Softball goes to Boston College -- Oaks Day -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

Good morning readers and Happy Oaks Day / Derby Weekend!


Per usual, the spring sports teams will hit the road on Derby week to free up hotel space in the city. Its been a nice week weather wise.. 85-90 might be a little extreme for the end of April, we will see if its still nice out throughout the weekend and races at Churchill Downs.

(picture from Kentucky Oaks)

My Oaks picks - Where’s my Ring (15-1), Into Champange (30-1) and Our Pretty Woman (15-1)

My Derby Picks – Catching Freedom (8-1), Track Phantom (20-1)and Fierceness (5-2)

If you are able to decipher the theme of my picks I will personally bake and send you a batch of cookies. It’s a pretty big stretch though. Paulie's OAKS DAY Stakes Races Picks are at the bottom of today's article

Softball

Photos: Jared Anderson

The Cards are heading north for Derby weekend to play in their final series of the regular season against the Eagles of Boston College. The first game is scheduled for 4pm on Friday on the ACCNX and 12pm on Saturday and Sunday with Saturdays matchup available for viewing on the ACC Network.

The Eagles are 27-22 and 7-14 in the ACC coming off a midweek matchup with Boston University where Boston College fell 1-6.

 

Boston University's Lauren Keleher went 4-4 with 5 RBIs on a double, triple and a home run. BC managed to plate only 1 run on 5 hits. 

BC has gone 3-9 since 4/9 this season. UofL, BC and Syracuse are in a 3 way tie for 9th in the league. The Cards are coming off a 1-2 weekend against the Clemson Tigers

For BC, Hannah Slike leads offensively with a .358 BA scoring 26 runs on 57 hits.

We’ve seen Alyssa Zabala get the starting nod for the first game of the series this season so expect her to start in the circle for the Cards. (18-14) carries a 3.05 ERA with 91 strikeouts in 151.2 innings. Her 18 victories lead the ACC and rank 20th nationally. 

Daisy Hess leads the team with 31 runs, 31 walks and a .441 on-base percentage. She stands tied for ninth on Louisville's single season list for walks.




Have a happy and safe Derby weekend everyone!!! 



As Always,

Go Cards go!

Daryl

PAULIE'S HANDICAPPNG HEROES KENTUCKY OAKS DAY STAKES RACES PICKS

Yeah, I know, I told everyone i was through with handicappong and posting picks last year. I have been getting some requests and inquiries , though, on who I like Friday and Saturday...so I decided to handicap the stakes races each day (OAKS AND DERBY. ) 

Just goes to show you... you can't argue with a sick mind...nostrovia !! I'll have the Derby mis-selections tomorrow...unless you know something i don't  

KY OAKS DAY PAULIE'S PICKS

Race 5 -- LaTroienne Stakes

6 -- XIGERA

5 -- PRETTY MISCHEVIOUS

4 -- IDIOMATIC

Race 6 -- Unbridled Sidney Stakes

5 -- ELM DRIVE

2 -- OVA CHARGED

10 -- TONY ANN

Race 7 -- Alysheba Stakes

7 -- TAP IT TRICE

3 -- FIRST MISSION

6 -- TUMBARUMBA

Race 8 -- Modesty Stakes

6 -- SURPRISINGLY

4 -- HEAVENLY SUNDAY

2 -- ASPEN GROVE

Race 9 --  Eight Belles Stakes

1 -- IMPEL

7 -- DENIM AND PEARLS

11 -- MY MANE SQUEEZE

Race 10 -- Edgewood Stakes

9 -- HARD TO JUSTIFY

4 -- BUCHO

6 -- POUNCE

Race 11 -- Kentucky Oaks

#13 -- JUST PYI

#14 --  LESLIE'S HOPE

#8   -- TARITA

Good luck today and stay dry!

paulie

Cards Softball Run-Rules Boston College, sweeps series -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 

CARDS SOFTBALL WIN STREAK NOW NINE GAMES WITH 8-0 WHITEWASH OF BOSTON COLLEGE. 

Louisville Softball used a four-run second inning and a four-run fourth inning to pile up the runs in Ulmer Stadium -- while four Cardinals pitchers (Alyssa Zabala, Taylor Roby, Gabby Holloway and Cassie Grizzard) held the Eagles to just two hits and no runs in the Sunday win. The win was credited to Holloway, who pitched the third and fourth innings, and she goes to 5-1 on the season. 

