Lacrosse Season Ends -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

LOUISVILLE LACROSSE FALLS TO BOSTON COLLEGE 15-4

(DAVID WATSON FILLS IN FOR PAULIE TODAY WITH THE THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE COLUMN)

The second season of Scott Teeter's stint as UofL head Lacrosse coach came to an end yesterday in a football stadium. 

I know, the sport vs. facility doesn't quite match up -- but the home field for Boston College's gridiron squad (Alumni Stadium) was the venue for the ACC Lacrosse Championships. This isn't the regular location for BC LAX. The vast majority of their home games are played at the Boston College Newton campus on the Lacrosse and Soccer Field -- although the Eagles did play their final regular season game, also against Louisville, in Alumni Stadium. 

Alumni is a much bigger, in terms of seating, spot to host the eight teams vying for the conference championship. From what I could see on the ACCNE broadcast of the event, though, the place was not nearly packed. Regardless of the attendance, though, the Eagles results against the Cards mirrored last week's match with BC taking a 15-4 win. 

Boston College is the nation's #1 ranked women's lacrosse squad and also #1 seed in the tournament, so the Cards' work was definitely cut out for them before either team took to the pitch. Using the defensive skills that got them to an undefeated regular season, Boston College shut down any semblance of offense for Louisville and roared out to an 8-0 first half lead. It could have been 9-0 (who's counting at that point?) but an apparent Eagles score at the end of the half was reversed by the officials after reviewing the time clock and whether the shot got off before the clock went to 00:00. 

Boston College has a knack for finding cutters in front of the opponent's goal and Louisville was also forced to play "a man down" for significant stretches of the half because of over-aggressive defensive tactics. The Cards may have been getting skunked on the scoreboard but they weren't being passive at all. 

What do you say to a squad at halftime in a situation like this? One can surmise that Teeter implored his squad to continue to play hard, play smart and work the ball.

Louisville seemed almost tentative with their passing and shot attempts in the first 30 minutes and when you couple that with a Boston College goalkeeper that was stopping any Cardinal attempts to score -- the results are usually not going to be in your favor. B.C. was double-teaming UofL's leading scorer, Tessa Chad, as well -- to compound the Cards offensive woes. 

The Cards did come out with a spark of energy in the second half and found success with Ally Hall in front of the goal. Her two scores in the first four minutes of action trimmed the Eagles lead to six. The Cards were passing the ball much better and getting some stops defensively.

The rally was short-lived, though. Boston College pushed the lead back to 10-2 before Kayla Marshall connected for Louisville. Caroline Blalock also found success for the Red and Black with six minutes remaining by mirroring what BC had been doing most of the game. She sprinted the length of the field with the ball and got off a shot with scant defensive coverage by the somewhat surprised Eagles and found the back of the net.

By then, though, the score was 11-4 Boston College. The Eagles dominated the final minutes of play after that, including two "rub it in" goals with less than 90 second to play. Yes, you play to the final buzzer, I get that and BC was a few goals short of their season average -- but Jeff Walz never runs it up at the end of games and one has to wonder if the B.C. coaches were doing so to punish the Cards for their aggressive "chippiness" earlier in the match. At 13-4 and 1:30 to go and with a 90-second shot clock in pay, why not just run the clock out with an 11 goal advantage? 

The four goals wasn't Louisville's lowest offensive total of the season, the Cards managed just two goals in snowy Denver against the Pioneers back in February.

Other ACC Tournament action had Syracuse getting by Virginia 12-10, North Carolina beating Virginia Tech 19-9 and Duke squeaking by Notre Dame 14-13. The winners get a day off and will match up in the semifinals Friday. Syracuse faces Boston College and Duke gets North Carolina.

Louisville's season ends with a 5-13 mark. The good news is that Teeter gets everyone back next year but Chad. Let's not forget that he had to basically start from scratch with this squad two years ago in the toughest conference in College women's lacrosse and, as his recruits fill the program and they gain experience, the fortunes of Louisville Lacrosse will improve.

Chad was an invaluable leader and scoring machine in her two years at Louisville and will be hard to replace -- but hope springs eternal and it will be up to the returnees to improve, work hard in the off-season and sharpen their game and skills. To compare it to women's basketball, she was the Asia Durr, Arica Carter and Sam Fuehring of the Louisville Laxers. 

It's good to be back with you on these pages once again while Paulie and Sonya take a few days away from the site. I especially enjoyed watching the contest with my daughter Abby, who played at the DI level, and was pointing out nuances, sets and schemes on the pitch that I never would have noticed on my own. She kept giving me examples of how lacrosse was similar to basketball -- with passing, zone defenses, fast-breaks, shots in the lane and other aspects. Yes, ol' Dave O learned something, remarkable that! 

