Louisville women's basketball -- Cards fall to UConn 80-73 -- Softball, Lacrosse and Tennis results -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

LATE SURGE FALLS SHORT IN LOSS TO HUSKIES

It is always hard to write about the last Louisville women's basketball game of the season and it hasn't gotten any easier over the years. It means the Cards have lost. Lost the game, lost the chance to gain a national championship.  The season is over and that a group of seniors have played their last in the Louisville uniforms. 

For the Cards, it was an afternoon where they seldom enjoyed a lead, made a huge run at the end to climb with two with 26 seconds to go but ultimately saw the Huskies go 5-6 from the free throw line to close out the scoring and end the 2018-19 season end for UofL at 32-4. The fourth-most wins in the history of the program but two games short of where they wanted to be.

Losing does suck...to use a term Coach Walz and many others have. Losing to UConn makes it even more "sucky" and, once again, thanks to the NCAA for making it quite easy, convenient and possible for the Huskies to have the advantage in location ,crowd attendance and game-time scheduling.  


This one was a game of runs. The Huskies started out on a 7-0  one to begin the game. Louisville came back with a 9-0 run to take a 16-12 edge and UConn put together a 10-0 run to grab a 22-16 advantage.  All in the first quarter. Connecticut would go on a 11-3 second quarter run in the first five minutes of the second quarter to take a 33-23 lead -- buoyed by the 4-4 three-point shooting of Megan Walker -- then, it was Louisville's turn and a 6-0 run had UofL back within four at 33-29. Arica Carter busted a 8-2 half-ending Connecticut run with a three as the clock ticked down to 17 seconds to make it 41-34 -- your halftime score.

This was a position the Cards were unaccustomed to.  Trailing at the half. The normal early blowout of a foe didn't happen. Asia Durr was struggling to find her shot. The Cards were just 3 for 11 from three-point range and UConn was 9 for 16 from the deep. 

Score. Stop. Score.  The simple but relevant halftime directive from Walz was Louisville's objective in the second half. It kept the Cards hanging around in the third frame and got them within four at 57-53 with a 4-0 run in the final 45 seconds after a Durr steal and layup and Dana Evans steal and layup.

Louisville had momentum. UConn's Katie Lou Samuelson was on the bench with four fouls and one had to love Louisville's chances in the final 10 minutes. Cardnation had hope rekindled and it was shaping up to be one heck of a final quarter.

Back and forth that fourth quarter went. 

64-57 Huskies at the 6:21 mark. Louisville comes back to make it 64-61 after a couple of Durr baskets. Samuelson re-enters and nailed two threes to push UConn to a 74-63 lead and 1:47 on the clock, in the game. These were two heavyweight fighters, standing toe-to-toe in the center of the ring, slugging it out -- giving each other their best shots.

Just when it looked like UConn had Louisville down for the ten count...the Cards fire back with a 10-1 run over the next 1:24 and it's 75-73 UConn after a Carter layup. 26 seconds on the clock. A memorable, incredible rally. A chance, where there wasn't much hope of one a few minutes earlier.  

I'd like to tell you that UofL kept that momentum flowing and regained the lead and took the win. but it would be a cruel April Fool's prank on you if I did, though. 

The Huskies hit the forced free throws and advance to Tampa. 80-73. All five Husky starters in double figures and those starters accounting for all of UConn's 80 points. Katie Lou leading all with 29 points. 

Durr recovering nicely in the final twenty to end with 21 points and nine rebounds. Sam Fuehring having another strong NCAA performance with 15 points and seven grabs. Jazmine Jones providing countless sparks and tallying 10 points and six assists. 

I have to wonder a bit about Kylee Shook seeing no second half court time, but, I've never professed to have any coaching skills and the UConn post weren't stay-at-home-in-the-post types...like the Cards previous two opponents. Could she have helped the Cards 0-4 three-point shooting in the fourth quarter? 

This Louisville squad, these Louisville seniors will live in my -- and I'm sure your -- memory for a very long time. Here's hoping Asia, Arica and Sam go one to compete in the WNBA. To go on and have happy and productive lives and come back to visit the campus often. They leave behind a squad that has promise and a lot of potential excitement for the 2019-2020 season. You can't keep them forever and what these seniors and this unit accomplished here in their time was incredible, record-setting and so much fun to watch and cover. 