The win puts Louisville at 35-14 on the season and 16-4 in the ACC. They're currently in second place in the ACC, 2-1/2 games behind first-place Florida State. The Cards end the regular season at Tallahassee, a sweep of the Noles would give Louisville the regular season title.

In the final regular season game at Ulmer, Louisville used four walks (to Daisy Hess, Ally Alexander, Korbe Otis and Vanessa Miller) and a single to grab a 2-0 lead. Then, a Easton Lotus single brought home two more runners to set the stage at 4-0. As she's said often, Holly Aprile is a proponent of "small ball" and it proved to be beneficial in the early stages of Sunday's game. 

The Cards failed to score in the third inning, but struck again in the bottom of the fourth when Miller drew a walk to start the Cards-at-bat. Two outs quickly followed and it looked like another scoreless inning might be on the way for Louisville Softball...but Lotus drew a walk and Taylor Roby came to the plate. 

Roby took a 2-1 pitch deep to left-center field and the ball actually cleared the scoreboard in left-center for a three RBI home run. The blast was Roby's 21st of the season (tying her for the lead in the NCAA) and 61st of her career. It was 7-0 and the Cards weren't done yet. Sarah Gordon drew a walk and a Hess double to center brought the Cards catcher home for her squad's eighth and final run. 

Grizzard took the mound for the visitors half of the fifth and got a line out, pop up and fly out to set the Eagles down in order and get the "walk off". 

PHOTOS BY JARED ANDERSON

THEY SAID IT...

POST GAME INTERVIEWS (Courtesy of Jared Anderson)

HOLLY APRILE

TAYLOR ROBY

(parts of today's article were written by Sonja Sykes, as well as Paulie) 

Softball travels to BC -- KY Oaks Day -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Happy Derby/Oaks weekend Louisville, KY!

Glad to see the festivities back on the first weekend in May. Normalcy. Be safe, wear your sunscreen and stay away from strangers if you're heading over to Churchill this weekend... wait.. do that anywhere you go, every weekend! Those are general pieces of life advice!

There are a couple picks I've got my eye on.. I like one of the favorite's Travel Column & Coach for the long shot. 

Post time: 5:51 p.m. Friday at Churchill Downs. Purse: $1.25 million. Grade: 1. Distance: 1 1/8 miles. TV: NBC Sports Network.



Who do you got winning the Lillies?  Let us know in the comments. And you can see Paulie's Picks for the Oaks, and the Derby tomorrow by going to his horse racing site:  PAULIE PICKS

Fun fact, my boyfriend is the person who ordered the Lillies/Roses for the winners circle.  He is in floral wholesale and imported the roses from Columbia & the lillies came from California.  He sells them to Kroger every year for the events. 

SOFTBALL

Louisville (17-23-1, 11-17-1 ACC) is eighth in the current ACC standings while Boston College (11-27, 6-19) is 13th.  The Cards are coming off of a stretch of nine straight games played against top-25 opponents after a four-game series against then-No. 21 Duke, a midweek game at No. 14 Kentucky, followed by last weekend's four-game set against No. 7 Florida State. In that stretch, the Cardinals went 2-6-1 with three games going into extra innings and three games decided by one run. And an 11-inning 0-0 tie against the Seminoles.

Louisville leads the series 8-4. Carmyn Greenwood leads the team and the ACC and stands eighth in the nation with 59 hits.  Taylor Roby has a team-high 12 home runs and 36 RBI standing tied for second in the ACC in home runs and fourth in RBI. She has also produced a team-best 10 multi-RBI games.

Roby (10-9) leads the team with a 2.54 ERA in 30 appearances and 129.1 innings of work.  Its evident that this team is at its best when Roby starts in the circle for the Cards. 

For the Eagles, junior catcher Gianna Boccagno has one of the strongest arms behind the plate in the country. The Florida native leads the ACC with 15 runners caught stealing in 2021.  In all, opponents are just 22-of-37 in stolen base attempts against Boccagno this season.  BC leads the ACC with 17 runners caught stealing.

ACC Team Leaders Caught Stealing

1. Boston College 17

2. Pitt 13

    L'ville 13

Its Senior Weekend for the Eagles. Junior pitcher Susannah Anderson is among the ACC leaders in several categories this season. The ace of the BC pitching staff, Anderson is 7-15 with a 2.40 ERA in 25 appearances in 2021, good enough for 13th in the ACC.

CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR PODCAST

We've decided to take the weekend off from podcasting with it being a slow weekend on news/games and or teams on the road.  Plus, with the festivities, its a good opportunity to spend time with our people.  We hope you get to spend time with yours too.  

Go Cards

~Daryl 

Sunday Cardinal Couple - Softball Looking for Wins

Softball Looking for Conference Wins

Louisville Softball is in a battle for post-season play.  The Cards currently sit 8th in conference (if I'm doing my math right...2+2=5, right?), and 8 teams compete in the ACC Softball Championship hosted by Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

The Cards currently sit at 9-10 in conference play with 4 games left to play.  They're ahead of Syracuse who have finished conference play at 9-12.  They also have a chance of passing Duke, who are currently 12-11 with only a single conference game left to play (today at 1pm against UVA, who are bringing up the rear in Softball).

The Cards finish out the weekend series, and conference home finale, against Boston College (11-8 in conference).  The Cards have already clinched the series win for the feel-good points, but are trying to improve their record to ensure a place in post season play.  UofL still has a weekend on the road up at Pitt, who are currently sitting atop the Coastal division of play.

The Cards are currently at 9-10 in conference.  Wins today, and next weekend will be needed to
ensure a place in Atlanta (and perhaps a celebratory trip to the McCoughtry's ice cream shop).  There are enough scenarios to play out with games remaining that I can't sort them all out (and the ACC website does us no favors by not keeping up to date with games played, instead offering a weekly snapshot of the standings...more math!)  After the weekend concludes, it will be easier to get a read on what the Cardinals need to accomplish to get to play in the 2nd season of the year.

So far this weekend, the Cards have dispatched the Boston College Eagles, despite the Eagles holding a higher standing in conference.  Hope springs eternal for Pearsall's squad to collect some wins against Pitt, who despite their lofty conference standing, have a roughly similar overall win-loss record (28-16, currently) to UofL (30-17).

In yesterday's action, the Sidney Melton (go Team Sid/Syd/Szyd!), Maddy Newman, Megan Hensley combo carried the day.  The trio teamed up in the first to eventually get Hensley around the base paths to score.  Melton's presence on the base paths helped Newman advanced on a throw and tag out of Melton at home.  Similarly, Newman helped Hensley to advance in a fielder's choice.  Hensley would eventually score on an error in the opening frame. 3-2 Cards win!

The Eagles scored two in the 5th, but the Cards would answer in the home half with the Melton, Newman, Hensley trio again teaming up to get a pair across.  Melton hit and stole 2nd, Newman hit to advance Melton to 3rd, and a Hensley's hit let Melton and Newman show off their speed to score from the corners.  The trio of runs would be enough to take the game over BC's pair in the 5th.

UofL celebrated Senior Day yesterday, with today planned to be the pink game.  Jenna Jordan, Nicole "Poof" Pufahl, Ashley Nikolao the hometown hero, Jamie "The new pride of New Egypt, New Jersey" Soles, and Alison "Mike" Szydlowski were all honored.  Cardinal Couple has had the extremely good fortune to interview nearly all of that squad over the past few years...mostly at the annual Softball banquet.  We had a wonderful interview, and were struck by just how thoughtful and insightful Jenna Jordan is at this year's banquet.  The "Poof" has been interviewed multiple times by Paulie, and is always up for a fun conversation.  We were able to grab audio from Jamie Soles and the original "Pride of New Egypt, New Jersey", her older sister and UofL alumna Kayla Soles, at a banquet several years ago.  And, of course, "Mike, Mike, Mike" has been a favorite of the CC crew for some time, as well as one of the members of the All-Sid/Syd/Szyd team.

Jeff Walz was on hand to toss out the ceremonial first pitch and also in attendance was visitor Yacine Diop, previously of Pittsburgh WBB and a possible Cardinal transfer? NCAA recruiting guidelines prohibited Jared from getting a photo of Diop and Walz together but a visual sighting of the two was confirmed.

Today's game starts at noon and is available streamed on The ACC Network Extra. Go Cards, fly past the Eagles today and get the sweep!

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

Three of the knuckleheads were in the Mellwood Mansion studio yesterday for a good show with great discussions on WCHQ FM.  You can catch a replay and see Floyd the Touchdown Squirrel hiding Jared's crumpled up breakfast paper bag from the camera.  I'm going to go ahead and start calling him Floyd the Touchdown Squirrel, as it's clearly the best name option that has been suggested (by yours truly, of course).  Watch the stream to see and hear me politicking for "Floyd" votes as well.

