WBB wins, WSOC loses -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

A mixed bag of results last night for University of Louisville women's sports. 

The women's basketball squad overcame a slow start and pummeled Chattanooga in the KFC YUM! Center last night 86-37. In Provo, UT, the women's soccer team basically had a half to remember and one to forget in a 4-0 loss to the BYU Cougars. Let's get at it: 


CARDS 86 - CHATTANOOGA 37

Despite the slow start for UofL offensively (the Cards went 0-8 from the floor to open the game) solid defense prevailed and Louisville eventually regained their shooting touch to hold court against the 1-6 Mocs. 

It took the Cards nearly four minutes to register their first basket in the first quarter. Fortunately, Chattanooga had only scored once. Those inside scoring woes had Louisville in their grip and it wasn't until Dana Evans drove the paint and got one to fall at the 6:10 mark that UofL registered points. After that, though, the Cards went on a 12-2 run and fought their way to a 18-7 lead after one quarter. Despite the 7-24 shooting (29.2%) the Cards were active in rebounding with 19 opening session grabs. The Mocs weren't faring any better from the floor (3-13) and the Cards already had four steals. 

Six Louisville players were on the board (out of the nine Jeff Walz played in the first ten minutes), none had more than four points and the Cards held a significant 8-0 edge in points off turnovers (UTC had six), second chance points (6-0) and free throws, where UofL was 4-4 and Chattanooga hadn't attempted one. 

With defense leading the way, UofL started the second quarter on a 15-2 run in the first 6 1/2 minutes for a 33-9 advantage. Evans was in double figures and "E" Balogun had seven points and six rebounds on her stat line. The Cards were still going to the paint but the trio of Bionca Dunham, Kylee Shook and Liz Dixon had massed only four points. They were rebounding, though...with 16 grabs between them. Norika Konno and Yacine Diop came in with nice contributions off the bench and had 12 of UofL's 35 points. Despite not scoring in the last 2:50 of the half, Louisville led comfortably at the intermission 35-13.

The Cardinal clubbing continued in the third quarter. Walz went deeper into the reserves and Kasa Robinson responded with four points and two steals. UofL was off to the races again in the third, using a 18-6 domination in the first 6 1/2 minutes to lead comfortably 53-19. The Cards won the quarter 26-14, Walz had played everyone but Jess Laemmle and Dana added eight more points in the third, including a couple of threes. UTC was still engulfed in shooting woes, going 4-14 in the quarter and shooting just 28% for the contest. It was 61-27 with 10 minutes to play.

The bench erupted in joyous celebration when Liz tallied a putback for a bucket at the buzzer signalling the end of the third and when she scored on another follow-up with a minute left in the quarter.  

The fourth period started with the interesting combination of Shook, Robinson, Lindsey Duvall, Diop and Liz Dixon on the court. Jess Laemmle soon took the court and the Cards blasted out to a 12-2 run to start the fourth and held a 73-29 lead over the visitors in the first four minutes. 

Walz continued to tinker with the combinations on the court, ending up with Laemmle, Dixon, Balogun, Duvall and Konno on the floor for the final four minutes.  He probably could have played me, my wife, Nick Evans, Sean Moth and Ernie the Usher the rest of the way...Mocs head coach Katie Burrows was deep into her bench as well and, with a Duvall three leading the way, the Cards closed the match with a 9-5 run and went on to win by 49. 



THEY SAID IT

You all talk, I'm gonna get some dancin' in 

Coach Walz joined players Dana Evans and Elizabeth Balogun at the microphones, in a rarity for post-game interviews scenarios. Maybe because we kept UTC head coach Burrows in the media room for eight minutes discussing Mocs Basketball and places to eat in Chattanooga. Microphone decorum was almost completely ignored again, I managed to confuse Balogun with a question and it was pretty much me, the Courier and Farmer Tom firing up the post-game queries. Louisville's feed of the post game dies when I'm getting ready to ask "E" a question, so I borrowed this one from The Crunch Zone. Thanks to them for dilligent coverage and contributing to the joy and excitement of UofL women's basketball. Eventually, I hope to get Jared recording post-game stuff again. 

