Sunday Cardinal Couple - WNBA and Turning Left

 WNBA

The WNBA keeps up its faster-paced schedule, and three Cards were in action.

Angel McCoughtry had a solid night for the Las Vegas Aces, but her biggest contribution wasn't scoring in the Vegas win over the Sue Bird-less Seattle Storm 82-74.  McCoughtry produced 13 points, but her highest stat was the 14 rebounds.  Add in a trio of assists and another trio of blocks, and I'd say that's a pretty good outing.

The Aces are seem to be using a strong rotation of substitutions, keeping Angel's (and others') playing minutes a bit lower and distributing them across the team.  Of the nine players that played, all had at least eight minutes of time on the court.  Angel had 22 minutes.

The rookie laden squad of the New York Liberty was also in action with UofL's Kylee Shook and Jazmine Jones.  Shook's night was pretty forgettable, only contributing part of a block and a rebound in 12 minutes of play.

In 20 minutes of playing time, Jones made her mark again.  11 points, five assists, four rebounds, and a pair of steals, Jones once again demonstrated why legions of Cards fan fell in love with her play.  Clearly the Liberty are enjoying her presence as well, again featuring her in highlight clips on social media.

Kia Nurse was the star of the night for the Liberty, pouring in 17, but it wouldn't be enough with the Connecticut Sun taking the win 82-65.

Indy 500

Today is the delayed running of the Indy 500, with no fans in attendance.  There's no real connection with UofL Sports here, but it is one data point in the ongoing debate of whether and how to hold large sporting events.  With the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Churchill Downs both deciding to run their delayed huge signature events with no fans in attendance, it puts a spotlight on what college athletics will do with fall sports.

This is normally when we would start seeing UofL fall sports starting up their public events.  Women's Soccer would normally kick things off around about this weekend, with Field Hockey close behind.  Volleyball would hold their Red and Black scrimmage and start official play typically the next weekend.

This year, however, we don't even have schedules posted on https://gocards.com right now.

Speculation continues to abound, and we continue to wait, hopefully with everyone being masked and safe.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

A great finish to the Cardinal Couple Quiz yesterday on the topic of ACC opponents.  Case, Jared, and myself all had pretty good outings, with Jared and Case finishing in a tie for the win.  As always it was a fun hour(ish) of sports analysis and recaps. Take the quiz and see if you can beat us. 

College eligibility decisions from the NCAA and the WNBA got a lot of the discussion time, but some other topics made it in there as well, including a couple of assistant coaching position announcements in the city.  Check out the fun below.

JMcA

Sunday Cardinal Couple

WNBA Round-up

The WNBA giveth, and the WNBA taketh away.

Case had a great article yesterday about all of the former UofL players in the WNBA being active on Friday, including on opposite sides of the court from each other.  Today?  Well, the WNBA was in action yesterday, but no former Cards.  A quick rundown of the action: The Atlanta Dream came up short against the Dallas Wings, 85-75; The Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun put on an offensive clinic, with the Sky coming out on top 100-93; and finally probably the best game of the day, the Sue Bird-less Seattle Storm were nonetheless victorious over the Phoenix Mercury.

Cards will be in action today, though.  Angel McCoughtry and the Las Vegas Aces will take the court at 5pm vs Jaz Jones, Kylee Shook, and the New York Liberty.  For the nightcap, Myisha Hines-Allen and The Washington Mystics look to avoid falling below .500 against the Indiana Fever at 7pm on ESPN2.  The other game today doesn't have any Cards in it, but includes a great match-up of some excellent veteran WNBA players with Sylvia Fowles and the Minnesota Lynx taking on Candace Parker and The Los Angeles Sparks.  That on tips at 3pm on ESPN.

More Sports Fall

The Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced yesterday that they are postponing all fall sports, with the intention to play in the spring.

What relevance is this to UofL women's sports, which is the core of what we cover here?  Nothing directly, however it is likely that the MAC was influenced by the recent news out of Louisville of 29 players testing positive for Covid-19 after an off-campus party.