Three incredible players, from three different places in the nation and portraying three different personalities came here to help form and lead a nucleus that won't be forgotten anytime soon.  Going into less-than-favorable conditions as a #1 seed in basically the #2 seed's home turf, they fought with their teammates until the clock stopped them from playing. These seniors pass on that competitive spirit, that drive and desire to the underclassmen -- who exhibited a lot of the same this year. 

We can only thank them for what they did, what they brought and how they thrilled us -- as we say....not good-bye... but "we'll see you further on down the road". 

The greatest test of courage is to bear defeat without losing heart. My heart remains with Louisville women's basketball. How about yours? 


THE FRED REPORT

Fred Willard says, "Turn the TV off, I don't want to see
anymore of this." 

FREE THROWS -- They weren't a strong point for the Cards Sunday. 11-17 equals 64.7% and the vast majority (10) were up to Asia. UConn got 20 attempts and made 16. You know the rules, you shoot less than 70%, we can't award a letter.

REBOUNDING -- 42-36 in favor of the Huskies, but UofL did win the offensive boards 12-11. Asia and Sam corralling almost half the Cards grabs. Another case where if you don't win the battle, you don't get a letter 

EFFORT/EXECUTION -- Louisville never quit fighting, despite the rough edges and periods of less-than-perfect execution stages. They had only five turnovers. After the slow shooting start in the first, they shot 23-49 (47%) in the final thirty minutes. we normally see numbers like these equated with a "W" for the Cards. It wasn't a "W", though...so we'll award just a small "e". 

DEFENSE.  The Cards allowed the second-highest point total of the season -- Notre Dame had 82 in their win over UofL -- but Louisville did force 13 turnovers and had nine steals. The killer was the Huskies 14-26 (53.8%) three-point proficiency. I will give the Cards credit for tightening the game up late but can't award a letter after a loss. 

FINAL FRED TALLY OF THE YEAR:   _-_-e-_

So, we shed a few tears and move along. A season to remember. So many fond memories of the 36 games. Three wonderful seniors and the promise of a very talented and deep squad for next year.

Despite the controversies, playing conditions and less-than-satisfying final game...I still enjoyed this season immensely and we'll continue to bring you tons of news and reporting on Louisville WBB here at Cardinal Couple in the off-season.

The future of Cardinal women's basketball still burns brightly, under the direction of one of the best coaches in the nation and I encourage you to be an even bigger part of it next year.  


LACROSSE DROPS A CLOSE ONE TO DELAWARE


At the Louisville Lacrosse Stadium Sunday afternoon, the Cards and Delaware Blue Hens were involved in a close match that was tied late but ultimately ended up in the visitors' favor 9-8. 

A game of runs, as well, in this one...the Cards going up 2-0 early but Delaware going on a 4-0 run to end the first half.

Louisville trailed 5-3 at the half in chilly but clear conditions on Floyd Street and found themselves down 6-3 at the start of the second half, but, thanks in part to some excellent goalkeeping work from Rachel Florek, the Lax girls battled back and forced a 9-8 affair....Caroline Blalock getting the goal with about a minute left in the contest. The Cards could get the equalizer, though, as time expired. 

Florek had 13 saves in the contest and Louisville head Lacrosse coach Scott Teeter commented after the match: 

"If it wasn't for Florek's work in the cage, it definitely could have been worse." 

Ally Hall with the hat-trick in scoring for Teeter's team and Tessa Chad and Blalock added two goals each, as the Cards go to 4-9 on the season. 

Louisville Lax brings UNC into "the Ellis" Saturday , April 5th. for a Senior Day ACC match that'll start at 1 p.m. The Tar Heels are 9-3 after yesterday's 9-7 loss at Notre Dame and are ranked #4 in the nation as of Friday.

We encourage you to come out and cheer on these hard-working LAX women. 


SOFTBALL OUT-SLUGGED IN BLACKSBURG


In the final contest of the three-game series against Virginia Tech yesterday, the UofL Softball squad managed five runs on five hits but it wasn't enough of an offensive output to match the 13 "home plate touches" the Hokies ended up with. 

Falling behind 11-0 after three innings, the Cards did tally four runs in the fourth inning. Doubles by Madison Cousineau and Charley Butler got four Cardinals home, but Louisville couldn't produce enough fire-power to make up the deficit and the Hokies two-run, bottom of the sixth effort ended the contest. 

