Field Hockey Cancelled Sunday -- Asia Taylor in Spain -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 RAIN FORCES LOUISVILLE FIELD HOCKEY CANCELLATION

The University of Louisville Field Hockey squad was scheduled to play their second game in as many days yesterday in Winston-Salem, NC against Wake Forest University. Mother Nature had other plans. 

The pitch at Kentner Stadium was soaked with two days of rain and it created an unplayable situation. As we all know, Field Hockey is a sport where the ball travelling on the surface makes up a huge part of the contest. When the ball goes through standing water and puddles, it obviously slows down and can dramatically affect the nature of a team's attack and offensive structuring. Ponding and pooling water is a no-no, You do want the field to be slightly wet, though, for matches. 

So, why do they water the field at halftime in some contests?

It's a fine line....this condition of Field Hockey turf. On one hand, you don't want the surface too dry...and there are many reasons for that. Below is an informative link I found that goes into the wet vs. dry pitch

Why They Water FIELD HOCKEY turf

ASIA TAYLOR IN SPAIN

Asia Taylor, the former UofL WBB great, has had a long, varied and successful basketball career on several different continents. 

2020-21 finds her in Spain, playing for Clarinos in the Liga Dia division of Euro Basketball. The season hasn't been underway very long over there just yet, but, Clarinos had a key matchup yesterday in a battle of unbeatens when the faced Valencia. Despite 22 points from Taylor, her squad fell to 2-1 with a 70-66 loss to the home-standing Valencia squad. 

Taylor went 7-12 from the floor and also hit two of her three-pointer attempts

The EuroLeague squads usually allow just a couple of players from the USA on their rosters. Joining Taylor on the Clarinos roster is Tanaya Atkinson, who played her college ball at Temple University. Atkinson started 2020 on the WWNBA's Washington Mystics roster, undrafted but signing a free agent's contract...but was waived before the squads entered the "wubble"

We wish "A-Tayy" the best of luck in Spain! It looks like she's already become an impact player for her Clarinos squad and, no matter the continent or venue, you can always count on Taylor giving you 100% + on the hardwood. 

Have a meaningful Monday!

paulie                                                                                                                                          xxxxx 

  

Aces, Storm Win in WNBA Semis -- Same ol' Asia, brand new locale -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 VEGAS EVENS SERIES AT 1-1

Getting a 29-point effort from A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces evened up their semifinal, best-of-five series with the Connecticut Sun  last night with a 83-75 win. 

This contest was a back and forth affair for three quarters. The Aces used a dominating fourth quarter to get the win, outscoring the Sun 24-12 in the final period, to take the lead late -- after trailing 39-38 at the half and 63-59 after three quarters. 

Louisville's Angel McCoughtry contributed 11 points in 29 minutes -- adding three rebounds and three assists in a game that was called more closely by the referees after McCoughtry indicated, after Las Vegas's opening series loss, that it was more like a football game than hoops and that the Aces would come out and employ the same style if that's how the officials were going to call it. 

Las Vegas did not hit a three in the contest, going 0-4 from beyond the arc last night, but the Aces have thrived all season on pounding the paint and scoring inside. Wilson went 13-19 from the floor and took the fight to the Sun, who lost starter Alyssa Thomas five minutes into the contest with a shoulder injury.

McCoughtry hit all five of her free throw attempts for Las Vegas. 

The two teams will play game three Thursday night. 

                                             

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

In the nightcap, Seattle held on against Minnesota to get a 88-86 win to take a 1-0 lead in the other WNBA semifinal. It was Alyshia Clark hitting a buzzer-beater layup for the Storm to get the win. The Storm cleared COVID testing after the originally schedule opener between the two was postponed because of inconclusive testing for several Storm players.

Minnesota was with out "Big Syl" -- Sylvia Fowles -- who sat out due to a calf injury. Without Fowles on the court, Seattle had a 36-29 rebounding edge. 