LINK: JEFF, DANA and E POST GAME

I've also attached my audio here, since it includes Chattanooga head coach Burrows. Burrows viewing is also available at The Crunch Zone. 

LINK: JEFF, DANA and "E" POST GAME


FRED REPORT

Today's Fred - actor Fred Thompson
Obviously took UTC and the points. 

FREE THROWS -- The Cards continue to impress from the charity stripe. 12-14 is 85.7% and way past our letter standard of 70%. It was a lightly-whistled contest. No player for Louisville attempted more than three free tosses and five Cards were perfect from the stripe. I proudly bestow the Capital "F" for this excellent accuracy. Maybe troubles with the close-in shots, but none last night with the free ones. 

REBOUNDING -- The Cards had a 59-28 edge over the smaller Mocs. Maybe because the shooting wasn't all that great, but Kylee grabbed 11 and Balogun showed the effort with the same. 33 of them in the first half.  "B" added nine, "Liz" found seven. Proud of "Ya-Ya", too, with five in just 17 minutes. No problem in tossing up a Capital "R" here for someone to grab.  

EFFORT/EXECUTION -- It was the Cards hustle, from most all involved that produced this 49-point "W". Second chance points 19-4 Louisville, 50-16 UofL in the paint. 12-0 on the fast break. I am going to award a small case "e", though...primarily because of the ugly start. Pull that kind of beginning against most of the ACC and you're down by double digits.

DEFENSE -- It was a stellar effort for UofL last night defensively. 13 steals ! Holding the Mocs to 24.6% shooting. Creating 18 turnovers while going deep into the bench and playing all 11 dressed. It was expected, this defensive juggernaunt effort, against maybe the least-talented opponent Louisville will face this season. Here's your Capital "D", Cards. 

FINAL FRED TALLY:  F-R-e-D

So, a win most expected and a good one at that. Walz got to do a lot of experimenting, I thought Norika Konno looked more comfortable on the court than she has all season and "Ya-Ya" Diop got the minutes and produced the results I knew she was capable of.

Three-point shooting (6-24) still needs work, though. Dana and "E" combined for a 3 for 10 night and that must improve. I liked the equal distribution of playing time, though. Everyone saw close to 15 minutes except Jess, who logged a season high 8:30.

The Cards are still a "work in progress" but Walz has to be pleased with the defensive intensity last night. The inside game made progress but also need to pick it up. It was what it was...a 49-point win over a 1-6 Southern Conference foe at home.  


SOCCER STUMBLES AGAINST BYU 4-0

It was a valiant effort for Louisville women's soccer for most of the night against #4 BYU in Provo. The teams were scoreless at the half. The Cards were still hanging tough 15 minutes into the second half, keeping BYU off the board. 

Then disaster struck.

BYU erupted for two goals in one minute. A third soon followed and with eight minutes left in the match, the Cougars added their four goal in twenty minutes. 

The Cards did not respond. Maybe the early effort wore UofL out. Maybe the Cougars decided to put points into their arsenal of domination. Whatever it was, Louisville's season ends in Utah and BYU goes to the Sweet Sixteen to face NC State, who surprised Arkansas in the first game 2-1. 

The Cards actually got two good shots on goal off in the first two minutes of the match, one by Allison Whitfield and the other by Brooklyn Rivers. After that, it was pretty much BYU controlling the action and pace. 

Our soccer expert Case Hoskins will go into much more detail on the Cards exit from the NCAA Tournament. I'll leave you with these pertinent stats. 

Shots:   BYU 19 - Louisville 9
Shots on Goal:   BYU 8 - Louisville 2
Corners: BYU 9 - Louisville 1


Still it was an incredible season for UofL Women's Soccer. There is no disgrace in losing to a higher-ranked team, at their place.

(WBB PHOTOS FOM JARED ANDERSON) 


Have a fun Friday !

paulie
xxxxx

Chattanooga visits Louisville women's basketball -- Women's Soccer in Provo -- More on Van Lith -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

MOCS COME TO VILLE WITH 1-4 RECORD

Gonna miss former UTC coach Jim Foster coming to the YUM! 

For their fourth contest of the 2019-20 season, the Cards WBB players entertain a visitor from the "Choo-Choo" city. Chattanooga dips south after a Tuesday night defeat from Michelle Clark Heard's Cincinnati Bearcats 72-53. The Southern Conference visitor was within six in the third quarter before the fourth quarter Bearcat blowout.  

