ACC Accolades for Women's Soccer -- Softball Commits -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Women's Soccer Places Three on All-Atlantic Teams

Louisville women's soccer had three Cardinals announced to the All-Atlantic teams.  Emina Ekic, Gabrielle Vincent, and Brooklynn Rivers were named to the First, Second, and Third teams, respectively.

Ekic, a sophomore from duPont Manual, makes her second appearance in the ACC Awards history book after earning Freshman of the Year last year.  After coming off an ACL injury, Ekic finished 2018 with seven goals and five assists, including five goals in the final six matches.

Vincent earned her first ACC honors.  The senior started at centerback her entire career at UofL and has been one of the pillars for the team the past few seasons.  The Louisville defense recorded seven shutouts this year.  Vincent was a captain the past two years.

Rivers earned her first ACC honors after leading the team in scoring.  The junior scored eight goals and dished out seven assists. Her four game-winning goals were first on the team.

Softball Receives Five Commits for 2019-2020 Season

Five prospective recruits signed their letters of intent yesterday for Louisville softball.  The group
consists mainly of infielders and pitchers.

Lexi Carver is a catcher and infielder from Spencer, IN.  Carver has been one of the top hitters in the state and is also listed in Extra Inning Softball's (EIS) 2019 Elite 100 and Flo Softball's Hot (FSH) 100.

Taja Felder is a pitcher and utility player from Fresno, CA.  Felder is reigning Offensive Player of the Year for Three Rivers Athletic Association (TRAC).

Payton Hudson is a pitcher and utility player from McMinnville, OR.  Hudson is a three-time Greater Valley all-league selection and was Greater Valley Pitcher of the Year in 2017.

Elana Ornelas is an infielder and outfielder from from Oldham County High School in Lagrange, KY.  Ornelas is currently District 29 MVP and recently played in the Kentucky East-West all-star game.

Jenni Servi is an infielder from Monterey CA.  Servi is listed in EIS Topp 200 players.  Servi is also the daughter of former assistant coach Amy ReCouper-Servi.

Brohm Watch

The rest of Louisville sports media is zoned in on "Brohm Watch" This phenomena is a rare occurring state of being transfixed on following a particular entity that might be taking over a 2-10 Football team.  We realize as (mostly) literate, comprehending people, you probably have your own "take" on the phenomena.

We are a women's sports site the vast majority of the time. So, our "take" is not nearly as relevant nor controversial as many of the "experts" out there. We do, however, like to see our reader base happy about things.

 It would appear that the vast majority of you out there would like to see the Louisville Trinity grad bring his family, brothers and Honda Accord home to the "Ville" and start the reclamation project of making a now woeful pigskin program meaningful again. Such a task will take time. After all, the Allied Forces didn't make it back to France a couple of days after the retreat from Dunkirk. It took strategy, planning and rebuilding.

Make it so, then, Vince and Louisville Athletic Board. As Vito Corleone said in the movie THE GODFATHER: "Make him an offer he can't refuse". 


Other News

Congratulations to Chris Mack and the Louisville men's basketball team on defeating No. 9 Michigan
State in overtime last night.  The win secures Louisville's undefeated November record in the KFC Yum! Center. Our apologies to the Indiana and Duke MBB fans who were waiting in agony to see this thriller end so they could watch their tussle on ESPN.  Several women's basketball players were present to cheer the men on after the men had done the same for the women on Monday night.  I'll be back in action and joining Paulie at the women's game Thursday night.

 I mean, who would turn down free dinner?


Donation Month

As we draw near the end of November this is my last article talking about Donation Month 2018.

 Although I do not know the numbers I do know that this year was on the good side of the pendulum. Still time for you to jump in the Couple pool.

Thank you to all who have donated and helped keep Cardinal Couple alive and well.  We appreciate everything you do to help supply us with the resources to bring you the latest and best coverage in all Louisville women's sports.  YOU are Cardinal Couple. WE never forget that.

Happy Wednesday and Go Cards!