SHE'S BACK

Cardinal Couple favorite and former UofL women's basketball great Asia Taylor is back on the hardwood. but she's not in Australia or in the WNBA wubble -- It's a new venue for A-Tayy. She's part of the Clarinos (Spain) roster in the EuroBasketball league. 

Clarinos had their first game of the schedule against Gran Canaria (on the Canary Islands) Monday night, and Taylor logged 22 minutes while scoring 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds in an overtime win -- 103-102. 

We wish Asia a ton of luck and big numbers in this new environment for her! 

paulie                                                                                                                                          xxxxx. 

RANDOM STUFF -- SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

RANDOMNESS


(Paulie sent in for the Sunday Cardinal Couple article out of the bullpen today. It seems Jeff has Sammy the Shark issues and will be back on these pages Monday. Sorry this is late...I slept in this morning and it seems no one ever uses the "call" function on their cell phones anymore...I saw the text about three hours after Jeff sent it to our group chat). 

Quick question, do you ever call anyone on your cell phone anymore? Leave your response in the comments section.

We are in the process of re-establishing the daily Poll Question here at Cardinal Couple. 


TEETER'S CANADIAN U 19 WORLD CUP SQUAD EARNS SILVER


It was USA vs. Canada for the Gold in the World Cup U 19 Tournament and USA had little trouble in capturing the Gold 13-3. 

"They're a veteran team and considered some of the best players In the world who are competing in the NCAA right now," Canadian coach Scott Teeter said, of the U.S. "A lot of our girls haven't played an NCAA game yet. Our 2015 team was a little bit older than we are right now. We'll take this experience and it will definitely pay dividends for our senior team."

Teeter squad lost just twice in the 22-team event, both times to USA. 

FIGHT! 

Asia Taylor and Arica Carter probably didn't expect this when they joined the Phoenix Mercury roster.

With about six minutes left in the fourth quarter of a close game against the visiting Dallas Wings and on Brittney Griner Bobblehead Day, the 6'9" Mercury center and Wings post Kristine Angiwe locked arms going for a rebound and chaos ensued. It appeared Angiwe attempted to punch Griner after they untangled and then sprinted away from the towering center toward the Wings bench with Griner in hot pursuit. 

Both benches empties and it took referee Billy Smith and several coaches to restrain the combatants. Six players were tossed from the game after a lengthy review, including non-active Diana Taurasi...who appeared to be serving as a peace-keeper but was pitched for leaving the bench. 

Phoenix is struggling to remain in the top eight of the WNBA standings and make the playoffs. Myisha Hines-Allen and her Washington squad are tied for the league lead, so they're 99.9% assured of a playoff berth. Asia Durr's NY Liberty are in 10th. place overall and need to catch fire in August to crack the top eight. 

Neither Taylor nor Carter were expelled or threw any punches. Dallas went on to win 80-77.


CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR

Paulie's pre-show prep. 

Three of us took to the airwaves and Facebook Live from the majestic, media mansion on Mellwood for The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour yesterday. Case, Jeff and I had a great discussion on several upcoming UofL women's Fall sports and our final Cardinal Couple Radio Quiz for the season went to Jeff 100-80. 

You can join in on the fun and take the quiz at the link below. Jared claims an "off-site" score of 110 while shirking important work duties to listen. We'll award him the remaining toothpick from the one-eared, toothpick holding bear ceremonial winner's trophy whenever he shows up again. 

LINK:   THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR 8/10/19

Have a super Sunday!

paulie
xxxxx

Justine Sowry Interview -- Taylor Signs with Mercury -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

THE JUSTINE SOWRY INTERVIEW

I caught up with UofL Field Hockey head coach Justine Sowry yesterday in her office that overlooks Trager Stadium, where the Field Hockey squad practices and plays. Coach "J" is busy with preparations for the squad's first practice of the fall, which will take place next week. 

We had a great discussion on last season, the loss of Ayeshia McFerran to graduation and the pros and who the contenders are to fill that spot at goal-keeper. As you'll hear, Sowry returns a veteran team, her top three scorers from last year and gets a talented group of six freshmen to join the roster. 

A special thanks to Field Hockey S.I.D. Lori Korte-Harmon for making the arrangements and to Coach, for sitting down with me and discussing the squad. Link below: 

JUSTINE SOWRY INTERVIEW

Some listening points for you: 

-- How was Coach's summer?

-- Who are the contenders for starting goalkeeper? 

-- Her evaluation of the freshmen

-- Her special message to Cardinal fans

-- Which former Louisville Field Hockey star is returning to Louisville and the team?  

Field Hockey begins their 2019 season on August 24th (Saturday) with the annual scrimmage against the Alumnae and will face Miami (OH) in a scrimmage the next day. 


ASIA TAYLOR SIGNED BY PHOENIX

The Phoenix Mercury have added 6-1 forward Asia Taylor on Tuesday as a second hardship exemption due to injuries.

It's the fifth WNBA team for A-Tayy since being drafted by the Minnesota Lynx out of Louisville in 2014. It's her third stop this season, having previously been on the Indiana and Minnesota rosters. 

The addition is a seven-day contract with the Mercury, the same as guard Arica Carter, who played Sunday against Washington.

The Mercury were missing five players due to injury on Sunday yet still won 103-82 over the Mystics. Including Taylor and Carter, they'll have nine active players Thursday at Los Angeles or ten if guard Briann January (foot) is cleared to return.

Taylor played eight games last month with Minnesota, scoring a career-high 13 points in 17 minutes against Chicago on July 10.

For trivia buffs, can you name the last time two former Louisville women's basketball players were on the same WNBA team, the team, and the players? Let us know in the comments section. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!  Tomorrow we'll have my interview with senior guard on the Louisville WBB squad Jess Laemmle. 

Paulie

Carter Back With Phoenix...Taylor released by Lynx -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

ARICA CARTER GETS SEVEN DAY CONTRACT 

Using the emergency hardship exemption clause that the WNBA has in place, the Phoenix Mercury has signed Arica Carter to a seven-day contract. Carter started the season nwith Phoenix and played two games before getting cut. 

The Mercury roster resembles more of a MASH unit than a WNBA lineup.Guard Essence Carson is out for 6-8 weeks with a calf injury. Forward/Center Sancho Lyttle will sit for 4-6 weeks with a bad knee. Diana Taurasi is having back issues. Briann January and Alanna Smith are both in boots because of foot injuries. 

All that's missing are Hawkeye, Trapper John and Radar. 

Even with a roster of just eight healthy players, Phoenix rolled against the Washington Mystics 103-82 yesterday. Carter saw four minutes and scored her first WNBA points...hitting the only shot she took. It was a reunion of sorts...Louisville teammates Carter and Myisha Hines-Allen both saw action...Myisha getting six minutes, getting three rebounds, creating two assists and hitting a free throw in her time on the floor. 


Carter's role on the Mercury is clear:  Get the ball to Brit Griner and play defense. Griner had 26 points yesterday in the Phoenix win.

Let's hope Carter can stay with the Mercury past the seven-day clause. A lot of that will depend on how long Phoenix guards Taurasi, Carson and January are out.  

Give 'em all you got while you have this second chance, A.C !!!


TAYLOR RELEASED BY LYNX

On the other spectrum of the roller coaster that is WNBA lineups, the Minnesota Lynx have release forward/guard Asia Taylor, using another aspect of the hardship clause. This is some clause, right? Apparently, the Lynx are healthy, wealthy and wise. 

Without her, the Lynx fell to Indiana on Saturday -- 86-75. 

Taylor played in eight games for Minnesota in her month-long stay, the Lynx going 4-4 in that stretch. In her last game, against, Washington, she saw just two minutes in a loss -- gathering a rebound. 

Her highlight of the stay was the 13-point, 17 minute performance she had against Chicago back on July 10th. 

Here's hoping that she gets the call again soon, if not with the Lynx, another WNBA roster. 

DURR UPDATE

The Cards "other" Asia in the WNBA -- Asia Durr -- came back from the All-Star break and resumed her role as a starter for the New York Liberty. She saw 21 minutes Saturday in  a Liberty loss to Connecticut 94-79. "Nite-Nite" had three points, on a three, and added three assists and two rebounds. Her groin may still be a little "tender" -- and those can take a while to heal fully -- so the limited minutes are understandable. 

The Liberty are in a bit of a funk lately, losing their last four on the road. Let's hope they can straighten it out and get in a position where they're a playoff contender. At 8-13, New York is 6 1/2 games behind Eastern Division leader Connecticut. 


OUR HEARTS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU

Here at CARDINAL COUPLE, our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with those in El Paso and Dayton.

Such senseless acts of violence. When will it stop? 

Where are we safe anymore? All of us are potentially subject to the crazed, misguided actions of someone who has a person, ill-founded and inane "agenda" to fulfill. 

As a white male, it is particularly distressing to see these crimes of hate coming from racist, crazed people of my gender and classification. It has to stop, whatever it takes. Whatever happened to the age old principles of "love thy neighbor" and "we are all in this together"?  

I won't get into the aspects of gun control here. I do have to wonder why we lead the world in senseless shootings, though...when we are the nation with the most opportunities and freedoms. 

A special nod of recognition to the police forces of these two and other cities. A rapid response in Texas and Ohio that undoubtedly saved hundreds of lives.

When will it stop? 




paulie
xxxxx 

Cards in WNBA -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HOW ARE ASIA, ASIA AND MYISHA DOING SO FAR?


Former UofL WBB stars Asia Taylor, Asia Durr and Myisha Hines-Allen are the three active Cardinals participating in the WNBA currently. Angel McCoughtry is probably out for the season with Atlanta, so we hope ice cream sales are good for her and we'll hope she comes back to the league next year with that McCoughtry magic we've come to know and love.

There were rumors back in June that the Dream were looking to trade her but head coach Nikki Collen shot those down. For what it's worth, this is the second time McCoughtry and Collen have crossed paths...she was at Louisville as an assistant on her husband Tom's staff, then a radio analyst when Angel was a freshman and sophomore for the Cards. McCoughtry blossomed into the star she is after the Collen's departed for Arkansas.

McCoughtry has been a crowd favorite and about the only hope Atlanta has had since she's been there. Numerous coaches, sweeping roster changes over the years -- Angel even played on the same team as Shoni at one point in time -- and Angel has remained the drawing card. And they want to trade her? The Atlanta management needs to wake up. 

The Washington Mystics have Myisha on their roster and they are currently in second place in the Eastern Division with a 11-6 record...one game back of the Connecticut Sun. She has seen action in 14 games as a reserve and get about 8.4 minute per game. She averages 1.9 points a night and 2.5 rebounds. Her season scoring high came against Connecticut back on May 25th., when she totaled eight points.

The New York Liberty are the home team for Asia Durr. New York is 8-10 on the season and four games out of first place in the Eastern division. "Nite-Nite" has had some groin issues lately and  has been sitting out recently, but she has started in 13 of her 14 contests and plays about 30 minutes a game. She averages 11.1 points per game, is shooting 46.7% from the floor and has 10 steals. Her single game scoring high is 20 against Minnesota on June 12th.



Asia Taylor started the season with the Indiana Fever but was released by them. The Minnesota Lynx picked her up around the 4th of July and she's played in seven games for them with no starts. Averaging 2.4 points a contest, her season high came against Chicago on July 18th. when she scored 13 points. She started her WNBA career with Minnesota back in 2014 and played with three other WNBA squads before returning to the Lynx. 

Taylor's major successes have come in Australia since graduation. She's consistently ranked as one of the top five players in "the land down under" .

Here at Cardinal Couple we keep a running log of how these players are doing and you can find it over on the right side of the site. We go back about a month. 