We discussed the post-season hopes for Softball, effectively wrapped up the year for Lacrosse with an eye to the future, and even found a copule of items of Women's Basketball news to throw in the mix.

https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/2016762928346980/

--
JMcA

Diop visiting Louisville WBB -- Softball beats Boston College 4-2 -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

PITT'S LEADING SCORER, REBOUNDER CHECKING OUT CARDS

There weren't a whole lot of bright spots for Pittsburgh women's basketball last season but the play of red-shirt junior Yacine Diop was one of them. Leading the Panthers in rebounds and points, she also torched the Cards for 26 points back on Jan.18th. in a 77-51 Louisville win at the Peterson Event Center.  She also had 18 against Louisville in the KFC YUM! Center back on Feb. 25th

I remember thinking then, and also when I watched her play in the ACC Tournament this March in Greensboro what a nice addition she could be to Jeff Walz's lineup. Maybe she read my mind. Maybe she wanted to witness Derby festivities up close and personal. In any event, sources have confirmed that the talented 5'11" forward is visiting the Cardinal campus this weekend.


You don't waste good. Diop is that good. If things work out, she'd be a great addition to a Cardinal front line that saw Myisha Hines-Allen graduate. There was no immediate information on where else, if anywhere else, she might be visiting. 

Hopefully, Diop has grown and matured from the shaky start she suffered as a sophomore at Pitt. 

LINK: Diop faces multiple charges

Everyone deserves a second chance, though, right? Diop hasn't had any further incidents and the real key here is if bringing her in, if she's interested, would it alter the great chemistry that the UofL WBB squad has built? 

It could be a boon to the Cards chances to regain a Final Four berth in 2019. Graduate transfers can often bring a year of inspired play to a squad and other successful coaches have benefited from additions from other programs. Walz has gone the transfer route before (remember Taylor Johnson, Briahanna Jackson ?)...so it wouldn't be a radical change in the philosophy of the Cards coach or staff.

And, as someone who could play several different positions and has a better-than-average outside jumper, she could pose another threat to Cardinal opponents.  

A big weekend in the city of Louisville. Plenty to see and do. a wonderful time to expose the city and the program to interested parties. We hope Diop has a great stay during her visit to Louisville. Maybe she took in the balloon glow. The balloon race and mini-marathon today. Opening night at Churchill Downs tonight. Cards softball on campus. 

A lot of things to sway a person's thought patterns to maybe spending a year in the area...not to mention getting the chance to suit up for a team that won over 30 games last year and was a missed foul away from a NCAA Championship game. 

Enjoy your stop, Ms. Diop. Spend a year with a team headed to the top.


SOFTBALL, HENSLEY GROUND EAGLES 4-2

Megan Hensley realizes the importance of this home-stand weekend for the Louisville Softball team. The ACC Tournament takes eight teams. Louisville was in ninth-place going into Friday night's game against Boston College. Wins, coupled with a few #8 Syracuse losses against North Carolina this weekend, were the only way the Cards could make the playoffs.

She took matters in her own hands last night. At the plate and in the circle. 

Mission 1/3 of the way there. A 4-2 Cardinal win at Ulmer, fueled by two Hensley home runs and 6.1 innings of strong pitching....plus a Syracuse loss to NC 5-1...have the Cards currently in eighth place in conference with a 8-10 ACC record. Syracuse is 8-12.

A solo blast by Hensley in the bottom of the fourth inning tied the game at 1-1. One inning later, a three-run "touch 'em all" from the Ashland, KY junior gave the Cards a 4-2 advantage that held the final two innings. 

Senior Day today at Ulmer. Jared outlined the accomplishments of the five who graduate this year in his Friday article. They, obviously, want to keep playing...to enjoy a post-season run...so the motivation will be high for them to take the Eagles to another loss today and Sunday.

Game time is 1 p.m. Catch it on the ACC Network Extra if you can't be there live for the contest.  



CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR

The knuckleheads return to the airwaves this morning to discuss the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics and other impromptu subjects that pop up on THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR this morning at 11 a.m. on WCHQ 100.9 FM. 

3/4ths. of the "A" team in the studio with Paulie, Jeff and Jared...as Case continues to study on how to drive a train. 

We'll have softball, recruits, lacrosse and other stunning information for you on the show. Join us on Facebook LIve or radio, we're not picky...for a guaranteed good time by all. 

Have a Super Saturday and rejoice! It's Derby Week in Louisville! 

Mike Barry on horse racing: "I hope to break even at the track today. I could use the money".

paulie
xxxxx





  

Lax Falls to Boston College -- NFL Draft -- Softball Senior Weekend -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Lax Falls to Boston College

The Louisville lacrosse team bowed out of the ACC Tournament in the first round to one-seed Boston College.  The Eagles handled the Cards with ease, winning 19-6.  Boston College improves to 18-0 and are one of two undefeated teams remaining alongside Stonybrook (15-0).

UofL found themselves down 8-1 just 10 minutes into the game with their lone goal sandwiched by a pair of 4-0 Boston College runs.  The Eagles came out playing a fast-paced offense with hopes of jumping out to an early lead after Louisville lead the regular season game 5-3 at the half.

Tessa Chad (junior), Emily Howell (senior), Jillian Balog (senior), Ally Hall (freshman), and Madison Hoover (senior) all scored in the first half, but Louisville trailed 14-5 when they walked off the field at halftime.  Boston College added a trio of goals in the second period before Shayla Scanlan (freshman) temporarily halted the bleeding and ultimately ended up being the final goal of the game for the Red and Black.  Boston College would go on to score two more times before the final buzzer.

The eight-seeded Cardinals drop to 6-11 while riding an eight-game losing streak.  With their record and RPI the season appears to be over.  An NCAA berth is still possible, but is a long shot after Louisville failed to earn a win in the back half of the season.

Season one of the Scott Teeter era is over and they won six more games than some people expected.  In their final home game of the season a parent told me that he was okay with his daughter losing while under Coach Teeter because the atmosphere he is creating is positive, warm, and hopeful.

Expect great things to come in upcoming seasons.

Jaire Alexander and Lamar Jackson Get Drafted in the First Round

Juniors Jaire Alexander and Lamar Jackson chose to forgo their senior years to enter the NFL draft.  Both players have had excellent careers, each winning awards on their respective side of the ball.

With the 18th pick of the NFL draft the Green Bay Packers selected cornerback Jaire Alexander.  Alexander should be a starter for a Packers team that has not had a good defense since I've been alive.  Like the days of having Mr. Heisman leading the offense Alexander will have the luxury of having a talented quarterback leading the way with a healthy Aaron Rodgers back in the lineup.  He is tied as the seventh-highest Louisville player ever taken in the NFL draft.

With the 32nd pick of the NFL draft the Baltimore Ravens selected Lamar Jackson.  The Ravens traded the Eagles at the last second on a night where Cards fans began to panic for the famous quarterback, providing a feeling of relief around the city.  After breaking enough school records to keep you counting for days the 2016 Heisman winner is probably the best player in Louisville football history.  Media outlets often suggested that Jackson should transition into a wide receiver, which he rejected every time.  With a bit of a weight gain the NFL could see the next Michael Vick.

Congratulations to Jaire Alexander and Lamar Jackson!

Softball Gears Up For Senior Weekend

Hoping to go out with a bang the Louisville softball team hosts Boston College.  The Cards are 28-17 and sit at 7-10 in the conference.  Louisville hopes to have a 30-win season for the 15th straight year.

Louisville will honor five seniors this weekend:

Nicole Pufahl- the "Poof" is in her fifth year with the softball program after red-shirting her true freshman year.  In her four years on the field she is the only player to not have changed her normal position (center field) during that time frame.  She has 103 career RBIs.

Alison Szydlowski- "Mike" or "Team Syd/Sid/Szyd" member spent her first half of her Louisville career behind the plate gunning down runners attempting to steal second.  She then transitioned to playing third base and eventually into some right field.

Ashley Nikolao- The only local on the team "Nik" joined the Cards from Meade County.  Nikolao has played more of a pinch hitter role, but did see time at third base.  She has four RBIs on 13 hits in her career.

Jamie Soles- The "New Pride of New Egypt, New Jersey" came in as a sophomore after spending one season at Hartford.  Like her older sister Kayla, Jamie is an infielder and played second base with a magnetic glove.  She has batted close to .300 in her Louisville career.

Jenna Jordan- "JJ" transferred in from Northern Colorado as a sophomore.  She has been the primary catcher the last two years, known to snag any pitch thrown her way.  In her three years she sits just shy of 50 RBIs.