Additionally, most commentary and analysis suggests that the MAC could be the first domino to fall of other conferences making much the same decision.  Previously, of FBS Football schools and conferences, only UConn, who competes independently in FBS, had announced cancellation of Football for the fall.  No Division I schools or conferences had previously announced a cancellation or postponement of all fall sports.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

If you're looking for competition, the Cardinal Couple Crew have you covered as we continue the CCRH summer quiz.  We had a full house for this one, with Jared, Case, myself, and Paulie all a part of the fun. Jared continued his dominance over Case and I. Can you beat him? Give it a try.

WNBA coverage, the latest on Covid-19 updates, including discussion of "The Party" at UofL and the implications of it also were on the agenda, and more.

Check it out below:

JMcA

ACC takes Over -- Mystics drop one -- Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast -- Sunday Cardinal Couple

ACC Network Takeover

The Cardinals' ACC Network Takeover is complete, and while I'm sure this will shock everyone, the Cards won every game shown!

After a couple of men's games, with Soccer vs Georgetown, and Baseball vs IU, the women took over for the afternoon.  That section of the takeover started off with the Softball victory to win the series against FSU in 2019.  Next up was the UofL shellacking of Notre Dame in the KFC Yum! Center.  Finally, because beating Notre Dame never gets old, the Volleyball match from this fall in South Bend where we come back from a 2-0 set deficit and the season-ending injury of Melanie McHenry to win the match in five.

There were some edits in the games, to various degrees, to help fit as many competitions in during the day as possible.  Baseball got some cuts to get it down to about three hours.  Softball had a couple of early edits, cutting out some scoreless play, but the later part of the game with UofL's full comeback and Rebecca Chung's walk off triple for the victory being shown in full.  WBB got out of the editing room with only dead-ball time being cut.  Volleyball had some pretty major chunks of play removed, including nearly all of the 2nd set.  They did leave most of the last three sets intact, which were the sets UofL won.

If you missed any of the play, the replays are available through the ESPN streaming setup, and the basketball and volleyball matches are available online elsewhere *cough*Youtube*cough*.

The takeover wrapped with a men's basketball game against Pitt from 2009 when neither team was a part of the ACC, and a football game against Mississippi State.

WNBA Update

The wubble is still going strong and healthy, with some really great games going on.

In action yesterday, the Washington Mystics, with Myisha Hines-Allen, took their first loss in a nail-biter to the Chicago Sky.  The Mystics came into the game the last undefeated team in the WNBA, so at this point, everyone has taken a hit, but the Mystics are still looking pretty good in the overall standings.

This one came down to the last minute, with the Sky getting the 88-86 win.  With about 45 seconds left, Aerial Powers hit a free throw for the Mystics to tie it up.  Cheyenne Parker would get a lay up for the Sky and Ariel Atkins buried two foul shots to tie it again at 86.  The Sky would get their final lead when Parker hit a shot, got the and-one, but would miss the foul shot.  The Mystics called a timeout with 5.9 seconds left to draw up a play, but that didn't go to plan when the crafty Courtney Vandersloot would steal a pass to end the game.

Three Cards are back in action today as the frenetic WNBA schedule keeps advancing.  The New York Liberty, with Kylee Shook and Jazmine Jones, wil be action at 1 against the Phoenix Mercury.  The Las Vegas Aces, with Angel McCoughtry will follow at 6 p.m. against the Dallas Wings. Both games on NBA TV, as far as we know. 

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour was live again.  Jared was busy being gainfully employed, but did listen in a bit as we streamed.  Meanwhile Case, Paulie, and myself held down the fort.

WNBA updates, a rundown of the ACC Network takeover, NCAA and conference scheduling in the age of Covid-19 were a part of the show. We talked about the new Athletes Unlimited Pro volleyball league that will be kicking off in Nashville in February, and their...interesting...format.  And lastly, we had the Cardinal Couple Quiz and in a stunning turn of events, I finally won one! The toothpick holding bear will rest in my possession until Jared returns to try and take it from me. 