Have a marvelous Monday!

Paulie

Bits and Pieces -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Happy Wednesday and a happy pre-Fourth of July! In preparation for tomorrow’s big day I will keep today’s post short and sweet for you.


SHE'S BACK! 

The biggest news from yesterday is that a Cardinal Couple favorite, Asia Taylor, is back in the WNBA. The former UofL star signed with the Minnesota Lynx. Minnesota is fifth in the league at 7-6 and is riding a three-game win streak currently. Best of luck to A-Tayy with the Lynx! It's her second time joining the Lynx in her career. The signing of Taylor comes courtesy of a roster exemption by the WNBA because of multiple injuries on the squad. 

Asia started her WNBA career with Minnesota, picked in the third round of the WNBA Draft. She should have an immediate impact, since the Lynx are without Damiris Dantas, Karima Christmas-Kelly, Seimone Augustus and Jessica Shepard...all on the injured list. 

IN THE CIRCLE

Softball announced a transfer coming in for the upcoming season. Chardonnay Harris joins the Cards from Auburn. Harris has a long list of awards and accomplishments including multiple high school state championships, several double-digit strikeout performances and a couple SEC Pitcher of the Week honors. The left-handed pitcher, something UofL has been missing, will have two years of eligibility remaining.

GETTING THEIR KICKS...

Congrats to the USWNT (that's the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team) on a 2-1 victory over England yesterday. Christen Press and Alex Morgan each scored in the victory that saw an injured Megan Rapinoe sidelined with a hamstring injury. The US was fortunate to have an England goal called back because of offsides and a spectacular save by keeper Alyssa Naeher on a penalty kick.

USA waits to see who they will meet in the finals of Sunday. Today's semifinal match between The Netherlands and Sweden will provide the answer. 

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLPARK...

Case Hoskins or Andrew Luck? -- We're not certain. 

 Case Hoskins among the masses at a Louisville Bats game.  The Bats games have sevveral Cardinal Couple contributors out therre on a regular basis. 

You can find Daryl Foust out there regularly as well, behind the camera. 

Or, wait patiently and I'll probably be by to take a photo of you, like I did of Case last night.  Or was it Andrew Luck?  

COMING ATTRACTIONS

A History of Louisville Women’s Sports --  Chapter 6 will be out this Friday. It marks the halfway point of the coverage, and if you’ve been following my seasonal approach to the sports you have probably figured out that this Friday will be women’s basketball.

Why are you setting off fireworks at midnight
on June 30??

As we approach tomorrow’s holiday please remember to be smart and use common sense when celebrating. But also have fun!

Case Hoskins will have the Thursday write-up, swapping days with Paulie this week. Case will venture to Indiana and attend the Madison Regatta...to watch boats go fast with no left turns. Last we heard, there is no parimutuel wagering available for the event, but, camping is involved. S'mores, anyone?  

Happy Wednesday and Go Cards!

Jared

Asia Taylor Waived By Indiana -- Jared;s "Way Too Early" Fall Predictions -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

EDITOR COMMENT: 

(SOMEONE DELIVERED A LAPTOP TO JARED ANDERSON'S FRONT PORCH AND HE FIGURED IT OUT IN TIME TO GIVE US THE WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE ARTICLE... INSTEAD OF SENDING IT TO PAULIE FROM A SMARTPHONE VIA E-MAIL.

THIS COULD JUST BE A NATIONAL HOLIDAY,.....OR, AT THE VERY LEAST, A REASON FOR CELEBRATION AND REJOICING AMONG THE CARDINAL COUPLE CHIMPS)
                  
PAULIE


A-Tayy Cut By Indiana Fever

Joining the ranks of Sam Fuehring is Asia Taylor, who was waived by the Indiana Fever yesterday.

