Lacrosse Cards Look to Take Down Team USA -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

As we're fully into the summer slump now, the news gets more and more sparse. I'm filling in for Daryl today, and I've got the write again tomorrow, so no fair jumping on me about not emptying the coffers in today's column. Daryl should return next week, but, for now, enjoy a look at Cards playing outside of their season.

Team Canada Heads to World Championship Final

Ten representatives from the Louisville lacrosse program went to Maryland last week to begin their representation of their countries. All ten advanced to the knockout stage of the final sixteen teams, but only one of the five teams remains. The team in question is Canada, which is home to six of the ten Cards participating in the tournament. The Canadians, led by Scott Teeter on the bench and featuring Kay Morissette on the field, had to knock out Monica Negron of Puerto Rico and Anna Lottmann of the Czech Republic. Kokoro Nakazawa's Japan team was knocked out by the US in the quarter finals and Stephanie McNamara's Australian squad fell to the Yanks in the semis. 

Canada, which is also represented by Allison Daley (assistant coach), Nicole Perroni, Hannah Morris, and Brenna Shanahan, defeated England 11-9 in their semifinal yesterday to advance to the rematch with the US. Kay Morissette had eight draw controls alone, matching the entire total for England. Team Canada and Team USA played each other to open the tournament in a game in which the US took victory 16-11. Team USA is chasing their fourth consecutive title as they will play in their 11th straight gold medal match. In addition to a rematch of the opener, this is also the third straight gold medal match to feature this matchup. Scott Teeter and company will look to finish the job tomorrow at Noon. The Lacrosse World Championship site gives conflicting reports for the television viewing, so be sure to check both ESPN2 and ESPNU around that time to find the game.

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Cardinals Keep Earning Awards -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Shanahan and Pastor Named Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholars

The Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards are named each year in the Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. The award is granted to minority athletes who excel in athletic and academic pursuits. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.5 GPA, be at least a sophomore academically, and be active on campus or in the community. Louisville had three awardees this season, with two representatives from the women's athletics side: Matthias Schmid (MGolf), Brenna Shanahan (Lacrosse), and Mercedes Pastor (Field Hockey).

While the award is not limited to one player per sport in the country, the award is still a recognition of all of the effort that student-athletes put in on and off of the field. These types of awards should come as no surprise to Louisville fans, as UofL sports teams are regularly at or near the top in community service hours and consistently have players earn academic honors. To be able to support a program that supports its student-athletes such that they have the opportunities to achieve these things is something I don't take for granted. Some student-athletes are not supported in the same way and are expected to perform on the field for just the opportunity to excel in athletics later. Recognizing that these student-athletes are people that have goals and aspirations outside of sports is important as fans of college athletics.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

We're back again this week as with every week. Not so much sporting news this week, but we'll be sure to break down what we know. We'll also have another quiz, so we'll see if Jeff can get his first win of the season. Tune in to the live show at 11AM on the Cardinal Couple YouTube or check out the show anytime once the live broadcast ends. We'll be happy to have you join us as we continue to promote the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics.

Until next time, Go Cards!

-CH-