Known as the "Mocs", their second-year head coach Katie Burrows continues the rebuild of the program. She has a couple of players of note. Senior guard Lakelyn Bouldin averages 12.8 points per game and sophomore forward Abbey Cornelius contributes 12.2 a night. UTC has a win over Liberty this season but losses to Purdue (66-34), Hampton (84-55) Belmont (63-50) an, as mentioned, the Bearcats. 

It all adds up to look like a chance for Jeff Walz to continue the exploration of his depth, rotation and player combinations. In a press conference yesterday. Walz indicated the possibility of inserting Kylee Shook into the starting lineup in place of Liz Dixon.

We can see why.

Kylee has turned in a double-double in two of the Cards three contest this season. He also referred to the idea of letting Liz watch a bit from the sidelines to get the flow of the game (like the Keisha Hines/Gwen Rucker combo from a few years ago) before entering th game. Walz doesn't seem to think either player's minutes will drop, he's just trying this strategy early in the season to see how it works. Walz's Wednesday presser is below. He talks Van Lith and more : 

LINK: WALZ PRESSER FROM 11-20-19 

The rest of the Cards' starters are pretty solid. Jaz Jones and Dana Evans are coming off career-high points totals in the win over CMU. "B" Bionca Dunham has been steady inside and "E" Elizabeth Balogun is a multi-talented three point threat that was hampered by a few questionable whistles last time out.

After that, it's looks like basketball roulette. "Kasa" Mykasa Robinson should see her minutes, the Cards defensive stopper appears 100% and ready to go. "Ya-Ya" Yacine Diop should have the chance to get significant minutes and punch up the Cards scoring. Norika Konno has seen her fair share of court time, she's a proven assist-maker and the shot will eventually come. Jess Laemmle is a steady ball-handler and knows the offense, plus a three-point threat. So is Lindsey Duvall, who we hope will get a few more minutes than previously this season. 

Seygan Robins continues to have heel issues and will sit this one out. Sitting also is Molly Lockhart, who is not quite 100% yet regarding her injury rehabilitation.  

The Cards have won 98 games against non-AP Top 25 teams. I don't see that changing tonight. Louisville averages 75.7 points-per-night, while Chattanooga checks in a 52.3 an outing. The Mocs do have a bit more height than the previous UofL foes this season. Cornelius is 6'2" and the Mocs have a couple of 6'3" paint players in Ruona Uwusiaba and Kallie Searcy -- but UTC averages just 31.8 grabs a game and has a -6.6 rebounding margin against their opponents. Louisville is good for 47.0 rebounds a night and has a +12.0 edge over their opponents so far. 

Remember, game time is 6:30 tonight. If you can't attend, the ACC Network is televising the contest. I've don't know much of their crew tonight (Tiffany Greene and Kelly Gramlich) and if I wasn't able to be in the arena, I'd go with the stellar broadcasting duo of Nick Curran and Adrienne Johnson on Cards Radio 790 AM -- WKRD. Maybe "the network" should stick with local talent for these Louisville broadcasts against non-ACC foes. I'd love to hear the trio of Don Russell, Sara White and Katie George mic up for WBB just once. I know many of you would, as well. 

It's also 80's night. Dress accordingly, if you wish to participate. After my 70's night garb last week, I'm passing on the eighties attire. That's me on the left.

I might consider it if I had an MTV T-Shirt in my closet. I don't think I'd look good in leggings, though. 

The "eighties"  just wasn't as memorable for me, with the exception of meeting and marrying my dear Sonya. I'll have the recap of what I hope is a feel-good, blowout win for the Red and Black attack in the Friday Cardinal Couple edition. 

Here's the delightful little ditty about the "see Rock City" town, as performed by the Andrews sisters:  

LINK: CHATTANOOGA CHOO-CHOO



WOMEN'S SOCCER ON A BUSINESS TRIP TO UTAH

So, you're the #23 team in the country, halfway across the nation to face an undefeated, #4 ranked squad on their field, in front of around 3,000 fans and it's the second round of the NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament. David vs. Goliath time? Reason to tense up a bit?