Can you do better on the quiz (which was about CardsWBB in the WNBA) than my final score of 60?

Check out the fun below.

JMcA

Sunday Cardinal Couple - Restlessness

The Cardinal Couple mission has always been to share the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports.  Sometimes that is hard to do due to events in the greater world.

This is definitely one of those times.  In addition to the ongoing challenges of the current coronavirus pandemic, we are now experiencing dramatic turmoil in Louisville as anger over systemic iniquity boils over.

Cardinal Couple is not the place to address those issues directly, but we can't ignore that the mission of this site puts it squarely on the side of cheering and supporting those who don't get all of the same advantages as others.

There have been several statements made by leaders at UofL, and I wanted to share those with our readers today.

Neeli Bendaputi

The first, several days ago, came from UofL President Dr. Neeli Bendaputi (this was originally a four
tweet thread):

Friends and family,

As an educator and a leader in higher education, I want to share some context around a phrase you are no doubt hearing and that many are misunderstanding. 

#BlackLivesMatter.

Some people read this as a statement that only black lives matter. And so they are likely to respond with 'All Lives Matter' or a similar sentiment. But that is not the intent.

Just as celebrating Mother’s Day does not mean that fathers don’t matter or having a Breast Cancer Awareness event doesn’t minimize other diseases, the declaration that Black Lives Matter is a rallying cry, a plea, an exhortation to acknowledge that black lives matter, too.

It is both a reminder that our black families are suffering disproportionately and a call to do something to end these ongoing inequities and injustices. 

This is why I say, #BlackLivesMatter.

Scott Satterfield

The next significant statement, came from Coach Scott Satterfield, head coach of UofL Football (in a graphic posted to Twitter):

I am saddened to see so much hate and injustice so close to home.  My prayers are with those who are hurting right now, who feel helpless, who are dealing with loss, specifically with people of color.  I will never understand what goes on in this world filled with so much hate.

I do know that we love our players and we are committed to stand against any form of racism.  We will continue to listen and support our team and treat everyone in our program with love and respect, players, coaches, and staff alike.

We are all created in God's image and He intends for us to thrive in unity!

1st John 2:9

"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness."

(signed) Scott Satterfield

Jeff Walz

Most recently, posted late last night, UofL Women's Basketball Coach Jeff Walz (a thread of three
tweets):

Our captains, Dana and Kianna, and I wanted to release the following statement on behalf of our team:

Our team had a great discussion on our Zoom call this week. We believe in communication. We address issues, large and small. We don’t think what’s going on is right. We can’t accept a world that isn’t safe for all. We stand with the black community.

We will be getting back to campus soon, and we are committed to working together to better our Louisville community with empathy, compassion, and respect for all people. We plan to make a difference through our actions. @UofLWBB will be part of the solution. #ONE

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

A full house...well, not really, we're on a Skype so we could have a lot more people on the call but the usual four were on the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour. technically...but the normal four...no, none of us are normal.

Case, Jared, Paulie, and I briefly discussed the events transpiring in Louisville currently, but then went on to talk about women's basketball, and the success of UofL players in the pros, particularly with the NY Liberty.  We also talked about the awarding of the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Award to Mercedes Pastor of UofL Field Hockey and Brenna Shanahan of UofL Lacrosse.  Matthias Schmid of Men's Golf was also awarded.

Jared, returning after a two week absence, successfully defended his win streak in the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Quiz, knocking off previous two-time winner Case. I haven't seen the winner's circle yet since we re-established the quiz. Jared made a request for a mascot quiz, so that could be next -- who knows what will come out of the c mind of Paulie next?. 

Check out the 5/29/20 broadcast below.

How Bout a Quiz -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

How Bout a Quiz?!