UofL takes one of the three in Blacksburg and the 22-12, 4-5 Cards come home to face Lipscomb Tuesday, April 2nd, with a 5 p.m. opening pitch planned. Plenty of great softball to be played in Ulmer this year, make sure and be a part of it! 


LOUISVILLE TENNIS  FALLS TO B.C. ON SENIOR DAY

In their final home match of the season and on Senior Day, the Louisville women's tennis team got wins from Raven Neely and Ola Mally, but the Eagles captured the day with a 5-2 overall performance. 

The Cards, won one of the three doubles matches...losing the doubles point there... and four of the six singles matches. 

Louisville women's tennis ends the regular season on the road with four matches in the next 12 days...at Virginia Tech, Virginia, Miami and Florida State. 

*******************************************************************************************


(THANKS TO JARED ANDERSON FOR THE LACROSSE AND TENNIS PHOTOS USED TODAY)


*****************************************************************************************************


Happy April Fools Day and, if you want to prank someone, buy them a package of Oreos but replace the filling with toothpaste...an oldie but goodie pulled on Paulie many moons ago. 


paulie
xxxxx  

Elite Eight Gameday -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Gameday for WBB

OK, let's get right into it...

UConn.

UofL.

Albany, New York.

Noon.

ESPN.

It's the Elite 8 round, and the Cards and Huskies are playing for a Final Four berth.  This isn't news to anyone that's a regular here at Cardinal Couple, of course.

Walz's squad beat UConn for the first time in his tenure earlier in the regular season.  That win, along with their loss before that to Baylor, established that this is a beatable UConn team.  Let's be very clear, though, that they, of course, are still a very good team, one of the best in the NCAA.  The change that is happening in women's basketball is that they are no longer clearly THE best, merely among the best.  Notre Dame, Baylor, UConn, UofL, Mississippi State...and probably a few more, if you're in a generous mood, can all be classified into that grouping.

Have the rest improved?  Or has UConn not kept up it's previous level of excellence?

Yes.  Frankly both of these things have been a trend.

UConn isn't the same quality team that they
used to be...the mediocrity of the AAC, has taken its toll on the Huskies recruiting, I suspect.  That's unfortunate for UConn, but it is the state of things.

On the other side of the equation, let's look at the UofL squads from 2013 and today.  Shoni Schimmel?  Unquestionably a spectacular player, an offensive juggernaut, and dropped some spectacular dimes.  I'll take Asia Durr, though and sacrifice some of the flash, but none of the potency, and add in excellent defense.  What about bigs and power forwards?  Sheronne Vails, Cortnee Walton, and Sara Hammond?  All excellent players, but if you line the 2013 versions of them up against Sam Fuerhing, Biona Dunham, and Kylee Shook?  I'll put my money on the 2019 edition.

Women's basketball is growing and getting better year after year...sometimes it's good to stop and take a look back.  We honor the past players who helped grow the game, and the Louisville program, and set it on a trajectory for current success, and I think most of them, if they took a good hard look at it, would acknowledge that today's players are better than they were then.  I suspect most of them would be happy for that fact as well.  (Now, if we can just get the officiating to measure up to the level of the play, we'd be in even better shape.)

So the matchup today.  You know the characters: Geno Auriemma, with Chris Dailey ever at his side.  The marquee players for UConn: Crystal Dangerfield, Napheesa Collier, and Katie Lou Samuelson.

We even know the TV folks that'll be covering it and their tendencies: Adam Amin, Kara Lawson, Rebecca Lobo, and Holly Rowe.  The crowd will be a predominantly UConn crowd, because you know, heaven forbid the NCAA make UConn ever travel any more than the absolute minimum.

We'll know the outcome in a few hours.  Will the Cards or the Huskies be Tampa bound?  Either way, a very worthy team will be ending their season today.

Softball

Despite the focus on March Madness, there are other women's sporting events going on for UofL.

Softball is tied in their series against #19/20/24 Virginia Tech.  As Case covered yesterday, they did take the game Friday with a 2-run late inning triple by Celene Funke.  The tables turned yesterday, however, with Virginia Tech getting the run-rule victory after 4 1/2 innings, 10-1.  The sole run for the Cards was a solo home run shot to left by Kyra Snyder.