The series will be played Friday at 6:00 p.m., Saturday at 1:00 p.m., and Sunday at 12:00 p.m.  There will be an autograph session following Friday's game.  The senior recognition will be Saturday because of the Pink Out scheduled for Sunday.

Even though this is listed as senior weekend their final home game is actually against Marshall next Wednesday.

With post-season hopes at risk the Cards desperately need wins.  Only the top eight teams make it to the ACC Tournament and Louisville is ninth in the conference.  With their record and RPI the NCAA Tournament is not an option without a hot run to close out the year.

To the seniors, we will miss you, but we'll keep aiming.


What day is it? 

Today is an interesting day of holidays and observations including Prime Rib Day, Stop Food Waste
Day, Woody Woodpecker Day and Morse Code. Day.

To be fully in compliance, I suppose one should go out for a prime rib dinner, eat all of it, take a Woody Woodpecker stuffed toy and send your order to the waitress or waiter via Morse Code.

Just in case you wondered, "Prime Rib" in  Morse code is:

.--. .-. .. -- . .-. .. -...

Have a Fantastic Friday!!

- Jared -
.--- .- .-. . -..

"Bakers trade recipes on a knead to know basis"  

Cincinnati being naughty?...Softball loses to BC 3-1 -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

QUESTIONS OVER BEARCATS WBB AND VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULING

The University of Cincinnati's Fifth-Third Arena...home to both Bearcat basketball squads and the volleyball team...is undergoing a major renovation. So, when the 2017-18 season rolls around for the sports, they will be displaced from their home court. For Mick Cronin's men's team, the new venue will be at Northern Kentucky's new built BB&T Arena...a facility that holds a little over 9,000 people. The men average 8865 a game, so it will be tight in there for some games...but doable. 

The women's squad, under Jamelle Elliott, and volleyball team will perform in the St. Ursula Academy high school gym...which holds around 1000. A high school facility. The WBB Bearcats averaged about 800 a game last year..but had three occasions where they pulled in over 1000...including the UConn game that brought over 4400 into the Fifth-Third Arena. Volleyball averaged over 650 per home contest and had two events that drew over 1000. 

Here's the rub of the grin. UC Athletic director Mike Bohn made the decision to downgrade the women without consulting head women's basketball coach Elliott or head Volleyball coach Molly Alvey. Elliott states: 

"I was told this is what it's going to be. The decision is out of my control." 

Supposedly, the women's squads could not be fit into the BB&T because of the complexities of scheduling, practice...so on and so forth. 

Balderdash.

Anyone ever head of double-headers? I would think that the NKU women's basketball and volleyball programs would gladly share court space with the UC gals and a combined night of two matches/games might significantly drive up attendance at BB&T...the Norse brought in around 300 for Volleyball and almost 1800 for hoops. 

Let's call this what it really is. Inequality. 

Cozy new temp home for UC WBB? Or return to high school?

St. Ursula is about two miles from the UC campus...which was pointed out when the designation of facility was made. Admission to all UC WBB and Volleyball events will be free....as it was last year at Fifth-Third.  Parking is free as well. 
That's nice...but it doesn't take the sting out of the discrimination. 

A college athlete accepts a scholarship under certain conditions and atmospheres. For some, the venue of participation is important. These 30+ student athletes that comprise the UC WBB and Volleyball rosters are basically being sent back to high school for a year. Other venues were supposedly checked out but St. Ursula supposedly was the best fit. 

I say, fire the seamstress. 

St. Ursula does hold more that where the Cards Volleyball squad will play next season, though...Cardinal Arena. North Carolina State WBB and Volleyball spent a season at Broughton High School's Holiday Gym in Raleigh, NC a couple of seasons ago when Reynolds Coliseum went under renovation...but there are differences there. Holiday Gym held over 3,000. The women's didn't share Reynolds with the men..it was their own specific facility. 

Another slap, or roundhouse punch...if you will at Title IX. 

BB&T Arena on the NKU campus. Guys get this option. 

The argument is this, as well.  
It is legal, not to mention fair, to give the men a better facility because they bring in more revenue and sells more ticket? 

Absolutely not. 

How much solace can the women student-athlete take in knowing they by sacrificing their home court for a year will lead to the eventual betterment of their facility in the long run..when you're not getting the same "relocation benefits" as the men? We have this nice new SUV for you to drive, guys...while your car is under repair. Haul out the 1991 Toyota Pickup for the girls. 