- Jared -

Cardinals beat Cardinals -- Aijha down to three -- WSOC Tonight! --THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

LOUISVILLE FH DOWNS BALL STATE 5-1 

It was a battle of the birds Wednesday afternoon in Muncie, IN and the flock south of the Ohio River were triumphant...posting a 5-1 win over their northern feathered friends in Field Hockey action. 

"When we are disciplined and focused, we can play some really nice Field Hockey." Justine Sowry commented after #9 Louisville's ninth win of the season. "The positive today is that we created an increase in scoring opportunities and we put their defense under a lot of pressure. We look forward to carrying this over to our game this weekend".

The Cards wasted little time in getting on the scoreboard. Getting a penalty corner opportunity, Louisville set up Mercedes "Meche" Pastor for the shot and the Buenos Aires sophomore drove it into the net for a 1-0 Louisville lead just six minutes into the match. Another penalty corner halfway through the first half gave senior Taylor Stone the shot and she made good on it to give the UofL squad a 2-0 lead that they would take into the halftime break.

The Cards ramped up the shooting in the final 35 minutes against the 1-9 Ball State squad with 17 shots and eight penalty corner opportunities. Bethany Russ connected 11 minutes into the second half on an unassisted shot. That score tied her (temporarily) with freshman Erica Cooper for team lead in goals scored. Louisville was giving Ball State few opportunities to advance the ball into scoring territory and, with 13 minutes remaining, Stone notched her second goal of the contest off a penalty corner. 

4-0 Cards. The Cards were giving Justine Sowry an afternoon birthday gift. 

Cardinal goalie Ayeshia McFerran could hear crickets chirping down at her end of the field due to the lack of activity. 

B.S.U. did manage a score three minutes later when a rare Ball State foray into Louisville territory gave the northern Cardinals a shot at goal that barely scooted past McFerran. The all-world goalie for Louisville had notched shutouts in four out of the last five games and one has to wonder why she was still in the contest...with a comfortable Louisville lead and potential game experience available for back-up goalie...junior Hollyn Barr.

Erica Cooper...a Louisville gal. 

Louisville was quick on the counter attack, though, and drew another penalty corner with a little over seven minutes remaining. Cooper got her first score of the game to retake the scoring lead and provide the final 5-1 margin. Cooper, from Louisville Assumption, has been a pleasant surprise for the Stick Girls this season. She led Assumption to two straight Kentucky High School championships and was All-State both years. 

The Cards return to action on Sunday at noon with a match against another non-conference foe in Michigan State in Trager Stadium.  A rough season for Spartie Field Hockey...they are 4-9, 0-3 in the Big 10 and haven't scored in their last three games. 

The Sabbath contest is part of a very busy day on the Belknap Campus...WSOC playing at the same time in Lynn, Volleyball at 1 p.m. in Cardinal Arena and softball with a fall exhibition double-header against Morehead State that starts at 1 p.m. To the cloning chamber!! We'll figure out the Cardinal Couple coverage assignments eventually...


AIJAH DOWN TO TIGERS, JAYHAWKS AND CARDINALS


One of the most dynamic and impressive players on Jeff Walz's USA squad this summer was Missouri native Aijah Blackwell. In her recruiting process, she has now gone from 12 potential schools back in mid-June to three and Louisville is one of them. 

One of the most highly sought-after 2019 recruits, Blackwell is a 6'0" guard out of the Whitfield School...a private academy based in St. Louis, MO and has been consistanty ranked as one of the top three guards in the 2019 class. 

If you've seen her play, you know that she's a shot maker, has an explosive mid-range game, and create and set up her teammates, nail the three, clean the boards and go coast-to-coast with ease. 

Sounds like the proto-typical Jeff Walz type of guard for his system, correct? 

Daryl and Sonya say: "Come to the 'Ville, Aijha!" 

Along with Missouri (SEC) and Kansas (Big 12), the Cards are now in prime position to get her to  continue her student athlete pursuits here in the Derby City.  With some players, it's obvious to tell that they "get it" and the game comes very easy to them. Aijha is one of those players. 

The Cards have two lined up for the 2019 class so far in Nyah Green and Ramani Parker. Walz most likely is looking to add a couple more since the Cards have four seniors in Arica Carter, Asia Durr, Sam Fuehring and Yacine Diop.