Which way does this one go?  We'll find out today at 1pm.  As with most ACC matchups, you can catch this one on the ACC Network Extra on ESPNs streaming platform.

Where's Jared?

We make light of Jared Anderson seemingly being in multiple places at once as he gets some of the great pictures that you see here on Cardinal Couple.  We're glad he's a part of what we do.  I believe his plans for today are to catch some of Women's Tennis Senior Day celebrations and play.  They'll be honoring Aleksandra "Ola" Mally, and Sena Suswam before their matchup with Boston College at 10am.

After that, will he head over to charge up on some TeeterPower at the Louisville Lacrosse Stadium?  Perhaps.  With Delaware coming to play, the Cards will have a tough non-conference matchup to continue to build their skills.  They get started at noon and can also be watched on the ACC Network Extra.

f you spot Jared somewhere, take a photo of him -- instead of vice versa -- and send it to us at: cardinalcouple@twc.com

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

Another full house at the magnificent WCHQ studios on Mellwood.  Paulie, Case, Jared, Daryl, and
myself, along with a fathead of Jeff Walz's head, were all on the air yesterday.

Obviously we dove into the basketball topic rather heavily, but we also shared a bit about the Volleyball spring match against Kentucky, Softball's successful Friday effort at Virginia Tech, and I got to love on a dog as Pumpkin made a late appearance in the studio as well.

As usual, we had fun and we hope you did, too.  The Facebook Live stream is available at:

https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/2252431191688754/

The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour on Facebook Live 3/30/19

Next week, I'll certainly not be in studio as I plan to check out more volleyball spring play, this time in the morning at OVVC for the KIVA Collegiate Showcase (I think that's the name they give this event every year).

Meanwhile, hopefully Paulie and Daryl will be in Tampa covering women's basketball.  There will be a show as Monk, and probably Pumpkin again, will be there for the engineering duties, and Case and Jared have committed to being there to carry on without us.  There may be phone calls for those of us not in studio.  In any case, we'll still have fun and knowledge provided...so tune in to find out.

-- 

JMcA

Walz presser 3/27/19 -- Softball Takes Down Indiana -- Basketball -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

JEFF WALZ PRESSER FROM TODAY

Full 25 minute audio from Coach Walz's presser. Relax, Card Nation. Jeff Walz is not going anywhere, including Tennessee to coach. 

Walz covered a variety of topics in the presser. 

AUDIO: Jeff Walz presser 3/27/19

If you prefer video and audio, go to the link below but be advised the sound is really low on this one 

              WALZ PRESSER 3/27/19


Cards Take Down Hoosiers

In their second straight victory after a three-game skid Louisville softball downed Indiana 5-2 as  they returned home for a midweek game.  The win was highlighted by home runs by Celene Funke and Taylor Roby.

Funke took the first pitch the Cards saw in the game over the fence in right center, her second of the season and second of her career.

A misplayed ball in left field, factored by the sun, helped the Hoosiers tie the game.  They threatened to add another run by Megan Hensley worked out of the jam.  She also worked through a bases loaded situation in the first inning.

Hensley reached on a fielder's choice and Rebecca Chung singled to put runners on base in third inning.  After subbing in pinch runners Roby took to the batter's box and sent a shot over the left field fence to break an even score.

Indiana joined in on the home run party with a solo shot of their own in the fourth inning.

In the bottom of the sixth, Louisville added an insurance run on a bunt by Kyra Snyder, driving home Caitlin Ferguson.

Hensley (9-1) tossed five innings, allowing two runs on five hits, but earned the win.  Roby came in to close out the final two innings for the save.

Maddy Newman had a team-high two hits while Roby's three rbi's were a game high.

The Cards improve their record to 21-10.  They travel to Blacksburg, VA., to take on a ranked Virginia Tech team this weekend before returning home next Tuesday, and then hosting national champion Florida State the following weekend.

Tickets for the Louisville vs Kentucky game on April 17 are on sale.  This is the only game UofL Softball charges for and tickets go fast.  They can be purchased on Ticketmaster here.

With their 21st win of the season, the Louisville softball squad, Aprile has constructed a squad that has several very good pitchers and a solid hitting group.