This whole no sports thing sucks.  It's so bad that even the Kentucky Derby has been postponed until Sept. 5.  If we don't have another UofL sport play until the first fall sport plays then we're looking at nearly half a year hiatus.

So, for now, why not another quiz?

1) I am on the 2019-2020 women's basketball team and am NOT from the state of Kentucky.  Who am I?

a) Lindsey Duvall
b) Molly Lockhart
c) Seygan Robins
d) Dana Evans



2) I set a program records for goals scored in a season after transferring in from Canisius College.  I
graduated following the 2019 season.  Who am I?

a) Rachel Florek
b) Tessa Chad
c) Scott Teeter
d) Bethany Russ

3) I am the only head coach from Australia at UofL.  Who am I?

a) Justine Sowry
b) Scott Teeter
c) Jeff Walz
d) Arthur Albiero




4) I won a national championship three consecutive year with the women's swimming and diving
team.  Who am I?

a) Melanie McHenry
b) Myisha Hines-Allen
c) Mallory Comerford
d) Molly Fears

5) I led the NCAA in triples last year and was on pace to lead the team this year before the season was cut short.  Who am I?

a) Jordan McNary
b) Celene Funke
c) Hannah Koloski
d) Makenli Foreest







6) I am the all-time points leader in UofL women's basketball history.  I currently play in the WNBA
and have won multiple Olympic gold medals.  Who am I?

a) Kelsi Worrell Dahlia
b) Ayeisha McFerran
c) Elizabeth Balogun
d) Angel McCoughtry

7) I led the team in penalty kicks last season.  I also led the team in goals scored.  Who am I?

a) Emina Ekic
b) Brooklynn Rivers
c) Mercedes Mechi Pastor
d) Caroline Blalock




8) I do not have a sister that plays a sport at UofL.  Who am I?

a) Paige Schindler
b) Sarah Blalock
c) Cassady Greenwood
d) Dorcas Wasike





9) I play basketball and do not have ties to another country.  Who am I?

a) Elizabeth Dixon
b) Yacine Diop
c) Elizabeth Balogun
d) Norika Konno

10) I have been with my current team for 20 years and my husband is the coach for the University of
Cincinnati men's soccer team.  Who am I?

a) Holly Aprile
b) Karen Ferguson-Dayes
c) Justine Sowry
d) Dani Busboom Kelly

How did you do? (Answers below)

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

1) D - Dana Evans
2) C - Tessa Chad
3) A- Justine Sowry
4) C - Mallory Comerford
5) B - Celene Funke
6) D - Angel McCoughtry
7) A - Emina Ekic
8) D - Dorcas Wasike
9) A - Elizabeth Dixon
10) B - Karen Ferguson-Dayes




Can you top the other members of the Cardinal Couple Crew?

Happy Tuesday and Go Cards!




Jared

PS: Please remember to not go out to public places if you don't need to.  Stay hydrated and wash your hands!

THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR WORLDWIDE QUIZ -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

LET'S HAVE SOME FUN 


With all the bad news going on lately -- the "virus", presidential candidates screaming at each other, stores running out of hand sanitizer and toilet paper and such, I thought a brief respite from the "new world blues" might be in order this Monday. 

On the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour show, we used to do a "quiz" during the slow months of UofL women's sports. So, I'm going to adjust it for the website. I'll be using pictures of Cardinal student-athletes and related personnel, give you options on who it is and you tabulate the results. 

We don't have the luxury of the studio contestants displaying their answers, no bell or buzzer to indicate whether your answer at home is right or wrong or the on-air chatter between me (the quiz master) and the participants...but, let's give it a try. You're welcome to post your totals in the comments section.

10 points for each correct answer. No bonus option today. The one-eared, toothpick holding bear will be theoretically offered (fictitiously) as a trophy to the best score I see posted in the comments. 

Correct answers at the end of the quiz.  Clear the runway and faster your seat belts...here we go! 

1) I was a student-athlete on the University of Louisville women's basketball team from 2014-19

I came to the Cards from California and was a guard. 