The dynamic and explosive Blackwell looks to be a perfect fit for "Walz Ball".  Sources we have indicate she enjoyed her weekend visit to the UofL campus two weeks ago. 

Jump on in, Aijah...the water's fine. Show the "best fans in women's college basketball" your stuff. They're gonna love you! 

(Blackwell is expected to announce her college choice Oct. 20th.) 


WSOC TANGLES WITH WAHOO TONIGHT

A battle of 9-2 squads tonight at Lynn Stadium when the Wahoo Nation sends Virginia women's soccer to Louisville to face the Cards. 

Virginia, ranked #8 in the nation, has suffered their only two losses on the road, in ACC action, and by the same score...1-0 against Clemson and Virginia Tech. The UVA kickers cruised through a less that inspiring non-conference slate with five straight wins but have had only 2-2 conference success. 

The key for the Cards tonight concerns how well they can bounce back from a 5-1 loss on the road last out against #3 North Carolina. We spent a lot of time discussing Louisville Women's Soccer on Saturday's THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR
(you can hear and see the Facebook Live rebroadcast at https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/332609457320951/. ) and Case Hoskins seemed to think that Louisville would be fortunate to get out of the North Carolina and Virginia contests with any "points" (three for a win, one for a tie). The Cards have that opportunity tonight. 

Good golly, Miss Mollie! 

Can the defense step up and hold the Cavs to a minimum of goals? Louisville has scoring, be there no doubt about that. With Brooklyn Rivers, Maisie Whitsett, Emina Ekic, Mollie Rouse and Nadege L'Esperance all perfectly capable of finding net success...the question is...will they against a Wahoo squad that has allowed a scant seven goals in 11 contests? 

The Cards, defensively, have allowed 11 scores in 11 matches and this one looks to be a low scoring affair on paper. We'll see what actually happens tonight. Come out to "kickin' under the lights" tonight to watch this crucial match-up...if you can't attend, the ACC Network Extra will be showing the showdown. 


paulie
xxxxx

CARDS WIN, CARDS LOSE -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

LOUISVILLE WOMEN'S SOCCER WINS AT MICHIGAN

As is our custom here at CARDINAL COUPLE, we try to bring you the joy and excitement of Louisville women's athletics. So, we'll start the Monday column with that..another win for Karen Ferguson Dayes' soccer program. UofL went to Ann Arbor, Michigan and came away with a 3-1 win. It was Louisville's fourth straight "W" to start the season. 

Maybe we should say Brooklynn 3 - Michigan 1.

Brooklynn (#13) gives it up for #14 Gabrielle Vincent

Brooklynn Rivers, a junior midfielder for the Cards scored all three goals against the Wolverines in Sunday afternoon action and went about it three different ways. 

She opened the Cards' scoring 6:49 into the match when she gained control of the ball from a Michigan player and  placed a shot into the bottom, right area of the goal past UM keeper Izzy Nino from about 15 yards out.  The UM squad was quick to respond, though, scoring just 15 seconds after UofL's tally to tie it at 1-1. 

Rivers wasn't done, though. Not by a long shot. Louisville earned a penalty corner shot at the 21:04 mark of the contest and Rivers stepped up and drilled one into the left lower corner of the goal to give the Cards back. And, that's the way the squads entered the half. Louisville holding the 2-1 edge after 45 minutes of action. 

It continued to be the Brooklynn show to start the final half. The Fort Thomas, KY native got loose after a Arianna Ferraro feed in the third minute of the second session and beat Nino again with found pay-dirt for the third time. Goal, Cards! 

Take off the hats and send them onto the turf.

The hat trick by Rivers is the first of the year for the Cards.  Why do they call it a hat trick? The term came about in the sport of cricket back in 1858 when an English player delivered three consecutive attempts that succeeded in taking wickets. The fans in attendance took up a collection and bought the player a new hat with the money. 

Coincidentally, the WSOC squad's last hat trick was on 8/26/18 when Gabrielle Vincent scored the triplicate against UAB. 

The Cardinal defense was stellar in the final 45 minutes, allowing just one shot on Cards keeper Gabby Kouzelos. 