Best of everything to you!

Dave-O 
David Watson  

Second season awaits Louisville WBB -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

(As a special treat for you, we bring in David Watson for the day before Christmas CARDINAL COLUMN this morning. One of "the originals" here at the COUPLE, David follows us from the warmer climate of Florida. Although we don't hear from him as much as back in the early days, David's thoughts and reactions to UofL women's basketball are still always a good read and I appreciate him taking the time to bring us this morning's entry)!  -Paulie -

SECOND SEASON AWAITS LOUISVILLE WBB

Hey Ho ! Dave-O here! First on the agenda, I'm sincerely wishing the Cardinal Couple staff, readers and sponsors a very Merry Christmas !!

The Watson household is nestled into their beds as I write this late on Sunday night. My wife Donna and I are tickled and pleased to have all three of our children home for the Holidays. Oldest daughter Abby in from "the Big Apple" and grateful to be in "the warm" as she calls it. Son David Jr. (who actually lives across town here in Bradenton) back from three days of golf and recreation in Bermuda. Our youngest Whitney, a high school senior, enjoying her Christmas break and hasn't had a single battle or argument with her older sister yet, so it truly is the "most wonderful" time of the year, in terms of sibling rivalry. They send their best and even Flabby the Dog raises a conciliatory paw in greeting to the readership. 

Look at you, Sammi Jean !! 

By now, the UofL women's basketball squad, too, has arrived back home to their loved ones for a few days of "r&r" before they resume the season. I did wonder if Yacine Diop was able to travel home to Dakar, Senegal. If not, it is my sincerest wish she is with a teammate or stateside friendly family and enjoying the holiday while going through her ACL rehabilitation process -- as well as enjoying a few Christmas treats and traditions. From California to New Jersey, proud Cardinal WBB parents and family welcome their daughters and sisters home for a few days. 

When the women return to campus, the second season gets underway. That, of course, is ACC play. Louisville has prepared well for the arduous task ahead, creating a 12-0 record, #3 ranking in DI and a ton of excitement for Cardinal Athletics fans. From the close calls against Arizona State and Central Michigan, the triumph over in-state rival Kentucky and the various domination and successes over the other nine pre-conference foes -- the Cards are sitting up in the rare air of "teams to beat" status/location for the National Championship. The journey, so far, has gone as planned. The remainder is uphill and filled with potential hazards in that road to Greensboro. 

That trail and road to the pinnacle that awaits ahead isn't going to easy easy at all. 16 conference tests, one huge out-of-ACC encounter (with UConn) and facing a defense of their titles from the conference last season against 14 schools eager to take it from them will be akin to the last several miles of a marathon, in terms of endurance, ability and stamina.
  

Jeff Walz's Cards are one of three unbeaten teams in the ACC after non-conference play. They, along with Virginia Tech and North Carolina State remain perfect. Nipping at these threes heels are FSU and Notre Dame at 11-1. Tracking them are Miami and Syracuse with 11-2 marks. Surprising Boston College, at 10-2, has only stumbled to #13 ranked Minnesota and Providence under first-year coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee's tutelage. Georgia Tech (9-3) boasts the multiple ACC Rookie of the Week in Elizabeth Balogun. Clemson (9-4) rounds out the Top Ten in ACC standings with first-year coach Amanda Butler making an immediate impact down in the land of palmettos and boiled peanuts. 14 of the 15 in the ACC are over .500. 

Louisville tests their footing on this slippery slope when they bring the Sylvia Hatchell led North Carolina TarHeels into the KFC YUM! Center on January 3rd. At 8-5, the Chapel Hill squad has had a challenging pre-conference slate, with losses to Colorado, #18 Kentucky, Ohio State, Maine and Auburn. Dangerous with Stephanie Watts, Janelle Bailey and Paris Kea suiting up in Tar Heel blue. If you want a sneak peek at the UNC squad, they'll face Howard on December 28th., a warm-up for them before coming to the home of the Kentucky Derby. Duke and Notre Dame, both away games for Asia Durr and company, await after that. Three challenging games in a week, but, that is what the ACC is. No easy nights. No coasting. 

The crew here at the Couple will get you prepared for all of those and more as the season unwinds. I'll just take a moment to laud them, if I might. Paulie has assembled a great and varied group of columnists here at the beloved CC. Besides his writings, I enjoy Case's in-depth looks at anything he writes about. Worldwide Jeff always brings a strong column and Jared couples his skills at photography with great takes on the action he covers. Sonya, no longer involved with the writing here and assuming an administrative role, does sneak over to Louisville Rivals and covers the Cards WBB exploits there. My hat is off to all of those five. 