Nope. Just a business trip for Karen Ferguson Dayes Kickin' Cards. 

Louisville has played the elite of WSOC this season. 10 Cardinal opponents made the NCAA Tournament. Six have advanced to second round action. Louisville has faced and played well against the powerhouses UNC, Virginia, Duke and Clemson. They have no fear of, but a healthy respect for, West Coast Conference foe BYU. 

Louisville sees this one as a showcase for the joy and excitement of the sport. The Cards philosophy is "one game at a time" and this is the next one up. The Cards have allowed just .075 goals per game this season. Yes, that's less than a goal per game. A wonderful atmosphere for the sport should be in full force tonight and the Cards plan to use it to their advantage.  

Proving it in Provo. This is the task for UofL Women's Soccer. If you read Jared's preview in the Wednesday Cardinal Couple, you know that the Cougars have weapons. They have had their successes this season.

The Cards can't worry about that.

Louisville intends to play Louisville Women's Soccer tonight, and it's a style that has led the Cards to a 13-4-2 record. If you haven't read Jared's report and listened to Coach Ferguson Dayes interview, I suggest you go back and review it.

The Cards play together. How that will translate out tonight is anyone's guess, but I won't be surprised at all if they advance to round three. The Sweet Sixteen. Believe it. Teams from the toughest women's soccer conference in DI don't surrender. These Birds didn't fly out there just to enjoy the mountain air. 

This one will be shown at 8 p.m. on BYU TV. On Spectrum, that's channel 281. Although, women's basketball duties are on tap for me tonight, I'll be hoping to get home in time to view some of the Cards vs. Coogs contest and will review it tomorrow here at Cardinal Couple. 

Believe in yourself, Women's Soccer Cards. Go get the win.



HAILEY WAS DOWN TO TWO

Wenatchee, Washington is called the "apple capital of the world". Jeff Walz and the Louisville Cardinals picked the best one off the tree when they received a commitment from Haliey Van Lith. 

Jeff Walz was in the Atlanta airport when he got the call from Van Lith. She was holding her announcement presser at 3 p.m. Walz's phone rang at 2:45 p.m. He knew it was down to his Cards and Baylor. She told him she wanted to be a part of the Cardinal family. 

Van Lith has been a part of four USA goal medal teams. MVP on two of them. There is a dedication, drive, desire and determination to her that develops when she steps on the court. 

Walz says: 

"She is a dynamic player. she can score in all phases of the game. She can get to the rim, hit the pull-up jump shot and make the three. I think what separates her from a lot of players out there is her competitive drive." 

A win over Kim Mulkey and the Baylor Bears in the recruiting wars as well. I wonder if Kim shed off her coat and stormed across the practice court when she heard the news?

Hailey joins former 3X3 teammate Olivia Cochran in the class of 2020. Both scored five-star 98 (out of 100) ratings from ESPN. Not to be forgotten in this class of new arrivals are Canadian sensation Merissah Russell and dynamic Panama City, Fl combo guard Ahlana Smith.  

Many consider Hailey the most-highly sought after and skilled Louisville commitment since Asia Durr. I am working to get a Cardinal Couple interview with her. I've gotten the "go-ahead" from Coach Walz and just waiting for her digits from Louisville's WBB S.I.D so I can call and inquire about the interview. I'm told her off-court personality is friendly, engaging, fun and informative.  We'll aim to base our chat around that. 

Is there a specific thing you would like to know about Hailey? I take requests, so leave your question in the comments section or e-mail me at:  cardinalcouple@twc.com  with what you'd like to know. 



Have a triumphant Thursday !

paulie
xxxxx

NCAA Tournament Prep -- Spring Schedule Released -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

A Change In Today's Lineup

Paulie has a busy day ahead of him so he and I changed days around.  He'll take over Thursday and Friday this week...plus the coverage and results of Louisville women's soccer NCAA Second Round results. He'll be here with plenty of basketball news and notes including this week's game and some big recruiting news also.

In case you wondered which days your Cardinal Couple crew takes to these pages to write, the current schedule is me (Jared) on Tuesday and Thursdays, Paulie on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Case on Saturday and Jeff on Sunday. Occasionally, we switch around ( like today ) when life events or travelling occur.