The first year coach from Pittsburgh is starting to build a blueprint for winning and success here at Louisville. We'll give her the "swing away" sign on that.

Here's the post game interviews:

LINK: HOLLY APRILE DISCUSSES WIN OVER INDIANA

LINK: TAYLOR ROBY INTERVIEW AFTER INDIANA GAME


(Thanks to Daryl Foust for the post game video and Jared Anderson for today's photos !)



Let's Talk Basketball

First of all, we're killing this rumor now.

Jeff Walz is not leaving to go to Tennessee after this season.  It was about this time last year where rumors of Walz going somewhere else began to spread.  He's not leaving when this season ends, unless it is to get in a little skiing somewhere. .

There is a press conference this morning at 11:15 at the basketball facility on campus that Paulie will be headed to. The Cards fly out this afternoon to go to Albany so I figure it's one last chance for the media to get in a few questions.  What I want to know is how well AC and Sam are holding up after playing this weekend.  Sometimes recent injuries get re-aggravated after playing a game and these two need to be healthy from here on out.

Of the 16 teams remaining in the tournament only eight conferences are represented:

5 Pac-12 (Stanford, Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona State, UCLA)
3 ACC (Louisville, Notre Dame, NC State)
3 SEC (Mississippi State, South Carolina, Texas A&M)
1 Big 12 (Baylor)
1 Big Ten (Iowa)
1 AAC (UConn)
1 Summit (South Dakota State)
1 Missouri Valley (Missouri State)

Unfortunately, Syracuse and Miami were both upset at home to knock the ACC down to less than half of their teams remaining.

NCAA March Madness Twitter account has been focused solely on men's basketball... what a surprise.

As always, the men far overshadow the women's tournament despite the fact that both are exciting. We don't like this.  This year has had more close games on the women's side.  Why NCAA March Madness refuses to give the women their fair share of the spotlight is beyond me but it appears "Nite-Nite" has had enough of it and I fully agree with her.

Here is how the Sweet Sixteen for WBB plays out this weekend:

Third Round — Friday, March 29

• No. 6 UCLA vs. No. 2 UConn — 7 p.m. (ESPN)
• No. 4 Oregon State vs. No. 1 Louisville — 9:30 (ESPN)
• No. 5 Arizona State vs. No. 1 Mississippi State — 9 p.m. (ESPN2)
• No. 6 South Dakota State vs. No. 2 Oregon — 11 p.m. (ESPN2)

Third Round — Saturday, March 30

• No. 3 North Carolina State vs. No. 2 Iowa — 11:30 a.m. (ESPN)
• No. 4 South Carolina vs. No. 1 Baylor — 2 p.m. (ESPN)
• No. 4 Texas A&M vs. No. 1 Notre Dame — 4 p.m. (ESPN2)
• No. 11 Missouri State vs. No. 2 Stanford — 6:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
• 
  

CARDINAL COUPLE Pick Em Bracket Update

Between a couple email issues between Paulie and myself and entries... and me going back to make sure I didn't miss any entries in the comments section everything should be set and here's the top 20 standings:

39-9 Kenny Schneider
39-9 Charlie McAdams
-------------------------
38-10 Jeff McAdams
38-10 Doug Anderson
38-10 K Stark Sr
-------------------------
37-11 Case Hoskins
37-11 Arthur
37-11 Seminole Sue
37-11 Jared Anderson
------------------------
36-12 Sonya Sykes
36-12 Paul Sykes
------------------------
35-13 Daryl Foust
35-13 Mike D
35-13 David Watson
------------------------
34-14 Curtis Franklin
34-14 Joe Hill
------------------------
33-15 Nick O
33-15 Sandy
------------------------
28-20 Cardinal Couple Chimps
------------------------
22-26 "Flip Coin"

Unless you're the Chimps or the coin, you're in good shape most likely.

One bracket participant has lost its champion.  Three brackets have lost one of their final two teams.  Four brackets have lost at least one Final Four team.

If you entered a bracket either by email or in the comments and have questions, feel free to shoot me an email at eupherjared@gmail.com and I'll make sure to get that corrected.

EDITOR NOTE: 

A huge "Thank You" to Jared for being the "Bracket Master" and his care for detail, accuracy and reporting on the contest. 

Happy Wednesday and Go Cards!