Can the Cards continue to count on the #1 player in college WBB -- the amazing Asia Durr? Will Dana Evans keep on with her super sophomore year? Will strong Sam Fuehring and bouncy Bionca Dunham revitalize Cardinal rebounding and paint presence? Does the dynamic Jazmine Jones have more Sportscenter Top Ten moments ahead of her in the next three months? Can Kylee Shook bring the quality minutes we've seen out of her so far? Does Arica Carter continue to lead the floor action and display her dramatically improved shooting skills? How about the fabulous freshmen off the bench -- what will the roles be for marvelous Mykasa Robinson, lights-out Lindsey Duvall and steady Seygan Robins? I'll echo Worldwide's remarks that we want to see Jess Laemmle continue to be a crowd pleaser and "take the open look, Jess"!

All will be revealed soon. 

So, in conclusion, I'd like to end by encouraging you to be vocal, be supportive and back the Louisville women's basketball squad in 2019. I'll be watching and listening from down here -- the Internet is a marvelous entity and keeps me in the loop. My pal  Joe Hill and I have a trip planned to FSU to watch UofL face the Noles there. We're talking a road trip also to Clemson. And, I do hope to get to Louisville maybe in February while I'm on the way to visit relatives in Muncie, and maybe catch the Cards against Miami down at 2nd and Main. 

  

Paulie assured me he'd add a few photos to my offerings today and I'm sure he'll come up with some sort of introductory statement for the column. I'll try to be more of a visitor here in 2019 as well. A slow-to-recover wrist has my golf game and typing skills on the disabled list lately, but -- know that I'm reading daily and cheering just as hard as you are. Give the boys and their guests a listen on The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour too! This Saturday Morning romp is an hour well-spent and seeing them on Facebook Live only adds to the madcap fun and information they present weekly.  

Take time in the next few days to renew old contacts. Tell someone you love them. Be a giver. Help brighten someone's day. Enjoy. Will you remember the real reason for this season and will you be a better person and an example for others to follow in 2019? 

We know not the days we have remaining here on this big, blue orb. Will you rise in the morning and greet the day? Will you retire at night knowing you did what you could to make it a better place for all? 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!!

David Watson   

An outsider looks at Tyra -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

DAVID WATSON WEIGHS IN ON LOUISVILLE A.D.

Hey-Ho and Good Morning! Dave O with you today while Paulie and the Miss Sonya take a few days away from the fray to vacation. When I talked with "the big guy" on Tuesday to discuss the article, one thing we kept coming back to were "coaches". Louisville has brought in some very good ones. They've sweetened the pot for a few more. 

When I refer to "Louisville" and "they", I am alluding to the job that Vince Tyra has done in the eight months since Tom Jurich was let go. October 18, 2017.

These are views from someone (namely me) who does not live in Louisville but has relatives in the area and has been fascinated with Louisville Athletics since the days of Darrell Griffith and the Doctors of Dunk. I'll admit it, my first love was Notre Dame. It's tough being a Cardinal supporter in South Bend. Much easier in Bradenton, my current locale. It's possible I may have been the only Cardinal fan in Medford, N.J., where I spent those "formative years" and where I met my wife. 

I have seen the good and the bad associated with the Cards. My oldest daughter dreamed of playing field hockey at UofL but the Cards didn't show the same interest, her skill sets weren't quite ACC proficient and she went to, and prospered, at a northeastern United States university. When I lived in Muncie, we'd drive down to watch women's and men's basketball and the occasional football game. I met Paulie at WBB, random circumstances where I just happened to end up sitting next to him in those magical Freedom Hall days. Those days before he eventually descended to his current spot in the YUM! where he keeps Jerry Abramson and Al Benninger awake and informed.

I sat through Cooper and Crum. Strong and Krags. Bustin and Sowry. I've said words while listening to Cardinal radio broadcasts that would make a drunken sailor on shore leave blush. I've yelled so loud from my garage about good things that the neighbors have come over to see if I was OK. Your typical Cards fan, right? 

I'll start here on Vince. It has got to be one of the toughest things in the world to "come in" after a legend departs. 

Especially under the circumstances that existed at the time. There was a strong "pro-Tom" movement from what I heard, a strong "anti-board" movement as well. Vince accepted a job where he was, basically, tossed into a red-hot skillet and expected not to scorch or burn. 