Louisville returns home with a 4-0  record to prepare for the annual "Battle of the Bluegrass" against Kentucky at Lynn Stadium on Friday, August 31st. These two will meet at 5:30 p.m....the first of two that night on Floyd Street. Louisville men's soccer faces St. Louis (no, not the Cardinals...the Billikens) at roughly 7:30 p.m.  It's a "two-fer" Come on out! 

The Cards defeated UK in Lexington last year 3-1 on Sept. 1st. Emina Ekic scored twice against UK in that one and provided the assist to Alison Price for her goal. 

Our remaining question, I suppose, is just how many rivers flow through Brooklyn? If you know, let us know in the comments section.  

(Thanks to Jared Anderson for forwarding two of the pics above from Mark Vincent) 


FIELD HOCKEY FALLS TO OSU IN OVERTIME

It was a tale of two halves yesterday in Trager Stadium. 

The Cards controlled action and possession in the first 35 minutes and built a 2-0 led on the visiting Buckeyes. Goals from Mercedes Pastor and Erica Cooper gave Louisville that edge and it looked like the Cards were on their way to another win over a BIG 10 foe. 

Then, came the second half. 

The Buckeyes basically outworked the Cards and got an early second half score and one with less than three minutes left in regulation to tie the match. Going into the 10 minute, seven-on-seven extra session, the Columbus, Ohio school shocked Louisville with the game ending score just 89 seconds into the overtime. 3-2, The Ohio State University over UofL. 

Coach Justine Sowry's description of the afternoon will get no argument from me. Jared Anderson, one of three CARDINAL COUPLE representatives at the contest (along with me and Worldwide Jeff McAdams) caught the post-game recap and you can see the un-cut version at the link below: 

FIELD HOCKEY POSTGAME WITH JUSTINE SOWRY -- OHIO ST.

A true disappointment, no doubt, with the #24 ranked Buckeyes coming into Trager and knocking off the #8 Cards. Maybe a wake-up call, of sorts, early into the season for Louisville to not under-estimate any foe and play hard to the final horn. 


Coach Sowry was quite understandably disappointed and dismayed by the Cards second half performance and we were as well. This is a much better team than they presented in the final 37 minutes of action yesterday when they play as a unit. Louisville has the best goalkeeper in the world in Ayeshia McFerran and a defensive breakdown leading to three scores against her was shocking. 

Confidence remains high, though, that the Cards will work out the dilemma and be quite prepared and motivated for their next foe. 

(A special "Thank You!"! to our Jared Anderson for providing the FH pictures! ) 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MS. "B" !!

At least the afternoon ended on a quite positive note when the Cardinal team and coaches gathered to celebrate Sherrill Brakmeier's 96th. birthday. Ms. "B", as she's affectionately called, played Field Hockey at UofL from 1941-44 and was the head coach of the squad for three decades. She was inducted to the Cardinal Hall of Fame in 1990.

The team presented her several gifts and a chocolate cake to honor her and she had a ear-to-ear smile with each presentation. As is custom, she has a seat of honor in the Louisville press box when she attends matches, and we did a bit of respectful and tribute scrambling to re-locate from those seats and make room for her and her daughter Sherill Zimmerman when they arrived shortly after the contest began.


Ms. B. embodies the spirit and long tradition of Louisville Field Hockey. I remember a short interview I did with her a few years back and her great memory of her coaching days. The money was tight back then...the administration would give her $50 for a road trip, that involved two carloads full of players and her and ask her to not spend it all on just one trip. 

The girls dined on hamburgers and soft drinks after away games and Ms. B would slice up oranges and put them in bags as a treat for the girls. 

Louisville Field Hockey hits the road for their next match, travelling to Richmond, VA for a test against U Mass Lowell on Saturday, Sept 1st. The Cards return home after playing at Delaware on Sept. 3rd. for four straight home games against North Carolina, California, Boston College and Northwestern.

You can catch the Cards for free anytime they play at Trager Stadium. Seven home contests remain. And, CARDINAL COUPLE will be a source for reporting action on Louisville Field Hockey home or away.  






paulie
xxxxx