I was known for my three-point shooting and ability to distribute the ball.

 I am: 

a) Mariya Moore
b) Nita Slaughter
c) Arica Carter
d) Bethann Ord 





2) Softball was my game and I played it at Louisville from 2016-19. I was a pitcher, great hitter and also outfielder.

I'm from Ashland, KY and the 2015 Kentucky High School Softball Player of the Year

I am: 

a) Jordan McNary
b) Megan Hensley
c) Chelsea Bemis
d) Maryssa Becker

3) Soccer was my game at UofL. 2016-19 was my time on the pitch at Lynn Stadium. I came in as one of Top Drawer Soccer's Top 100 freshmen.

I had four game winning goals in 2018, against UK, Michigan, Notre Dame and Syracuse. 

I am: 

a) Charlyn Corral
b) Maisie Whitsett
c) Emina Ekic
d) Brooklynn Rivers



4) Few could match my three-point shooting skills. I played at Louisville from 2008-12. I was the Pennsylvania Class 4A Player of the Year my senior year at high school.  

I'm fifth all-time in career three-pointers made at Louisville. I led the team twice in threes made for the season. 

I am: 

a) Becky Burke
b) Jude Schimmel
c) Brandie Raddie
d) Sara Nord

5) Anyone wanna play Volleyball? I did at UofL from 2014-17. Known for my superior front line skills, I was an excellent middle blocker and a kill artist. 

I'm in the top ten all time for hitting percentage at UofL. I played with Katie George, Jasmine Bennett and Molly Sauer in my career.  

I came to Louisville from Phoenix, AZ. 

I am: 


a) Yuliya Tokova
b) Daryl Foust
c) Tess Clark
d) Tina Naehr



6) Louisville Lacrosse was the sport I played in my time at UofL from 2013-16. When it came to draw controls, there has never been anyone better than me at Louisville. I'm still on campus, teaching the current players the "art of the draw".

I am: 

a) Katie Oliverio
b) Faye Brust
c) Hannah Koloski
d) Kay Morissette  

7) I spent my time as a field hockey player at UofL from 2015-18. In  I received the title of "best Field Hockey goalkeeper in the world"

I am: 

a) Ayeshia McFerran
b) Isabella Leeker
c) Stephanie Byrne
d) Paddy O' Shea.





8)  When it comes to throwing things, I was pretty decent at it during my time on the Louisville track and Field squad from 2008-10. I was the Big East Women's most outstanding Field performer all three years I was at Louisville 

I am: 

a) Makenli Forrest
b) Jeri Summers
c) Emmonnie Henerson 
d) Anne Kordes

9) I was an assistant women's basketball coach at UofL from 2012-13. 

I am: 

a) Greg Collins
b) Nick Evans
c) Cam Newbauer
d) Nick Curran



10)  Everyone loves to read Cardinal Couple on a daily basis, but, do you know the writers? 

Which one of these pictured here
are not a regular writer at Cardinal Couple? 

a) Jared Anderson
b) Jeff McAdams
c) Paulie Sykes
d) Sonya Sykes
e) Case Hoskins

(ANSWERS BELOW) 

- 
- 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


1) C - Arica Carter
2) B - Megan Hensley
3) D - Brooklynn Rivers
4) A - Becky Burke
5) C - Tess Clark
6) D - Kay Morissette
7) A - Ayeshia McFerran
8) B - Jeri Summers
9) C - Cam Newbauer
10) D - Sonya Sykes


Tell us how you did in the comments section ! 

Have a meaningful Monday.

paulie
xxxxx

Sunday Cardinal Couple --Baseball, Volleyball and radio...OH, MY !!

Baseball Upside Down Regional

First, let's jump over to the men's side of sports for just a moment.  UofL Baseball and Track and Field are the only UofL sports left with action in the spring.  Track and Field will be back in action with 5 UofL athletes at the National Championships in Austin Texas starting Wednesday.  Baseball, however, is in action this weekend with NCAA Regionals action at Jim Patterson Stadium.