He was also faced with decisions and speculation. As Bob Valvano and others have said, when A.D.'s leave, coaches do too. It was not a smooth and controversy-free transition. I liken it to pulling in to restaurant for a small snack and getting a plate of food a foot high. A basketball coach was needed. The NCAA and FBI were monitoring Louisville Athletics. Something had to be done about a lacrosse coach out-of-control. 

Welcome to college athletics, Vince. 

Step by step, deliberately and with care, he moved forward. Padgett and Teeter joined the fold. Lolla and Ferguson-Dayes were given assurances and enhancements. A university President was hired. Walz and McDonnell received the type of extensions and support needed to keep them on campus. A surprise but totally understandable retirement in softball. Working with a board that most consider a detriment to Louisville Athletics. A governor that is solidly in UK's camp. Vince was climbing Mt. Everest in a speedo and swimming trunks. But, he's still smiling and making progress.   

One-by-one, the mountains were turned into molehills. And, Vince's long-term love and support for the program became obvious. Standing in the snow at lacrosse, watching softball, basketball, volleyball and all other sports...being there, being seen and finding out what was needed and how he could help. The doomsayers and naysayers were hushed. The University was starting to crawl out of the abyss and striding toward daylight. 

I watched this with intrigue and interest 900 miles and 14 hours away from the Belknap campus. One by one, Vince "got a grip" on an issue and carried it to completion. 

Paulie and I had a few conversations along the way. At times, the Cardinal Couple co-owner was disillusioned and almost apathetic. I think he mirrored a lot of Cardinal fans' feelings. Today, on this first day of summer, Paulie is now optimistic and confident about the 2018-19 season and Cardinal Athletics. In this "myoptic" void...or "summer doldrums" as he calls it, there is faith and pride. Confidence in his voice. Interviews ahead with coaches and players. He shows excitement. 

As there is with me. 

Would I feel this way if it had been another choice for A.D? That, of course, is very hard to say -- but, despite my undying admiration for what Tom Jurich did in 20 years at UofL -- I think the UofL Athletics program is standing on solid ground now. 

I fully hope, believe and pray that it remains that way. 

It's Thursday. The sun is out here and shining shortly before 9 a.m. The golf course is calling in the distance, I can hear it, and it's asking me to come out and play, to lose balls in the woods, to three-putt greens, to completely duff fairway irons. So -- I'm off.

Thanks for letting me share these pages today. Have a great Thursday and, following Jared's lead, I'll remind you that today is the first day of Summer, National Selfie Day and National Seashell Day. Why not send Cardinal Couple a selfie of yourself holding a seashell? 

All comments appreciated on my article.  




Your friend, 

Dave O.

Anne Donovan dies...Today Is Flag Day -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HALL OF FAME COACH DIES OF HEART FAILURE

Anne Donovan, a women's collegiate and professional coach of immense stature and respectability in the basketball community, has passed away at the age of 56. 

Donovan, who was 6'8", coached several NCAA squads...Old Dominion, East Carolina and Seton Hall...and also prowled the sidelines for several WNBA squads. She won the WNBA Title in 2004 coaching the Seattle Storm. Anne also had an amazing playing career...going to the 1984 and 1988 Olympics to represent the USA. She was also a Hall of Fame inductee. Anne won a national championship during her playing days at ODU. 

Back in 1984, there was no WNBA. Collegiate players like Anne had to go overseas to continue their playing careers after graduation. Anne did...for five years...before retiring and becoming an assistant coach at her alma mater. 

My memories of her focus on her visit to Louisville and the newly opened KFC YUM! Center back in the 2010-11 season. The Cards were in the Big East then...and were playing their final regular season home of the year. A Saturday afternoon event and it was Senior Day. At 18-10 and 9-5 in Big East play...Louisville was coming off an impressive win over #7 DePaul on Wednesday night 68-55. 

Anne was bringing in a Seton Hall squad that wasn't faring nearly as well. The Pirates entered the downtown arena with an 8-19 record and 1-13 in the conference. She was easily the tallest person on the sidelines and as I entered the Arena, she was stoically watching her squad warm-up. 

The Cards got off to a slow start that night and trailed 6-2 before Tia Gibbs and Monique Reid assumed control of the contest. Louisville held the Pirates scoreless for abut four minutes and held a 28-21 halftime lead. Anne was non-stop on the sidelines, shouting out instructions and occasionally giving the referees a piece of her mind. Keisha Hines started the second half strong for Louisville, Asia Taylor had an impressive second half and Louisville eventually took the contest....leading by 22 at one point before taking a 59-49 win. Walz substituted pretty much the final ten minutes of the game and the Pirates went on a game ending 15-3 run to get back within 10. 

I remember Donovan not giving up. Not sitting on the bench with a disgruntled look or head in hands. Actively encouraging her squad, pointing out things on the court and pacing the sidelines. 

