Volleyball Sweeps; FH Offense Goes Cold; Louisville Live -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

DeBeer is Back as Volleyball Beats Clemson 3-0

Louisville volleyball took care of business against Clemson ahead of their big matchup tomorrow and moved to 3-0 in conference. After a big win over Stanford last weekend and with Georgia Tech on the horizon, it was important for the Cards to not have an emotional letdown when the Tigers came to town. No such thing was at hand, as Louisville ripped off a 25-13 first set to establish the tone of the match. Clemson fought back by making the second set closer at 25-22, but Louisville separated again at the end with a 25-17 victory to complete the sweep. 

The Cards finished with 20 errors in yesterday's match, but the first set was fairly clean. Louisville only hit 0.28 but they had just four errors. With only 25 attack attempts, it's not so difficult to see why the percentage was low. Clemson, meanwhile, hit 0.0 in the first set. The Cards won the matchup in both aces and blocks for the match and they had far fewer serving errors. In fact, Louisville was +6 at the line while Clemson was -5, netting the Cards a +11 advantage in serving. Coupled with their 12-6 advantage in blocking, it becomes apparent how Louisville could sweep while committing more overall errors (Clemson had 19). 

The second set, where Clemson closed the gap, saw the Cards hit 10 errors. They had 51 attempts in the second, putting 15 kills on top of their errors. They managed to stay positive and still outhit Clemson 0.098-0.07. It was nothing to write home about, and Louisville actually played from behind for most of the set. After going up 3-2, Louisville gave up a 6-1 run to Clemson to go down 8-4. They slowly clawed back the deficit throughout the set before regaining the lead at 18-17. The teams traded points until a tie at 20, after which Louisville took five of the next seven points to win. 

Halftime was likely filled with a bit of a wakeup call, which it seemed Louisville responded to. They came out of the break and jumped out to a 4-1 lead which they extended to 11-6. From there, the Cards kept the Tigers at arm's length before ultimately going away at the end. Clemson won three straight points to make it 19-16, but they'd only score one more for the remainder of the match. 

Leading the way were Anna DeBeer and Charitie Luper (of course). Luper had 11 kills and 4 errors to finish with a .250 hitting percentage. DeBeer, on the other hand, was back with a vengeance. We've been waiting for her to return to form and she has shown signs of getting there recently. Yesterday was another indication. DeBeer hit 12 kills with no errors, finishing with a .522 percentage. She assisted on 4 blocks and had two aces with no service errors. She also finished second on the team (and third in the match) with 11 digs. Hello, Anna DeBeer. 

Elena Scott led all players with 19 digs and added three aces and a pair of assists. She had just one service error and an error in reception. Light work for the player of the week, who continues to make her case as the top libero in the nation. Many will say it's still debatable. Most in this region would disagree. 

The Cards take on Georgia Tech tomorrow. The Yellow Jackets have slipped a bit this season but they are still plenty dangerous. It's a 1:30pm start in L&N Arena, and the match will air on ACC Network. 

Field Hockey Scores First, Falls 2-1 at Syracuse

Justine Sowry would desperately like for her team to find some offense. I know you're saying, "Case, they've scored 21 goals in 11 games; that's not bad." I hear you, but there is a bit more nuance to that. While they've scored 21, they are 5-6. Of their 21 goals, 16 have come in their five wins. Three came in their 4-3 overtime loss to Ohio State last weekend. That means they've scored two goals in their other five losses. That's... not going to get it done.

Yesterday, Louisville looked to be off to the races. The Cards earned a corner in the first three minutes and Chloe Plumb tipped in the goal after an assist from Izzy Bianco. They were 1-1 on corners and 1-1 on shots. Unfortunately, the game doesn't end at the three minute mark. Louisville went on to get just three more shots in the game and none of them were on target. That's even with earning four more corners. Eek. 

Syracuse, on the other hand, calmly took the first goal in stride. The Orange earned two corners in the first quarter, taking a total of five shots. They forced two saves from Brandelynn Heinbaugh, but they finally got by her as time wound down in the quarter, tying the game at one with just 19 seconds remaining. While the second quarter was silent for both teams, Cuse took seven more shots in the second half, putting four of those on target. For those not keeping track, that means Syracuse outshot the Cards 12-4 and outshot them on target 6-1. The Orange scored the go-ahead goal (which would prove to be game winning) with five minutes left in the third quarter.

We've talked about how Louisville's offense needs to support the keepers in women's soccer, and the same is true in field hockey. Heinbaugh finished with four saves, which isn't world beating, but it could have been enough. Louisville forced no saves from Syracuse. Outside the first goal, they couldn't even put the ball on the cage. That's not how you're going to win games. 

I don't want to be overly negative. Field hockey is difficult at the top, and that's where Louisville fancies themselves. The non-conference schedule is a gauntlet, which is supposed to help prepare them for their conference schedule. