. The Tigers are fourth in the ACC with a 13-8 mark. They hit .298 as a team with six players batting over .300. As a team, Clemson has tallied 375 hits with 51 home runs and 276 runs scored. McKenzie Clark leads the team with a .373 batting average and 53 hits. 

The five pitchers for the Tigers have a collective 2.19 ERA. They have a collective 251 strikeouts to 294 hits allowed. Valerie Cagel is the hurler that has done the most damage to the Cards over her five year career with the Tigers and is 8-5 this year, 

All three games will be aired on ACCNX. Tonight's first pitch is set for 6:00pm.

Happy Friday and Go Cards!

Jared

LAX falls in the ACC tournament 17-9 to 'Cuse -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Hello there readers,  Daryl here this morning as the Bats are in town this week Jared and I switched coverage.

Its Finals week for students, good luck to everyone!

pic from uoflnews.com

Lacrosse

Cards 9,  Syracuse 17

Louisville entered the ACC Tournament at the 9 seed, beating 8 seed Virginia Tech last Sunday and grabbing their first ACC Tournament win in program history.

Falling to the 1 seed Syracuse, 17-8 on Wednesday afternoon. The Cardinals will end the season with an 8-11 (3-7 ACC) record.

With under 9 minutes on the clock in the first quarter the Cards had a 3-2 lead before Syracuse went on a tear and never looked back going on a 6-0 run to end the quarter. Savannah Sweitzer scored 2 goals in that run for the Orange. 

The Cards were down as many as 17-7, scoring the final two goals of the match to make it a 17-9 final. The Orange defense has held its opponent to less than 10 goals in four of its last five games.

Rian Adkins led the team with a career-high three goals and Kylea Dobson added two goals. Allegra Catalano had one goal and one assist while also picking up three ground balls.

photos: Jared Anderson 

As Always, 

Go Cards! 

~Daryl 

LAX to face Syracuse in Quarters --WBB gets "Berry" good commitment -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 LACROSSE GOES AGAINST #1 SEED SYRACUSE TODAY

Louisville Lacrosse moves forward in their journey to advance in the 2024 ACC WLAX Tournament with a 11 a.m. Wednsday quarterfinal match against #1 seed Syracuse. The contest will be shown on the ACC Network, the earliest of four games on the day in Charlotte. 

The #9 seeded Cards advanced to the quarters by going to Blacksburg, VA Monday and knocking off Va. Tech 13-11. 

Syracuse holds a commanding 14-1 record in all-time matchups against the Cards, and handled Lousivville pretty easily earlier this season...22-12...in Syracuse. The Orange have tons of talent and are currently ranked #3 in the latest DI WLAX rankings. At 12-4 on the season, the majority of the Orange's losses came early in the season. They fell to Nortwestern, Maryland, Stony Brook and Boston College. Their conference mark was 8-1, losing only at Boston College, on the final regular season game of the season ...in overtime. 10-11.

 Leading scorers for Syracuse are Emma Tyrrell (50 goals) and Olivia Adamson (44 goals), They outscored opponents 250-157. Eight times, Syracuse held  opponents under 10 goals scored.

Obviously, the Cards have their work cut out for them, if they hope to advance to the semifnals...but Sara Addeche has proven to be a capable and dependale goalkeeper and the Cards can get flurries of offensive scoring from Kokoro Nakazawa (60 goals) and Nicole Perroni  (45 goals), Both were recently named to the All-ACC team. 

We wish out WLAXers the best in Charlotte today and  hope they pull off a  huge upset with a win. 

IMARI BERRY COMMITS TO CARDS WBB

A FIVE STAR PROSPECT AND RANKED #19 with the 2024 recruits, Imari Berry is a huge coup for Jeff Walz and the Louisville WBB squad. Imari (out of Clarksville, TN) had originally commited to Clemson, but, when the Tigers let Amanda Butler go...Berry was released from her commitment  and narrowed it down to Louisville, after eliminating Kentucky and North Carolina. 

Note, it is Clarksville, TN and NOT clarksville, Indiana. I had a reader call me last all excited that a "local" girl was headed to the Cards. i I thugh he was refferring to JordanBender,  but he had thought Berry was aross the river in Indiana's Clarksville. 