This, from a school that ran off Bob Huggins and has never regained basketball prowess or success since. From a school, much like Louisville, with an inner-city campus and community that has managed to maintain a viable entity in competing with a larger "state school" up the Interstate a few hours. Stumbling into the prom with their tux on backwards and bringing a goat for a date. 

UC...shame on you for the slight. Even in 2017, women's athletes are still being treated as second-class citizens in Cincinnati. Spin it however you want, Mike Bohn...but you're basically sitting baby in the corner here. 

And you wanted to be considered for the ACC ?  


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


SOFTBALL FALLS 3-1 TO BOSTON COLLEGE

Lackabatitis. 

It isn't an official word...but it describes the situation yesterday in Chestnut Hill, MA...where the softball Cards fell to Boston College 3-1. 

Four hits for Louisville. Two of them by Jordan McNary...who has been cleared from concussion protocol and who was responsible for the only RBI in the game. McNary was also poised to be a run-scorer as well later in the game. A bunt turned into a chance for advancement on a throwing error but McNary was tagged out when trying to stretch it out to third base. 

One inning later,  BC's Jordan Chimento broke the 1-1 tie with a two run tater to left. 

Credit strong-arm Maryssa Becker for doing all she could from the circle. Three runs allowed would normally get a "W" next to her name in the typical Cardinal boxscore. This was not the typical Cardinal offensive performance, though...Louisville having trouble against pitcher Jessica Dreswick. The Boston College pitcher seemed to get better against the Cards the more she faced them. On Saturday she held Louisville to two runs after giving up five to them on Friday. 

Louisville heads home to prepare for a Wednesday night "Battle of the Bluegrass" against UK. And, to research a cure for "lackabatitis". 


paulie
xxxxx

Big Weekend ahead for Softball...McCoy leaving OSU -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

SOFTBALL TRAVELS TO BOSTON COLLEGE

At 21-10 overall and currently fourth in the ACC standings with a 5-2 league record, the Cards travel to Chestnut Hill, MA to face the Boston College Eagles in an important three-game series in terms of conference standings. 

Boston College is 20-12 overall and in third place in the ACC with a 6-2 record. The Eagles come into the contest after a 1-0 win over Bryant on Wednesday. Their game on Monday against Central Connecticut was cancelled due to weather. They did take two wins over Syracuse over the weekend...a third game was cancelled due to weather as well. 

Jessica Dreswick gets it done in the circle for the Eagles with a 14-5 record and 2.10 ERA. Leading the way at the plate are Taylor Coroneos with a .365 batting average. Jordan Chimento bats .333 and Tatiana Cortez has eight home runs for BC. 

Louisville has depended a lot lately on the arm of Maryssa Becker. At 16-5, she has a 1.91 ERA. The Cards went 1-2 against Notre Dame in the series over last weekend. She leads the ACC in innings pitched at 139. Megan Hensley has struggled with injuries but has posted a 5-4 record. At the plate, Nicole Pufahl continues her torrid streak with a .404 batting average. Seven of the Cards in the starting lineup are batting over .300.

Head Coach Sandy Peasall has had to deal with some adversities this campaign. Starting shortshop Sidney Melton suffered a torn ACL early in the season. Freshman Caitlin Ferguson was pressed into the position and, after a slwo start, has been performing well with the glove and the bat....hitting .345 and with 17 RBI's. Left fielder Jordan McNary has been sidelined recently under concussion protocol. The speedy slapper at the plate has been replaced mainly by Morgan Meyer...who fields well but bring an anemic .194 to the plate. Second and third base have been manned by a variety of infielders...Jamie Soles sharing time with Blaire Bass at second and Lillie Goetz and Alison Szydlowski covering the hot corner.  Tiarra Sanabria, injury free for the first time in a couple of seasons, handles the throws at first and has found the ability to put Mr. Spalding where no one is standing with a .345 plate number. 

Becker leads the ACC in innings pitched. Injuries to Megan Hensley and freshman Sydney Warriner in the circle have limited their appearances and effectiveness. 

Softball by committee seems to be working for the most part, though. Pearsall, always the offensive geared and minded skipper, can point to her squads cumulative .303 batting average. Valuable experience for freshmen and sophomores in key spots only adds to the bright future of the squad. 

Atop the ACC standings is Florida State. The 'Noles are 15-0 in ACC battles and a stellar 35-1-1 overall. They have four players batting over .400. North Carolina holds second with a 9-3 conference record and 30-9 season mark. 