Soccer Prepares for NCAA Second Round

Soccer landed in Utah in preparation for the NCAA Second Round against BYU tomorrow.  They are the  #4 ranked team
in the latest poll and the Cougars are also the 2-seed in the region.

BYU enters the match at 19-0-1 with a 8-0-1 record in the West Coast Conference.  They were guaranteed in before their conference tournament, but earned the automatic bid with an 8-1 victory over Loyola Marymount.

Here is a video the team released of the arrival in Provo:

LINK:  CARDS WSOC ARRIVES IN PROVO

The Coogs sole draw was a 2-2 finish at Santa Clara at the beginning of October.

BYU had one of the hottest offenses in the country in the regular season.  They scored 73 goals in 20 matches for a 3.65 goals per match average.  They posted eight-goal performances twice and a single seven-goal performance.

Elisa Flake has scored 19 goals on the year while WCC Player of the Year Mikayla Colohan has scored 14.  They are part of a committee of 15 players to record a goal.

Defensively, BYU has surrendered just 10 goals.  Three goalkeepers have seen time in front of the net but it's Sabrina Davis who has done most of the heavy labor.  Although she has been the only keeper to allow a goal, Davis has played in all but one match and has 44 saves.

Louisville will square up against BYU on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.in Provo. NC State and Arkansas play earlier at the same site. That's Mountain time, so add two hours off that here locally -- a 8:00 p.m start in Louisville.  TV is currently listed as BYU TV but there is a chance it may be found online.

Paulie was able to catch up with Louisville women's soccer head coach Karen Ferguson Dayes via phone yesterday for an interview, so that link is below. A thanks to women's soccer SID Kim Pemberton for coordinating the hookup.

LINK:  KAREN FERGUSON DAYES INTERVIEW 11/19/19   (audio only)


Softball Releases Schedule

We're still months away from the start of the season but the softball schedule has been released.  It
features a minimal number of home games with most being on the road or at neutral locations.

As the season draws closer, Paulie will post it on the Right Side of the Site, like he does with WBB,VB, WSOC and other women's sports.

SCHEDULE DETAILS

The season will start on Feb. 7, with the opening weekend featuring a five-game performance in Clearwater, Fla.

They'll head up the coast the next weekend for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge where they will face Michigan and Wisconsin twice each.

Tuscaloosa will be the next stop of the road trip for the Easton Bama Bash.  Louisville will face Penn State once, Wichita State twice, and Alabama twice.

February will conclude in Stillwater and Tulsa for the joint OSU/Tulsa Invitational.  Louisville will face four teams from around the country.

The first visit to Ulmer Stadium is the first full weekend in March- the Red and Black Challenge.  The Cards will host Oakland, Illinois, and Evansville as well as get a rematch against Northwestern.

They then start conference play by hosting Boston College during the Ides of March.

The first conference road trip of the season will be at Florida State the following weekend.  Unlike past years, this series will be Friday-Sunday.  No Monday night prime time spot.  I guess someone didn't like the shocker last year.

Louisville travels to Indiana for a midweek game before traveling to Duke to close out March.

The Cards open April up by hosting Pittsburgh the first weekend and Notre Dame the second weekend.  With Easter on April 12, the Cards and Irish will play a double header on Saturday, April 11, instead of the normal one game per day slot.

The Cards will then head to Lipscomb in the middle of the week before turning east to travel to
Virginia

The final weekend in April will be Senior Weekend when the Cards host NC State.

They then travel down the road to Kentucky on April 29 before visiting Syracuse to start May.

The ACC Softball Tournament is May 6-May 9 and will be hosted in Louisville this year.  Only 10 of the now-12 teams (Duke was new to softball last year) make the tournament so the Cards need to make sure they're in the top 10.  The bottom four seeds will have play-in games while the rest have a bye until the second day of the tournament.

I know, another weird bracket to deal with.


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

Keep an eye out for Paulie's preview of women's basketball's Thursday night game vs. Chattanooga, more comments on the Louisville women's soccer match and his thoughts on Hailey Van Lith.

All tomorrow on your daily blast of the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports.

Happy Wednesday and Go Cards!

Jared