Berry and Mackenly Randolph played in the Mcdonald's All-American game back n January and are the 17th and 18th All-Americans signed by Walz in his time at Lousiville. 

As a senior in Clarksville, TN, Berry averaged 23.8 poitns per game a game and eighover six rebounds. her squad went undefeated and was named Tennesee's Gatorade Player of the Year.

She is one of six incomng freshmen to the program.

This is an impressive class for Walz and hopefully one that can make some very important contributions to a returning roster that includes Cochran, Russell, Harris, von Schaik, Curry and Istanbulluoglu...plus redshirt Imafidon.

FINALLY...

Just in case you were having HVL News withdrawls, here' sthe latest on PigTails: 

Hailey Van Lith is focused on making the USA Basketball 3x3 Olympic team this summer and appears to be unworried about where she’ll end up at college next year.

Van Lith is currently taking part in a training camp in Springfield, Massachusetts, and will play in a 3x3 tournament early next week at The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The 22-year-old guard, who played at Louisville and LSU, has experienced success in 3x3 for the U.S. She won a gold medal on the U18 team in 2019 and helped win gold at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup last year. The Paris Games is the second Olympics offering 3x3, after the event debuted in Tokyo in the 2021 Games.

(If the school name doesnt have three initials, I'm not interested)

This might be the photo of the month...

paulie

Louie Awards -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Louisville Louie Awards

Last night was the annual Louie Awards, where Louisville Athletes recognizes various Louisville student-athletes and teams. The awards usually run on a calendar year and not a school year since several spring sports are still in action for a little while longer, so we did see some spring 2023 accomplishments make the list. Spring 2024 accomplishments are not eligible.

Cardinal Cup Award team - Rowing

Female CardsCARE team (community service) - Rowing

Female CardsCARE individual (community service) - Krista Wheeler, Swim and Dive

Highest Senior GPA - Minna Tremonti, Field Hockey

Female Teammate of the Year - Gabby Holloway, Softball

Female Rookie of the Year - Lucy Mehraban, Swim and Dive

Female 2024 UPS Leadership Award - Anna DeBeer, Volleyball

Highest Female GPA team - Soccer, 3.743 Fall 2023

Female Moment of the Year - Taylor Roby single-season home run record with 23, Softball

Female Adidas High Performer Athlete of the Year - Anna DeBeer, Volleyball

Spirit Squad Outstanding Seniors - Makayla Kempf (Ladybirds), Alyssa Freitas (All-Girl Cheer)

There were also several awards dedicated to male athletes, men's teams, and overall awards that went towards male individuals or teams. The Team Moment of the Year was when Louisville football upset then-#10 Notre Dame, which was the second straight season Louisville defeated a top-10 team at home and rushed the field. 

While our time with some players have concluded like Taylor Roby or are almost over like Gabby Holloway, there are plenty of moments to cherish and remember. We also have plenty to look forward to with other players like Anna DeBeer, who will return for a fifth year in the fall, and Lucy Mehraban, who still has three more years of eligibility remaining.

This is always something to look forward to late into the school year to reflect back on how things went. For someone like me, it's cool to see how many events or student-athletes I have seen in person.

Happy Tuesday and Go Cards!

Jared

Lacrosse Advances in ACC Tourney with win over VT -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 

CARDS GO TO ACC QUARTERS WITH 13-11 WIN AT VIRGINIA TECH

The ninth seeded Louisville Lacrosse squad advanced in the ACC Lax Tournament with a well fought and hard earned win over eighth seed host Virginia Tech Sunday afternoon in front of a nationwide ACCN viewership

The Cards were led by Nicole Perroni's four goals in the match, The Cards now head to Charlotte to face #1 seed Syracuse on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

"Nicole was her steady self today." commented Cards head coach Scott Teeter. " She contributed all over the field and made some really big plays when we needed them." 

Louisville jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the first quarter .led by two goals from Kokoro Nakazawa. A close ssecond quarter followed, the Cards losing the quarter 6-5 but taking a 9-8 lead into the halftime locker room . The Cards were never able to really pull away from the homestanding Hokies, but did hold an 11-9 lead after three quarters. 