Jared

Down to Sixteen -- Louisville Softball today -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

NCAA WBB TOURNAMENT DOWN TO SIXTEEN TEAMS

The Madness continues. 

After last night's second round NCAA WBB games, we now know the Sweet Sixteen. Surprises? Yes, maybe a few. All four #1 seeds are still alive, though, as well as all #2 seeds. Out of the #3 seeds, Syracuse has left the dance, upended by #6 South Dakota St.#3 Iowa State had their season ended at the hands of #11 seed Missouri St. and #3 Maryland won't go to Albany, a victim of #6 UCLA. 

For those of you playing at home, the final dancers are: 




GREENSBORO REGION

#1 Baylor vs. #4 South Carolina
#3 NC State vs. #2 Iowa

PORTLAND REGION

#1 Mississippi State vs #5 Arizona At.
#2 Oregon vs. #6 South Dakota St. 

CHICAGO REGION

#1 Notre Dame vs. #Texas A&M
#2 Stanford vs. #7 BYU

ALBANY REGION

#1 LOUISVILLE vs. #4 Oregon State
#2 Connecticut vs. #5 UCLA 


The PAC 12 has had a good showing in the 2019 NCAA WBB Tournament so far with five teams in the Sweet Sixteen. After that, the ACC and SEC have three representatives. With one school each we have the AAC, Big 10, Big 12, Missouri Valley and the Mountain West. 

If you're scratching your head over your bracket picks, don't feel like you are the only one. Here at the Cardinal Couple Pick 'Em, no one had Missouri State and South Dakota St. wasn't a very popular pick either.

Syracuse, DePaul and Kentucky were popular picks that failed to advance. We have no "perfect" brackets, by any means, and the best score so far, as reported to me by our Bracket Chairman Jared Anderson, is 39 out of 48 possible correct picks. A couple of contestant have that 39 number, but it is still quite the close race with 15 games to go.

How does it play out for Louisville? Headed to Albany for 3rd round action against Oregon St., the Cards will play at either 7 PM or 9:30 p.m. on Friday, March 29th. An official confirmation of which slot Louisville gets hasn't been released yet...but I'll bet you that the NCAA and ESPN give their darlings UCONN the early slot and put the Cards at 9:30.

God forbid the Huskies have to play past Geno's bedtime...or be denied the prime time slot of the two games. 

It would be the latest start time of the season for Louisville. For Oregon. St...body wise...it'll feel like it's 6:30 p.m. their time (PDT). The Albany Times-Union Center can hold 15,500 for a sporting event. That most likely means 14,000 Huskies fans, about 500 Louisville fans and two west coast teams in UCLA and Oregon St. plus media and such making up the rest. 

Purists will tell you that it only makes sense that the lower of the top two seeds should play first. I'll look with interest when the times of the other seven games are listed. Conspiracy theorist, here's your bologna sandwich...chew on that awhile. 


I will not be making the trip to Albany. I'm saving up for a hopeful run to Tampa. I did look at the drive (over 800 miles  one way) and the cheapest round-trip airfare (slightly over $600) to Albany and had to make a financial decision. Add in lodging for three or four days and the numbers just didn't come out in Paulie's favor.

Maybe someone will leave a bag of money on the front porch of the Sykes estate. 

Until that money tree I've got planted in the back yard starts shedding $20's and $50's...I have to play it pretty close to vest. Cardinal Couple is doing OK financially but the ACC Tournament took a big bite out of the budget and there is something appealing about three or four days in sunny Tampa in early April. 

Louisville is 2-0 lifetime against the Beavers. The Cards rolled past them last year in Lexington 76-43 in the NCAA Lexington regional final to advance to Columbus. We'll have more on the breakdown and comparative analysis later in the week. 

Out of the sixteen teams, Louisville has played four of them this season (NC State, Arizona St., Notre Dame and UConn) and is 4-2 against them. The probable path for the Cards in the three potential games after OSU is UConn, Notre Dame and Baylor....unless the Madness continues. That's a tough task for anyone. 

Louisville has shown that they can play defense as well as anyone in the nation, though, and when you have Asia, Arica, Sam, B, Jaz, Kylee, Dana. Kasa, Lindsey, Seygan and the Attack Yorkie Jess...all things are possible.



Two down, four to go.


GO VOTE FOR ASIA! 

You can cast your fan vote for Asia Durr as the Naismith WBB Player of the Year at the link below.