She appeared to make the original 12-player roster, but when Kennedy Burke became available after being cut by the Dallas Wings, Indiana opted to sign her and cut Taylor. Burke, a 6'1" combo guard  who played her college ball at UCLA was selected 22nd in the 2019 WNBA Draft. The Wings cut her, despite her being their leading scorer in pre-season...and three days later, Indiana picked her up off waivers and released Taylor.

Taylor is a success in Australia. She recently played for the Perth team overseas and was named to the Top Five in the WNBL for the third straight time. Her previous two seasons were with Sydney.

Taylor was also on the Fever's roster at the end of the 2018 season.

The former UofL star played in three preseason games this year but did not play in the Fever's lone regular season game.

Taylor was recently seen back in Louisville after getting cut. She is uncertain at this time whether she'll return to the WNBL later this year.but plans on spending time with friends and family before she makes her decision.


My Way Too Early Fall Predictions

With all the fall schedules out now we can start to look ahead to what each team may have to offer and what their goals might be. Here's the "way too early" Jared Anderson predictions for a few.

Field Hockey

Justine Sowry is not afraid to square off against the best teams in the country.  Apparently the powerhouse of the ACC isn't enough as the Cards have a difficult non-conference schedule.

If the season started next week I'd have the Cards going 13-6, mirroring last season.  The best offensive stars are returning but the Cards have three starters to replace including one of the best goalkeepers in the world.  They'll find themselves in the NCAA Tournament with another early exit.






Women's Soccer

Of all the fall sports women's soccer is in the best shape.  Karen Ferguson-Dayes lost two seniors (only one played more than 1/4 of the season) and lost a few transfers that were subs.

UofL showed improved work on both sides of the ball last year and made the ACC Tournament for the first time ever.  The also had no draws last season- a rarity in soccer.

As of right now I'd put the Cards at 13-4 in the regular season with trips to both the ACC and NCAA Tournaments.  They will not make it to the Sweet Sixteen.




Volleyball

Dani Busboom Kelly lost a lot of talent in graduating seniors and some transfers, but she was quick to
bring in new recruits and other transfers.  The ACC isn't dominant in volleyball like other sports, giving the Cards some cushion.

They'll finish the regular season 21-8 and get into the NCAA Tournament as an at-large bid even though they weren't one of the top two in the ACC.  Louisville will fall just short of a Sweet Sixteen appearance as the program continues to rebuild.

Like I said, these predictions are way too early and I will revisit these in August right before their respective seasons start. These predictions should give you some cannon  fodder, though, to make points and take issues with and those ccomments are always welcome in the comments section below.  For now, enjoy the WNBA season and some sweet summertime.

Happy Wednesday and Go Cards!

Jared

AC, AD, VB and CC from Jared Anderson -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

(NOTE: PAULIE IS TRANSCRIBING JARED ANDERSON'S FRIDAY ARTICLE HERE TO THE SITE TODAY. THE HEADLINE IS NOT JARED'S IDEA OF SOME NEW TWO-LETTER INITIALS FOR STATES...BUT, THAT COULD BE INTERESTING...LIKE ARIZONA DRYLANDS FOR A.D. OR COSMIC CALIFORNIA FOR C.C. -- O.K., HERE'S THE ARTICLE)  


CARTER, DURR MAKE THE CUTS. 

Good news in the realm of professional women's basketball....WNBA style. 

Asia Durr and Arica Carter were both announced to their respective WNBA team rosters yesterday.  Durr, who went second overall in the WNBA Draft and wound up with the NY Liberty was, by all accounts, a shoo-in. Definitely one of the best women's college basketball players we say last season, or of this generation. She saw starts in the pre-season and we'll venture to say that stays the same in the regular. 

Carter, going in the third round to the Phoenix Mercury, wasn't as solid as guarantee for a roster spot. In terms of basketball IQ, Arica is one of the most knowledgeable. The Mercury roster is a interesting mix of six players with 10 years of NBA experience or more and three rookies. Add the coaching staff, primarily from Australia,  and 6'9" Brit Griner and you have an eclectic mix of age, culture and possibilities out in our nation's 48th. state. 