Checking the Cardinal Couple recap of that game, David Watson was in town and contributed to the Cardinal Couple column the next day. He wrote: 

DAVID WATSON was in the stands for the Seton Hall game with his youngest daughter and files this report...(We like the fact that David is in town for two days...and is taking us out to eat Sunday Night.) 
.
It was a good day for being in downtown Louisville yesterday. The pizza at Impelliezeri's post game is always top notch and the weather conductive to strolling down 4th Street Live after. The action in the KFC YUM Center was less than perfect but it goes to show what I've been saying for the last couple weeks...Seton Hall isn't the push-over patsy that most people consider them to be. Anne Donovan has made big strides coaching this young team ( 1 senior, 7 freshmen and sophomores) this season and will continue to do so. Watching Anne on the sidelines (she's hard to miss at 6'8") is a lesson in coaching. She is on top of each and every play, rotating between shouting out assignment and switches to her players, keeping a rolling and lively dialogue going with any officials within earshot and talking to her assistants. Anne, like Jeff Walz, doesn't spend much time sitting down. 
.
Her players are hustling, aggressive competitors that may have skill sets a bit behind the cream of the league but won't get out-worked. Give her a couple of years and the battle for women's college basketball supremacy in Jersey might just tighten up a bit.

Anne didn't quite fulfill the prophecy David predicted for her but he was perfect in describing her efforts.  
A
Two years later, she brought the Pirates back to the YUM! and suffered another 10-point loss to the Cards. This was after she'd announced she'd be leaving Seton Hall at the end of the season to take over the head coaching job with the Connecticut Sun. By then, the "newness" of this tall woman on the sidelines had worn off and my memories of that contest aren't as clear. That, of course, was the year that Louisville marched to the NCAA Championship Game against UCONN. The upset of Baylor...the Easter miracle in Oklahoma City...there were quite a few things to celebrate that season. 

Jenny O'Bryan had the write up for that 2013 contest but didn't write about Anne. It was Senior Day and the Cards were graduating the original "Attack Yorkie" -- Shelby Harper and Monique Reid. 

I reached out to Coach Walz about Anne and he provided these thoughts about her: 

"Her passing is a tragic loss for basketball. Anne was a pioneer in the game. When I coached against her in the Seton Hall games, she was always very kind and gracious. When she shook your hand, it was sincere and she was always passionate about the game we love." 

The eventuality of life assures us of several things. We all are going to die, we'll lose close friends along the way to death and the rest of the world will carry on after we're gone.

Remembrance of the departed, the stories that will be told...are the debatable part. How will you (or I) be remembered? Did you "live" your life, or watch it pass by? 

I like the remembrances of Anne that David wrote back then and I commented on also. She was an integral part of helping WBB in general gain the respect and headlines it truly deserves. We'll remember Anne fondly. I'd like to think she's gone to that "big gym in the sky" and I have no doubt that she's on the sidelines coaching one of the heavenly all-star teams or striding the court against putting moves on post-defenders. 

I never got the chance to interview Anne. Of that, I have regrets. How nice and informative it would have been to talk to her about her experiences and stories. 

Go easy, Anne. Your memory and legacy will live on forever. 


WHAT DAY IS IT?

For those who like the recently Jared-neglected commentary on what day it is, it's Flag Day! Is yours up and being proudly displayed? 

I fly two each and every day. The American and the Cardinal. I am an American and proud of it. I'm a Cardinal and damn proud of that as well. 

A bit of audio to go with the occasion? Sure, you bet! 

LINK: YOU'RE A GRAND OLD FLAG


paulie
xxxxx

David Watson column -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HOW'S YOUR DERBY WEEK? 

Hey, ho! Dave-O here, pinch-hitting this morning for Paulie. 

It is Derby Week in Louisville, KY., in case you've just come out of a coma or happen to be reading this in a locale where the residents do not place as much emphasis on the first week of May as the Louisville locals do. 

I spoke with "our fearless leader" last night and he's involved in a myriad of events and activities that began on Tuesday and will carry him through "The Run for the Roses" (as they call it up there.) I can only surmise that running through roses has its share of calamities. The thorns and occasional bumblebee could turn against you.

I always wondered why they never had Bret Michaels and hair-metal band Poison sing "Every Rose Has Its Thorns" on Derby Day at Churchill? Sing along at the link below. 

EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORNS

Paulie is quite busy with his horse-racing handicapping site 
(check out HANDICAPPING HEROES at this LINK ). Truth be told here, when we spoke last night, he sounded worn-out but happy after a day at Churchill Downs and gladly and gratefully turned the keys to the website vehicle over to me today with what sounded like relief, gratitude and maybe a bit of Jefferson's Reserve mixed in. So, let's go for a spin! 