Virginia Tech narrowed the lead to 11-10 to start the fourth quarter ...but the Cards were not ready to fold like they did in the second half against Duke and Notre Dame in their last couple of regular season games.  Perroni picked up her final goal of the contest in the fourth and was followed in the scoring by Izzy Seikel, to make it 13-10 Cards,advantage. The Hokies did score late for the final of 13-11. 

It was Scott Teeter's first career win in the ACC Lacrosse tournament.  

The Cardinals head coach spoke about the win:: 

"The girls battled for 60 minutes today,They had a response for every one of their mistakes. They were all contributing and supporting each other...which gave us a really great team win"

The win improves the Cards record to 8-10 on the season, Virginia Tech finishes with a 9-9 mark. The win avenges a 14-10 Louisville loss to the Hokies at the L.L.S. during the regular season.  

Kokoro and Negai Nakazawa seemed to have an enthusiastic, "never say die attifude" during early play that quickly spread to the rest of the team. Kokoro ended up with three goals on the day.. The Cards also got a couple of goals from a couple of players we didn't hear much about during the regular season...with Maggie McMahon and  Lauren Figas connecting twice. Also on the board for UofL was Paulie's favorite player...grad student Allegra Catalano and Izzy Seikel

The Cards had a 35-27 shot advantage over the home team and committed just eight turnovers, compared to 15 for Va Tech. 

In other first day ACC LAX action, #7 seed Clemson took down visiting #10 seed Pitt 18-15

Syracuse will be next for the Cards.,The #1 seeded Orange and Cards will face off at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Charlotte. ACC Network will have the coverage. ..A nice win for Louisville on a higher seeded foe's home field, so in some circles, it is being called an upset..I'd just like to think of it a solid win that shows the Cards have improved since season end and hopefully, the trend will continue. 

paulie . 

 

Lacrosse in ACC Tourney today -- Softball drops a double -- Sunday Cardinal Couple

Softball Drops Two

As a website dedicated to bringing you joy and excitement, let me tell you about this programming library that I'm writing in the Python programming language...

(EDITOR NOTE: JEFF DOES NOT KEEP PYHTON'S OR SPEAK TO THEM...JUST SOME EGGHEAD STUFF  REFERENCE THAT WE ARE GUESSING IS PART OF HIS WORK...)  

Oh, right, we're specifically about UofL Women's Sports.  Unfortunately, joy and excitement in the women's sports programs are a little hard to find right now.

Softball was in action yesterday, but the results definitely didn't spark joy.  After a win Friday over North Carolina, with only the bare minimum offense (a pair of home runs) to get the job done, the lack of offense hurt yesterday.

(ravishing Riley !) 

The first game of the day saw UNC get out to an early lead with three runs in 1st inning.  They tacked on another in the 3rd.  The Cards sensing the need to do something, well, another home run by Riley Frizell.  I mean, it was a good weekend for her in the batter's box, but without more offense around her...it's not good.  The Tarheels then finished it off in the bottom of the 6th with five runs, walking it off with the run-rule win, 9-1.

There was more offense in the second game, but still not the small ball play that Holly Aprile is looking for.  Maddi Grant started it off in the 2nd inning with a long ball shot over the fence in right field.

The Cards would add on five more in the 5th, and about the only hint of small ball play that Aprile would see the whole weekend.  Chelsea Mack reached on a bunt, Frizell drew a want, and was replaced on the base paths by the quicker "Pickle" Winkler.  It wouldn't really matter, however, as Vanessa Miller homered to right, scoring the trio.  UofL would tack on two more, both homers again, with Bailee Richardson and Katie Thatcher being the bombers.

Don't get me wrong, I love seeing some light tower power, but for consistent success, teams do really need to be able to play the small ball game.  And, in fact, in this one, with the score 6-0 UofL after five innings, UNC would score seven unanswered in the 6th and 7th innings, again with the walk-off.  And I hate to say it, but the Cards looked more like the Bad News Bears out in the field during that 7th inning.  UNC played well, no disrespect to them, but UofL largely fumbled it away.  HOW MANY TIMES CAN YOU RECALL THE SOFTBALL CARDS GETTING BEAT WITH A SEVEN RUN FINAL TWO INNINGS FROM THE FOE?  I'll wait for your answer .

Softball returns home for a mid-Derby Festival series with Clemson starting Friday at 6pm.