Cardinal fans will also be delighted to know that Myisha Hines-Allen returns to Washington's roster this season and Asia Taylor will be playing for the Indiana Fever. Nine-year veteran (has it really been that long since we've seen her dashing around Freedom Hall in the red and black?) Angel McCoughtry is also listed on Atlanta Dream's roster but won't be playing anytime soon because of torn ligaments in her left knee -- suffered in August 2018 -- .

There you have it, Cardinal fans. Five players, five different teams to draw your rooting interests. Sadly, the Washington Mystics prevented Sam Fuehring from making this a ""six pack of Cards" -- but she has been one of the strongest fighters to ever step on the court at UofL and it wouldn't surprise me to see her head overseas to gain valuable experience and give it another shot in 2020. 


VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

As spring begins to leave and summer rolls in, we have reached the point of the year where fall schedules are being released. Field Hockey issued their schedule recently and now Volleyball has done the same. 

The Student Activities Center Arena (SAC) has been renamed the L&N Federal Credit Union Cardinal Arena. They dropped a generous donation in Cardinal Athletics lap 

Will fans call it "the LNFCUCA"? That's rather unwieldy, so I expect either "the L&N", "Cardinal Arena" or...still, "the SAC" will be the terminology used when referring to events there. 

Here's a quick look at the schedule: 

AUGUST

The Red and Black intra-squad scrimmage starts things off on August, 17th. A week later, Miami (OH) pays a Saturday visit to campus. The Cardinal Classic is slated for the weekend of August 30th. and Florida, Dayton and Texas A&M are the invitees.

SEPTEMBER

A new tournament, the Fleur de Lis, will be hosted at "Cardinal Arena" beginning Sept. 6th. Tenn. Tech, WKU and Arizona State are the participants with our campus "serve and kill" girls. The Cards make a road trip, their first of the season, Sept 13 and 14 to play in the Lipscomb Tournament in Nashville. Purdue joins the two down there. 

Kentucky hosts the Cards on Sept. 20th. and UofL keeps traveling, to Cincinnati for Sept 22nd. volleyball against the Cincinnati Bearcats.

The start of ACC play gets underway in the final weekend of September, Louisville hosting NC State and UNC. 

OCTOBER

Georgia Tech and Clemson visit "the L&N" on the first weekend of Pumpkin month. The Cards go travelling after that, with four on the road at Duke, Wake Forest, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech. Louisville returns home to close out October against Virginia and Pitt. 

NOVEMBER

To the road again for Dani Busboom Kelly's squad. Boston College, Syracuse, Miami and Florida State the venues before the Cards come home to take on Syracuse in a rematch on November 15th. The month and regular season closes out with Notre Dame and Miami visiting Louisville and a trip for UofL to Pitt on Nov. 27th. 



The ACC does not have a conference tournament for Volleyball. 

22 opportunities to see Volleyball on Floyd Street. 85 days until the action begins. 

You can expect Cardinal Volleyball expert Jeff "Worldwide" McAdams to break down and analyze this schedule and squad here at the site and on radio as the season gets closer.



CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR 


It's back to the days of old when Paulie and Jeff will be the only bodies in the majestic, magical, magnificent media mansion on Mellwood this Saturday. 

Case is still watching cars turn left. Show contributor Daryl Foust's whereabouts are unknown, most likely rambling somewhere on her birthday month, Memorial Day sojourn.

As for me, I'm in Fort Mill, SC, visiting my lovely woman for the weekend. A potential trip to Charleston with her family looks possible as well. If you have any suggestions on what to do there, I'd love to hear them.  

I've informed Paulie I'll be available for a phone call Saturday for thoughts on softball, Volleyball and other assorted Cardinal sports subjects. 

I wrote this article on my flight to South Carolina, sent it to Paulie via e-mail and my I-Pad battery remained at 100% the entire time I performed the task. Thank you, God of Smart Devices, for the divine providence and guidance. 