Best of luck to our hit and pitch Cards as they invade Beantown for this important and key stretch of the schedule. 


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TRANSFER RUMORS...

We noted with some interest that Tori McCoy is leaving Ohio St. 

A member of the Big 10 All-Freshman team, she started for the Buckeyes and averaged 8.1 ppg and 4.9 rebounds. She departs "after being miserable the whole season" according to her father Tim McCoy. Also leaving the Buckeyes is freshman Kiara Lewis. 

At 6'4" McCoy provides ability to be an effective paint-dweller. She has also directed all inquiries about her next school to be handled by her father. Schools have been calling...including Baylor, Kansas State, Maryland and Louisville.

The Cards were involved in recruiting her during her final two years of high school. In the 2016 class, she was ranked #10 overall and #4 at forward by ESPN Hoopgurlz. She made an official visit to Louisville in 2015. 

McCoy’s criteria for her next school includes the ability to play with her sister, St. Thomas More senior Madison, who she FaceTimes at least once a day, Tim said. She also wants to play the versatile role she hoped she’d play at Ohio State, and “she wants to feel needed and developed,” Tim said.

paulie
xxxxx

Cards go 1-1 on Sunday -- Monday Cardinal Couple

DOUBLEHEADER DIVIDED AGAINST B.C.

Louisville Softball managed ten hits against Boston College pitcher Allison Frei in 13 innings yesterday but could only get one runner across the plate in a 1-0, 0-3 split yesterday at Ulmer Stadium.

If you like pitcher's duels, the Cardinal Softball complex on the corner of Floyd and Brandeis was the place to be.

The Cards...looking to stay in the running for a top three finish in the ACC Conference...got a strong performance from staff ace Maryssa Becker in the first game. The Oregon sophomore allowed just three Eagle hits and struck out five to improve her record to 13-5.

As she usually does, Becker helped her own cause at the bat. Jordan McNary, who went three for three in the first game, singled and scored in the bottom of the first. Becker drove her home with a single. The Cards added two more base runners in the inning but did not add to the 1-0 lead.

And that's how it ended...1-0.

In game two, Shelby McCombs took to the circle for Sandy Pearsall's squad and held B.C. in check until the top of third inning. An error, sacrifice bunt, fielder's choice and single gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead. A triple with two outs in the fourth helped Boston College (21-21, 4-14 ACC) push another run across the plate and they added a third score in the sixth inning with two singles and a two-base throwing error by Louisville.

The Cards threatened with runners in scoring position in the first, third and fifth innings but the scoreboard remained at 0 for the home team.

It was Senior Day at the ballpark and pre-game festivities honored Kelsi Jones, Kayla Soles, Brittany Duncan and Whitney Arion. Soles and Arion played all four years at Louisville. Duncan transferred in from Valparaiso after her junior year and Jones joined the Cards after two years at Missouri.

They were a part of 165 wins, two conference tournament titles and three NCAA appearances while wearing the Cardinals uniform.

-- Duncan...the powerful DH who smashed 10 home runs and drew 48 walks as a junior. Plagued by a thumb injury this season...she returned as a starter back on 4.21.15.

-- Soles, who did a bit of everything for the Cards after arriving from New Egypt, NJ...playing five different positions. A 2014 AAC second team selections as well.

-- Arion came in as a freshman and claimed the shortstop position and became the Cards leader in the infield. Always a threat at the plate and flawless on defense.

-- Jones, a transfer from Missouri who led the Cards at bat and handled all the outfield positions during her two years here. She currently leads the ACC in doubles and the Cards in batting average, steals and runs.

These four have a bit of playing to do, still, as they lead the Cards through the remainder of the regular season, conference tournament and, hopefully, an NCAA bid. Four student-athletes who made their mark at Louisville and will be missed after graduation.

The Cards were looking to gain ground yesterday on Notre Dame and UNC who are second and third in the ACC. Those two split in a couple of slugfests yesterday...UNC taking the first game 7-3 and the Irish responding win a 17-9 win in the second game. UNC ended a Notre Dame win streak that went back to March 17th by taking the first contest. UNC retains second behind Florida State with a 16-5 conference mark. Notre Dame sits at 17-6 and the Cards are 14-6.

Louisville returns to the diamond on Wednesday for a 6 p.m. game in Ulmer against in-state rival Western Ky.

paulie
xxxxx