Lacrosse

Let's look for some joy and excitement from Lacrosse, they're in Blacksburg to play Virginia Tech, but this isn't just any old home game for the Hokies.  This is the first round of the ACC Tournament.  Louisville is the 9th seed in the tournament, Virginia Tech is the 8th.

In the earlier matchup between these two teams, Louisville played VT competitively for three quarters of the game.  The Cards won the 1st quarter 4-2, VT came back to tie it at half-time 5-5.  It was the 3rd quarter that sunk the Cards, VT won it 6-2, though the Cards didn't give up, they did tie the 4th quarter, but of course that's not enough when you dug a 4 goal deficit in the 3rd.  VT won 14-10.

The Cards will be looking for revenge, and to advance to the main portion of the tournament at the American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC.  If they beat VT, they will get the "honor" of meeting Syracuse on the 24th.

All games in the ACC Women's Lacrosse tournament will be on the ACC Network linear channel, but of course you can also stream them through the ACC Network Extra streaming setup.

The game today will get underway at noon.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

(jeff and Jared escort Paulie to the broadcast venue) 

Jared, Paulie, and myself gathered to discuss the latest in UofL women's sports on the CCRHP.  Softball and Lacrosse are active, so of course much of the discussion centered on those two sports, but we did get some exciting recruiting and transfer portal news for WBB this week, so we did cover that territory as well.

Unfortunately, we did lose the last couple of minutes as my streaming software crashed for some unknown reason.  Fortunately, it waiting until very near the end to do so, so check out the show below, and apologies for the abrupt ending.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cardinal-couple/episodes/Lacrosse-and-Softball-Struggle-e2im0b6

 

-- 

JMcA

Softball Takes Opener at UNC -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Cards Win Solo Shot Battle 2-1

Louisville entered yesterday's game in a bit of a must win situation. The Cards need to pick up some series victories over the last few weeks of the schedule to be in contention for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. Losing midweek games to teams like EKU doesn't help, but a Friday win over UNC will hopefully get them back on track. The Cards got things started in the first and Alyssa Zabala held on to pick up her 18th win of the year, which leads the league. 

After two quick outs for the Cards in the top of the first, Riley Frizell sent a ball over the wall in straightaway right to give Louisville a 1-0 lead. That may have shaken the UNC starter a tad, as Bailey Richardson and Vanessa Miller both drew walks to follow. A ground out ended the threat, but Frizell's homer turned out to almost be enough in this one. 

Zabala got back-to-back ground outs to start the second, but a single ended her perfect game effort quickly. A foul out at the plate ended the inning. After a ground out to open the top of the second, Maddi Grant followed Frizell with a bomb to right center. That put Louisville up 2-0, which is how the game would stay until the final out. 

The Cards had plenty of chances to extend their lead, and had things gone differently, they'd be kicking themselves for the wasted opportunities. The Cards left at least one runner on in all but two innings. Their biggest chance for more runs came in the fourth, when a ground out left the bases loaded. Coincidentally, UNC's best chance at small ball runs also came in the fourth. A four-pitch walk opened the side, but a fielder's choice and a popup gave UNC two outs with still just the runner on first. Another walk put two on base, but a ground out ended the threat. 

After a ground out and a fly out put Zabala one out away from a complete game shutout, her 1-0 pitch was knocked over the fence in left, putting the tying run at the plate. The at-bat opened with a called strike, and the batter fouled away the next pitch. Down to her last strike, UNC's freshman catcher Raeghan Carlson spoiled four more strikeout pitches with foul offs and drew one ball. Ultimately, Zabala was able to induce a ground out to end the game. Zabala's final line was 2 hits and 1 run (earned) with three walks and two strikeouts. She threw 110 pitches in the complete game. 

Her counterpart, Kenna Raye Dark, also threw a complete game, and somehow managed to do it on fewer pitches. Dark threw 105 en route to 6 hits, 2 runs (both earned), three walks, and two strikeouts. Eerily similar lines for the sophomores. Maddi Grant was the only Cardinal to pick up multiple of those six hits, finishing with a pair. Vanessa Miller drew two walks. 