Friday play saw the Cardinals dispatch the University of Illinois - Chicago into the elimination bracket, though not without some drama.  UIC would meet with Indiana, who found themselves unexpectedly facing elimination after losing to Illinois State.  In the elimination game yesterday, Indiana stayed alive and sent UIC back to the Windy City.  In the 1-0 game, however, Illinois State was still riding high in the pumpkin carriage and claimed the upset win over UofL, 4-2.

That means, in this topsy turvy regional competition, the 1 and 2 seeds of the regional, Louisville and Indiana respectively, will be facing each other today at noon with the loser heading home.  The winner will turn around and face the Cinderella 3 seed, ISU, at 6pm.  If Illinois State loses this evening, then the two teams fill face off in the "if necessary" game Monday at 1pm to decide the Regional.  This is the same format as the Softball Regionals, it just is spread out a bit longer because a baseball game takes so much longer to play.

A Volleyball History Addition

Jared shared a bit of the UofL Volleyball program history Friday, and thanks to Sandy for reminding us that a number of the programs at UofL do have history prior to the "official" record books that UofL Athletics keeps, it's just awfully hard to find information on it.

Sarah Drury in 2003

I would like to add one recognition from the mid-2000's that got missed, as well.

Sarah Drury, as she was known at the time, was a stand-out Defensive Specialist for Louisville (this is just before the Libero position was created).  She started as a walk-on player, earned a scholarship her final two years, and after graduating went on to play for the US National Volleyball team from 2003 through 2008.

Sarah is the only player from Louisville to have been named to the main US National Team roster.

Today, we know Sarah as Sarah Drury-Petkovic, and she is the Director of Operations for UofL Volleyball, a position that she has held under both coaches Anne Kordes and current coach Dani Busboom Kelly.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

Paulie and I held down the fort, or mansion, on Mellwood for the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour.  Jared was rolling quarters, Case was selling off fescue, and Daryl was gallivanting off to parts unknown.

We brought back an intra-squad edition of the Cardinal Couple quiz, by popular demand.  The theme for the quiz was Volleyball, obviously right in my wheelhouse, so the scoring bar was set pretty high, if I do say so myself.  If you met or beat my score, brag in the comments, because you deserve it.

The FB live stream is available at:

https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/2457752054282041/

-- 

JMcA

Mothers and Graduations - Sunday Cardinal Couple

Mothers Day


First of all, let me wish everyone a delightful Mother's Day, including my mother and regular travel companion, Vivian, who occasionally graces our comments section with her wisdom.

Thanks for being there to support me in my sometimes unconventional choices.  I won't presume to speak for the rest of our family (although I suspect they share this sentiment), in saying that I appreciate not just your presence and support for myself, but also for our whole family.

Thank you.

Graduations

We aren't just celebrating Mother's Day today, though, here at Cardinal Couple.

Yesterday was the University of Louisville's Spring Commencement.  I always like to try to
acknowledge the academic side of the work that the student-athletes that we follow and cheer whenever appropriate.  A number of members of UofL women's sports teams graduated, and I thought I would try to share a few of them here.  I'm not out to make a comprehensive list, here, but just share some of the ones that came across my awareness in the past day or two (mostly through social media).

Let's start with one that is also a celebrant for Mother's Day, Kennadi Carbin of the soccer team who, you might remember, took some time off from the team because she was pregnant, had her child, and returned to the team to play her senior year, an impressive accomplishment indeed.

The Softball squad graduated two that I'm aware of, and it's a pair that we've talked about much of the season in common terms.  Senior Sidney Melton and "Junior" Celene Funke both graduated.  I kind of expect that both of them sprinted across stage and snatched their diplomas before anyone was expecting it.  Funke, being just a junior in terms of athletic eligibility, will be back with the Cardinals for next year, so we haven't seen the last of her, for sure.