LINK: VOTE FOR ASIA DURR

There are a few other things to vote on as well once you get there. I voted for "Ja" from Murray State as the men's player of the year, Wes Moore for women's coach of the year and Rick Barnes for men's coach of the year. 

If you don't vote, then don't complain about the results, OK? You can vote each day, by the way.

What are you doing still reading this? GO VOTE!  



SOFTBALL STEPS OUT OF CONFERENCE TO HOST INDIANA TODAY


At 20-10 and 3-3 in the ACC, Louisville Softball steps out of conference play to face the Indiana Hoosiers at 5 p.m. today at Ulmer. 

IU is 25-9 and ranked #20 or #22 in D1 College softball. They cross the Ohio River after an opening Big 10 weekend against Ohio State and got swept in three games by the Buckeyes in Columbus. 

The Cards hold a 17-3 all-time record advantage over the Hoosiers and traveled to Bloomington last year for a 11-7 win. Louisville took an early lead against IU and benefited from a seven run seventh inning back on April 18, 2018 for the "W". 

"Maybe Louisville will stop by Mouseville on their way to Tampa."

A clear, mid 50's temperature day should greet the two squads when they line up on the base paths for the National Anthem. Come on out after work, leave early or arrive a bit late if you have to...catch exciting UofL Softball action today. Several of the Cardinal Couple crew and associates will be haunting the press box, give us a prom wave or throw a foul ball at us if you wish. 

If you can't make the affair, it'll be shown on the ACCNE with our buddy Don Russell and Suzanne Bush handling the microphone duties. 



A tremendous Tuesday to you! 


paulie
xxxxx

Carded. Defense, Durr lead Louisville WBB to 71-50 win over Michigan -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FIRST FIVE MINUTES FLAWLESS IN 21-POINT UOFL WIN

Yes, the fantastic foursome of Paulie, Paige, Daryl and Sonya
enjoyed this one immensely. Photo by Jared Anderson

It was a scenario we've seen many times this year with the Louisville women's basketball squad. Crush the life out of an opponent early in the game, keep the pressure on them and run away win a convincing win. 

Michigan had no idea what hit them in the first five minutes of yesterday's second round of the NCAA Tournament in the KFC YUM! Center. Between Asia Durr, a stifling defense and a crowd of 7725 that sounded like 17,000..the Cards raced out to a 19-4 lead in the early going and kept UM at bay the rest of the way in the 71-50 win, 

May we see some ID to verify you can advance to the round of 16? Sorry, Michigan. We can't allow service.

Durr had 12 of her game-high 24 point in those frenetic, fabulous first five and a squad that put up 84 points two days ago in  a 30-point win against Kansas St. looked like a group that might struggle to reach 18 by halftime. Once the nerves settled a bit and the Wolverines returned to playing something that resembled basketball, it was too late. 

Kim Barnes Arico was not sharing in our excitement. 

When Louisville plays like they did yesterday, no one in the nation can beat them. Strong words, I know, right?

But...

When you score effortlessly, deny the opponent the chance to get a shot up -- much less shoot effectively, though -- good things happen. 22 turnovers for the young Kim Barnes Arico guards, 49 shot attempts, compared to UofL's 70. 

Consider that UM's starting five had a total of 22 points. That's right, Asia outscored the Wolverine starters. Consider that UM got off just nine threes and made only three of them. And when the Ann Arbor opponent was getting shots off, they were usually one-and-done offensive sequences. The Wolverines had just nine total offensive rebounds and 11 second chance points. 

Joining Durr in the "Mich...- uh- GONE" win was Jazmine Jones with a flashy 15 points. Other double figure scorers included Steady Sam Fuehring with 10 and Dashing Dana Evans with 10. Asia was the only Card to see over 30 minutes of action, "Won-Durr-full" went 9-23 from the floor, 5-14 from three range and even tossed in a couple of spectacular "SportsCenter moment" blocks. 

I spent time watching UM head coach Kim Barnes Arico in the final half. Gone were the fiery, competitive, referee questioning nature and actions from KBA. A resignation, of sorts. Occasionally yelling out specific points to certain players but also a lot of time questioning her assistants on certain court actions. She was complimentary and gracious in her post-game comments, but, you sensed that this was a coach who knew she was beat early on and who couldn't get back on that bus to the airport fast enough. 