Louisville will look for a bit more offense today, as they'll wrap the series with a double-header due to forecasted bad weather on Sunday. The first game will get started at 2PM and will air on ACC Network Extra. The second game is scheduled for 4:30, but will start 20-30 minutes after the conclusion of the first if it runs long. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

Happy Thunder Day, Cardinal Fans. While the more virtual nature of the show means that we aren't obligated to cancel the show due to inability to access our studio, a few conflicts will mean there's a small cast on hand. Paulie, Jeff, and Jared will bring you the news and notes of the week, looking at softball's ups-and-downs, the upset bid that wasn't for lacrosse, and big WBB commitments and signings. We'll see if Jeff has streaming sorted out, but if he does, you can check out the live stream of the show by going to the Cardinal Couple YouTube page and clicking on the live video. Jeff usually creates that about an hour before the show, which officially starts at 11 AM Eastern. If the live time doesn't work for you, there are plenty of playback options, so be sure to check out whichever is best for you!

Cardinal Couple YouTube: Link

Spotify: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Podcasts: Link

Overcast (free account required): Link

Pocket Casts (free account and app required): Link

RadioPublic: Link

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Lacrosse Falls to Irish -- Softball Visits North Carolina -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

The famous Daryl Foust at lacrosse

Happy Friday, Cards fans! Daryl took over yesterday so Jared here stepping in today.

Kokoro Nakazawa Scores 100th Career Goal in Loss to Notre Dame

Kokoro Nakazawa scored her 100th career goal and Nicole Perroni extended her scoring streak to 53 straight games, but Louisville lacrosse fell to #3 Notre Dame 23-10.

Eight Cardinals scored in the game with Nakazawa and Maggie McMahon leading the way with two apiece. Reese Whiteman scored her first career goal in the closing seconds of the match.

Notre Dame raced out to a 2-0 lead but the Cards answered with three straight. A 5-1 run give the Irish a 7-4 lead and the teams would trade goals up to halftime with Notre Dame holding a 9-6 edge.

Louisville scored the first two goals of the second half but Notre Dame then went on a 9-0 run. The Cards would scored to bring their deficit back down to single digits at 18-9 but Notre Dame scored five of the final six goals of the match. A majority of the fourth quarter was placed with a running clock.

A B-52 bomber flies over campus in preparation for Thunder Over Louisville

Louisville finishes the regular season 7-10 and has earned the 9-seed in the ACC Tournament. They will visit 8-seed Virginia Tech on Sunday.

There is some question on if players such as Kokoro Nakazawa, Kylea Dobson, and Olivia Toll will utiizie their COVID-19 eligibility and come back or not.

Softball Travels to North Carolina

In desperate need for as many wins as they can get, Louisville softball hits the road for a three-game series against North Carolina. The Cards enter the weekend 24-19 and 5-10 in the ACC. North Carolina is 28-14 and 8-10 in the ACC.

The Tar Heels have run-ruled 10 opponents this year. They do not have any ranked wins due to being swept by both Clemson and Duke. 

UNC hits .357 as a team. They have recorded 393 hits with 38 home runs. North Carolina has outscored opponents 257-134, nearly doubling up opponents.

Alex Coleman is one of four North Carolina players, batting .457. She also has a team-high 65 hits. Isabella Emerling has been provided the power for the Tar Heels, with 13 home runs and 51 rbis.

All three games are slated for ACCNX with tonight's game beginning at 5:00pm.

Women's Basketball Carousel

In the span of about one hour yesterday during rhe middle of lacrosse, women's basketball news around the country was going wild. Here's all that happened in that period:

-Mackenly Randolph officially signed with Louisville. Randolph is the fifth freshman player to physically sign. She was on campus yesterday.

-Eylia Love entered her name in the transfer portal and will be leaving Louisville.

-Rumors were circulating that Maddie Scherr, who formerly played at Oregon and Kentucky, announced she is transferring to TCU.

-Reports broke that former Louisville and LSU player Hailey Van Lith will be transferring to TCU.

-Former Fresno State and Miami player Haley Cavinder announced she will not play at TCU this coming season, as originally planned, and will now play her final year of eligibility at Miami.

-Hanna Cavinder was talked out of retirement by her sister mentioned above and will player her final season at Miami.

Happy Friday and Go Cards!

Jared