I grew up in New Albany and so I remember quite a bit about Derby Week back "in the day". Being in Bradenton now, an expatriated Hoosier, if you will, I still have an interest in things like Balloon Glows and Steamboat Races, along with Mini-Marathons a few of the many events that are part of Derby week. Following them from afar is tough at times, but ask you hve to do is ask Google, Siri or Alexa, right? I even ran in the "Mini" -- as we called it back then -- and finished. I spent the next three days recovering, but I can say I did it. I apologize again to the guy whose front yard I threw up in. No pain, no gain, right?  

On the Louisville Cardinals sports scene, I see that things are slowly winding down. I should mention (after all, this is a women's sports site) that Sandy Pearsall's squad came out on top of the "hit parade" in Ulmer Stadium last night. It was a 13-10 win for the Louisville Sluggers against Marshall and the final regular-season home game for the Cards. 

Megan Hensley has been quite the offensive dynamo for UofL lately -- in addition to her pitching prowess -- and knocked a grand slam home run last night that was essential in Louisville's come-from-behind victory. This contest featured what had to be a wild and wonderful fifth inning, where a total of 16 runs were scored. What did UofL do? Bring Jeff Walz back throw the opening pitch and just decide to leave him in the circle? 

As the scoreboard operator gets a few days off to recover from sprained fingers, the Cards conclude the season at Ulmer with a guaranteed spot in the ACC Tournament but uncertain of their seed just yet. They'll head to the Panthers lair by the three rivers' convergence this weekend to decide all that. One can only hope, for Louisville's sake, that they don't bring in the Pittsburgh Pirates dressed in wigs and clean-shaven, to do their bidding. Or, maybe that wouldn't be so bad...the Pirates are in fourth in the NL Central, right behind my Cubbies and just above those laughable, losing Reds. 

I'm a big golfer (not gopher) as you might know if you've read these pages previously, so I do need to give you a report on the UofL women's golf squad. 

Olivia Cason, a junior from Owensboro, KY, has qualified for the U.S. Women's Open Championship. She fired a one-under par 143 to win the qualifying event for the Championship. That's 36 holes of golf in one day, dear readers. Ol' Dave-O can barely get through 18 holes these days, unless he's playing miniature golf. Even then, the clown's mouth and water hazards always get me.

Cason's big day, plus Louisville women's golf getting selected to compete in the NCAA Championships from May 7-9 out in California and being sponsored by Stanford, are another bright and successful sport for UofL women's athletics. I guess I could even surmise, if you're playing golf at Stanford, one must watch out for "the Trees"? 



It's been my esteemed pleasure to return to the hallowed pages and visit with you today. Thanks to Paulie for calling me out of the bullpen to pitch a few innings of relief here at the site. And, NO, I wasn't pitching for either Marshall or Louisville last night. The score would have been much higher. 

I hope, if you're of that persuasion and location, you have a great rest of Derby week and have a winner on Derby Day. I'd offer to give you a Derby horse I think might win, but my knowledge of horse-racing is equal to my knowledge of fluid hydraulics. I can tell you they run around the track in counter-clockwise fashion and the hooves pounding the dirt are quite audible if you stand by the rail.

Wait a second. Audible. Hmmm. There's a horse named Audible in the Derby! 8-1 morning line and won the Florida Derby? OK, I guess I have a Derby Pick after all. Audible. Barely. I can't heat you! (with respect to Gomer Pyle's Sgt. Carter) 

(Thanks to whoever for the pics I borrowed for today's article) 


Your pal
Dave-O
David Watson

  

Louisville women's basketball -- Championship Memories

CAPTAIN'S LOG -- THE GREENSBORO MISSION

Below is an account of two "old guys" making the trek to go see the Louisville women's basketball team play in the final two games of the ACC Tournament. A combination of "Dumb and Dumber" and "Grumpiest Old Men" maybe. Or a James Bond action-thriller? You decide. The accounts and references here did happen, unless it's been this crazy dream and I'm still asleep. 

Friday, 5:00 p.m.

Louisville's women's basketball squad won their first game of the ACC Tournament. Bye-bye Va Tech. I am lamenting I am not in Greensboro, but my wife and dog are not sympathetic. Almost on cue, the phone rings. It is my friend Joe Hill in Naples. We talk about the win. We both wish we were there. He says we should do something about that. We devise a plan to drive to Greensboro and catch the Saturday (and hopefully Sunday) Louisville games. He says it's about a 11 hour trip. I say I'll pay the gas and hotel if he'll drive. He says he'll "clear it with the wife" and call me back. He calls back 30 minutes later. It is a go. When I approached my wife about it, she told me to go, instead of moping around the house about it. Destination: Greensboro

Friday, 8:00 p.m.