So touching at the end. Raucous applause as Walz sent in subs for Asia, Sam and Arica. The trio kissing the Cardinal Bird logo at center court and making victory laps in the KFC YUM! Center. Smiles and a few moist cheeks among the players and the fans.

Arica, back from the knee scare, with seven rebounds and corralling every loose or 50/50 ball. So much non-stat sheet stuff gets done from the girl who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a jumper when she was a freshman. Transformation complete. You are a shining star, Ms. Carter. 

Sam, going 4-5 from the floor...shutting down the highly regarded Hallie Thome and upcoming Naz Hillmon. You know how Sam rolls...does work, does it well, takes off the hard-hat at the end and it's a job well done. Shrugging off the dings, dents and damage inflicted upon her every night. Sam is the princess warrior and is sovereign over all she surveys.  

This says it all....

Asia. Smiling, shouting and, at the end, celebrating a career here that started four years ago, highly lauded. Living up to that hype 100% and more. Does anyone have a more beautiful, beatific smile that "Nite-nite"? When Asia smiles, the clouds part and brilliant rays of sunshine are created for Cardinal fans to bask in. She is the "alpha" of Louisville WBB. 

We may not ever see such an effective and dynamic senior trio as Asia, Arica and Sam in the downtown arena again. Yesterday, they said their goodbyes to the Cardinal Faithful, showed Michigan the way home and advanced to face either Gonzaga or Oregon State in Albany next week.

Two down. Four to go.

The road ahead will be challenging. It always is when you get down to the best sixteen in the nation. It's about YOU, though, Cards. What will you do? Are you willing  and committed toward taking that next step? And the step after. 

Or, as Sam said in the post-game: 

"We're just trying to play our game. All the time." 

And, that game can be spectacular, as the Cards WBB squad showed yesterday.


THE FRED REPORT

Fred says: "We're headed to Albany, Lamont!" 

FREE THROWS  -- Not a lot to report on here with a ref crew that swallowed their whistles pretty effectively (just 24 total fouls) for the 40 minutes. They Cards got a 3-4 performance from the line. That was in the first half, Louisville attempted none in the final 20 minutes. 3-4 = 75% and that's good for a CAPITAL "F" by my numbers. I guess you can't foul what you can't catch...and no need for silly, late-game fouls in a contest that was already over.

REBOUNDS -- Louisville takes a hard-fought 35-34 advantage here. Kylee Shook with 10 for UofL, another Card who comes to do work and is job-proficient. The Cards getting a 15-9 edge on the offensive boards, When you win the rebounding battle, you get a letter. We'll award a small-case "r" for this category. Not exactly board dominance, but quite adequate

EFFORT/EXECUTION --  If you ever want to explain to someone what Louisville women's basketball is all about, just show then the first five minutes of yesterday's game. The Cards had just 11 turnovers, allowed just three steals, shot 42.9%, won the points off turnovers battle 28-12 and second chance points column 19-11. NO QUESTION ABOUT A CAPITAL "E" here.



DEFENSE-- Louisville held a squad that averaged 72 points-a-game to just 50. The Cards capitalized on 22 turnovers and got five blocks and 11 steals. Maybe thr third quarter was the turning point here, where Louisville allowed just three made goals on 13 attempts and out-rebounded UM 13-7, No question here at all, a CAPITAL "D". 

FINAL FRED TALLY -- F-r-E-D


THEY SAID IT

Jeff Walz post-game comments:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8BgNFrEODU&feature=youtu.be

Asia Durr, Sam Fuehring and Jazmine Jones post game comments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au5NlHs_Uuo&feature=youtu.be



SOFTBALL SALVAGES A WIN SUNDAY

Holly Aprile's crew stepping up to the plate against Notre Dame yesterday and slugging out a 5-3 win in South Bend. 

The Cards taking an early lead with a run in the second inning, winning the crucial fourth inning 3-2 and tacking on a run in the sixth to go 1-2 in the weekend series against the Irish and  tacking on an insurance run late to seal the deal. 

20-10 overall and 3-3 in the ACC now for UofL Softball, who returns home for a Tuesday tilt vs. Indiana at Ulmer.  Come out, a 5 p.m. start. 


Have a marvelous Monday1

Paulie

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