Field Hockey had 3 seniors at the ceremonies, Taylor Stone, Katie Walsh, and Ayeisha McFerran.

Volleyball celebrated 4 graduates, with Molly Sauer, Amanda Green, and Jasmine Bennett all receiving their undergraduate degrees, while Brooke Betts received, I believe, her Master's Degree.  Brooke, for those that don't know, played with UofL a couple of years to start her collegiate career, then transferred to Xavier to finish out her playing time (and get her undergraduate degree), she returned to Louisville to join Dani Busboom Kelly's staff as Graduate Assistant and, I believe, Video Coordinator (she was spotted numerous times, at least, wrangling video and other tech gear, cementing her techie chops in addition to her volleyball skills).

While Basketball had 3 graduate this year, none of them were in attendance as Sam Fuerhing, Arica Carter, and Asia Durr are all at WNBA training camps...a fair tradeoff, I think.

One graduation celebrant that I'm aware of from Tennis, with Sena Suswam crossing the stage.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

After a Derby Day hiatus, the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour was back yesterday, and as spring sports wind down, we...well, I'm not sure "celebrate" is the right word here, but we'll go with it...the return of the Cardinal Couple Quiz.

Jared was off rolling coins, so he'll have to take a make-up quiz later, but Daryl, Case and I all battled valiantly.  Daryl put in good effort, Case made it a challenge and was still in the game going into the beefed up bonus question, but I was able to pull off the perfect score by the grace of several lucky guesses.

We also discussed the status of various former Cards in the WNBA, and the late season struggles of the Softball squad and their NCAA tournament prospects.  (Selection show is tonight at 9 p.m. on ESPN2)

You can check out the Facebook Live link at:

https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/358068054845169/

-- 

JMcA

Cardinal Couple Sunday - Baseball Faces Elimination

Baseball Regional in Lubbock, TX

I feel like we turn into Baseball Couple a little bit each year around this time of year.  While we focus on women's athletics at UofL, we're not exclusive, and our Baseball team represents the school and the city every year with honor and excellence.

This year really is no exception, though they did take a hard shot yesterday in their loss to Texas Tech 10-2 in the 1-0, 1-0 matchup of the Regional hosted by TT.  The lose moves Louisville down into the "Elimination bracket" of the regional, and dramatically drops the likelihood of the Cardinals making it out of the regional.  The winner of the 1-0, 1-0 match goes on to win the regional upwards of 90% of the time.  Part of the reason for this disparity is that the winner of that game only has to win one more game to win the regional, while the other two teams (which at this point in the format, number 2) have to win 3 straight games, including 2 against the team that they just lost to.

So 2-seed UofL will be playing 3-seed Kent State, again.  This is the team the McDonnell squad beat 16-3 to meet up with 1-seed Texas Tech.  Texas Tech beat 4-seed New Mexico State.  Kent State defeated NMSU in the first elimination game to stay alive and meet up with UofL again.  In other words, so far this regional has been completely chalk.  The game will be today at 3pm on ESPN3 streaming.  What may be the hardest part of the march back to success in the regional is a win today means a double-header for the Cards with the rematch with Texas Tech which would be tonight at 7pm...essentially immediately following the end of the 3pm game...while TT will be playing on a day of rest.  If the Cards survive the day with 2 wins, the "If necessary" game would be tomorrow at 7pm to decide the regional.

CCRH Quiz

The famous (or infamous) Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Quiz returned to the airwaves yesterday in the latest indication that the summer news slump is upon us.

All four knuckleheads were in the studio yesterday, with Case back to even driving his own car and not wearing a boot.  We had good fun, and razzed Paulie on several points, but I repeat myself. Such blatant disrespect for a beloved and veteran moderator is shameful and the NCAA has been notified and a full investigation is "allegedly" pending. 

The quiz ended up tied between Jared and I, with Case coming a very close 3rd (once we sorted out how the bonus question scoring had worked in the past).

Check out the fun on the Facebook Live video at:

https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/2052302481459691/

--
JMcA