Joe has arrived from Naples. His 2016 Chevrolet Impala pulls up in the driveway. I have been packed and ready to go since 6 p.m. As I go out to greet him, my wife tells me to "drink plenty of water, you know how you are on trips". Joe comes in, says "Hi" and we are off. Our mission is clear. Only we can accomplish what must be done. And we'll be back with a championship. Oh, yes. 

Friday, 10:30 p.m.

Our first stop. A rest area. (You know how old guys are and bathroom trips, right?) There is a van in the rest area that at least eight people, youngsters, pile out of. They are all pretty much dressed the same. I ask the adult (thankfully) driving some general questions. They are going to Atlanta for a youth mission or something like that. I tell the driver we are on a mission as well. He looks at me and hurries the kids back into the van as they return from the facilities. All I needed was dark sunglasses and a black suit. Joe tells me that he's getting hungry. I produce a big bag of Fritos from the bag I put in the back seat. Driving and Fritoing, oh yeah. He puts a Neil Diamond CD into the player. We roll on with "Sweet Caroline" and "Cracklin' Rosie" as companions. 

Saturday, 4:30 a.m. 

We have reached Darlington, SC and it's time for gas and maybe a little breakfast. We have solved just about all the current world problems, and heard from Neil Diamond, the Guess Who, Peter Frampton, The Beatles and a few other stars from the past and the sight of the Waffle House beckons us. Our waitress is named Doris and she's about to become a grand-mother again and about to end her shift. Joe goes for the All-Star breakfast, or something like that. I stick with a waffle and oatmeal with sausage, my "go-to" at Waffle House. Gotta stay heart-healthy and consistent, ya know. There is a couple in the corner that are arguing about his actions the night before. We were driving, honest, and had no part in his shenanigans. Joe's car takes $40+ in gas. On the road again! 

Saturday, 7:29 a.m.

Greensboro, we have landed! We hit the Red Roof Inn near the Coliseum. The desk clerk tells us check-in is not until the afternoon. We plead our case. We desperately need a few hours of shut-eye before the game. She's sympathetic and relents for a room. We are (or at least I am) asleep by 8 a.m. The plan is, up at noon, clean up and to the Coliseum, about a mile away. We have parked next to a SUV with Kentucky plates. Good luck is with us! 

Saturday, 10:23 a.m.

Rise and shine, travelers! We go about it and hit the car and head to grab a bite and hit the coliseum. There is a Hooters near us but we avoid the temptations of wings and girls and settle for the Olive Garden. They open at 11 a.m. and we're the first one's in. I text Paulie and tell him of our decision to make the trek. He's already at the Coliseum, just finished doing radio and wishes us good luck and great seats. Maybe we'll get together later. 

Saturday, 2:15 p.m.

The Cards have put away N.C. State in a hard-fought game. Louisville didn't look especially sharp but got the job done. We are sitting next to a couple from Louisville who have never heard of CARDINAL COUPLE. One of the very few, most likely. He pulls the site up on his phone and he likes it. Gotcha a new couple of readers, Paulie. On the house, pal. How would they have fared against Duke? Thankfully, we didn't have to find out. NC State had a couple of BIG girls who had little trouble scoring inside on the Cards but -- Arica Carter for President! This FSU vs. ND game should be good. We are FINALS BOUND and our mission is halfway accomplished. 

Saturday, 6 p.m.

We now know it will be the Irish and Cards in the Finals. They looked good against FSU. Shakayla Thomas better make the All-Tournament Team, though. She did all she could for the Noles. The couple we're sitting next to tells us about a little pizzeria near their hotel that is pretty good. We decide to go there with them and celebrate. I see Paulie down on media row and he's having a lively discussion with the guy to his left and a security official. Probably trying to talk his way out of being apprehended again. 

Saturday, 10 p.m.

We have dined on some GREAT deep dish pizza at Pizzeria L'Italiano and washed it down with a few "adult" beverages. Then, back to their suite for a few cocktails out of paper cups and a few games of spades and conversation. Joe had never played spades, so naturally, he kicked our tails. We are full, sleepy and content. Game time 2 p.m. Sunday. Time for these two to surrender to the pillow. We say "Goodbye" to our new friends Scott and Donna, who are retired and living well in Anchorage, if that rings a bell, Louisvillians, and it's off to the place with the red roof. Donna, a very attractive lady, about 10 years younger than Scott. He was a supervisor at a Ford Plant in Louisville. They drink Old Forester and we had no problem with that. I drive us back to the hotel, Joe had "a couple more than I" and is happy. Very happy. He hits the sack in his clothes. I, of course, follow proper "preparing for sleep" guidelines and routines and fall asleep watching some movie about the invasion of Japan. We are ready for battle. 