11 a.m. Saturday for the show. You'll find a link below to explore your viewing and listening options. The show is broadcasted on Facebook Live, as well as regular FM  radio, on-line and by selected alien representatives from the moons of Mars. 



LINK:  THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR





Happy Friday and Memorial Day weekend!

Jared  

11 from Women's Track and Field to compete in NCAA Prelims -- WNBA News -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

ACTION STARTS TODAY AT NORTH FLORIDA FOR CARDINAL ATHLETES 

The University of Louisville has 11 student-athletes competing in the NCAA East Preliminaries at the University of North Florida beginning today.

They will be trying to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships that will take place June 5-8 in Austin, TX. 

Here's the breakdown: 


HAMMER THROW -- Makenli Forrest, Halee Hudson

POLE VAULT -- Gabriela Leon, Morgan Zacharias

100m HURDLES -- Kayla Alexander, Sydney Hill

LONG JUMP -- Alexis Gibbons

10000m -- Dorcas Wasike, Ivine Chemutai

HIGH JUMP -- Alivia Ash

SHOT PUT -- Rashida Harris


If you have the paid subscription to FloSports Track, they'll be showing the East Prelims live. UofL's track and Field twitter account also will keep you up on the progress. 

Check with Cardinal Couple for the latest updates on these Cardinals in their pursuits for the NCAA Championships.  

We wish our Track and Field Cardinal the very best of times, numbers and results over the next three days as they give it their best to make it to the NCAA Championships! 



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


WNBA UPDATE

With one day (today) left before WNBA rosters have to trim down to 12 players, all four  former UofL WBB players on rosters have survived the cuts, so far. 

Asia Taylor looks to remain with the Indiana Fever, Indiana did waive Kayla Alexander yesterday, so A-Tayy's spot looks to be safe. A-tayy seems to be a good fit in Indy and with seven guards listed on their current 13 player roster, we'll predict anymore waivers come from that spot. 

Arica Carter made it through another round of cuts out in Phoenix. She's one of six guards listed on their current roster of 13 and one of four rookies listed. With Diana Taurasi unavailable for another 3-5 weeks but listed on the roster, we like A/C's chances to remain with the Mercury. 


Myisha Hines-Allen is listed as one of the 13 left on the Washington Mystics roster. We feel "Mooks" is O.K. here...the Mystics cut a couple of players back over the last few days and with eight guards still on Washington's roster, we're betting any final cuts would come from that position. 

Asia Durr looks to be solid with the New York Liberty. They still show 15 players on roster, but six of them are centers and eight are guards...I doubt the Liberty would waive the 2nd overall 2019 WNBA draft pick and Durr has been starting for NY, so...we declare her safe as well for a spot on the "Big Apple" roster. 

Here's a cut that is surprising: 

Megan Gustafson was the 2019 Naismith Award winner and was the AP Player Of The Year, and she was the Big Ten Player Of The Year in both 2018 and 2019 for the Iowa Hawkeyes. She averaged 27.9 points and 13.5 rebounds per game as a 6'3" center and shot 70.1% from the floor while attempting 16.5 field goals per game.

She was drafted 17th overall, the fifth pick of the WNBA's second round in the 2019 draft. On Wednesday, Gustafson was part of the Dallas Wings' final round of cuts.

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DID YOU SEE THIS? 

Asia Taylor has a close and special relationship with her mom, Felicia. She had the chance to do something very special for her recently...in buying her a house...and did so. 

The surprise revealing and announcement was captured on Instagram and we proudly share it with you today: 




instagram.com/tv/BxxRZUQhaBk/?igshid=1wwr6294i7s4l …


Just one example of the kind, caring and giving student-athletes and their works that have graced the Belknap Campus over the years and continue to. We salute you, A-Tayy ! 

(thanks to former Cardinal Couple columnist and reader Jenny O'Bryan for notifying me of this special moment.) 


have a terrific Thursday 

paulie
xxxxx