Sunday, 10 a.m.

What a great night of sleep! I am re-freshed, invigorated and ready to cheer on my Cards! Joe is excited also. We hit Biscuitville for a breakfast and text Paulie to join us. He is staying nearby at the Hampton. He invites us over for the buffet at the hotel. He has no car. His trip-mate Tom has taken the car to go to Mass. We pass and make plans to meet up at the game -- the lure of fresh baked biscuits too luring. The rest of the time leading up to game time is spent watching Sunday Morning talk-shows. Joe's a big fan of these. I call the wife, all is well and the family is hoping for a Card win. There is a guy out in the parking lot of the hotel who must think he's entered in a Nascar event -- such loudness on a peaceful but chilly Sunday morning is a party foul. 

Sunday, 1:45 p.m.

We have met with Paulie briefly...he supplied us with "game snacks" from the Media Snack Bar and told us that he hopes, for once, the Louisville bench is in front of him. It is not. We see him down on the court talking to coaches and such and then, his hands are behind his back and a security guard is standing behind him. He is released. We find out later it was a joke he was playing on Sam Purcell -- pretending to be arrested and asking for help. It's time to play ball. The referees are Dee Kanter, Joe Vaszily and Eric Brewton. That's a good crew. The Irish look really big and well-built. We expect a close game. Let's play ball! 

Sunday, 4:40 p.m.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

The Cards take a thriller 74-72 and we watch the celebrations down on the court with pride and much cheering. I am full of emotion, Joe is, too. We are the winners! Just looking put on the court, The dancing, the ballons and confetti, the madness. I love this team so. They made Myisha Hines-Allen the MVP of the tournament. I might have gone in Arica Carter's direction, but it's still a good call. CARDS! Asia Durr and her clutch free throws. The Irish roaring back only to be denied at the end. That's basketball, folks. We leave the arena babbling non-stop about what we saw. the plan is to eat, go back to the hotel, take a nap and hit the road for Florida. We stop for dinner at a Mexican restaurant next the hotel. Not bad, really. Our waiter is a blonde cutie and is a Duke fan. But she's happy for us and we tip her well. Our work is done here. We didn't notice the so-called icy exchange between Jeff and Muffet -- too busy jumping around "high-fiving" and hugging those around us. Her name is ASIA DURR, though, Ms. McGraw and how you can stay balanced in a squat in those 12-inch thin heels has to be one of the seven wonders of the world. Jeff Walz has to be exhausted. He worked the sidelines just as hard as the players did on the court. Cut down that net, CJW! 

Sunday, 8:30 p.m.  

After a short nap, we load the Impala and we're off! Traffic is light and we are anticipating an arrival in Bradenton around 7 a.m. or so. We can't find anything about the game on local radio, so it's back to CD's. CCR is singing about not being a fortunate son. We feel very lucky and fortunate. Sorry about your luck, John Fogarty. I start answering the texts I received all day. Phone was off. I had serious business to attend to. Paulie had texted and invited us over for some Jefferson Reserve and dialogue after the game. I reply that we are on the road home. He is, too, as it turns out. My wife informs me that she wishes she had gone with us. Barry, from the next street over and a huge Cardinal fan, says he fell over his coffee table in front of the couch, while dancing and celebrating the win. Way to take one for the team, Bear! 

Monday, 7:50 a.m.

(Seems like Paulie got himself a new "crush"...) 

We pull into my driveway in Bradenton. I drove the last 300 miles...Joe was getting sleepy and I had napped in the car. I gotta get one of these Impala's. Great road car. I invite him in for breakfast and the wife is up and makes us eggs, pancakes and bacon. I invite Joe to nap a bit on the couch but he feels fine and is ready to return to Deloris and Naples. My buddy Joe and I have had a great time, made a couple of new friends and seen two great basketball games. Some great memories and excellent hoops we witnessed. CARDS! Our 58 hour adventure has ended and I hope you enjoyed the recap! Onto the NCAA! We were Cardinal Strong and saw some things we'll remember for a long time. I hope that couple in Darlington finally "made-up" and Scott, Donna and Paulie got home safely. 

I hope Paulie didn't try to bring Ms. Wuf home with him. 

Your friend, 

Dave-O
David Watson.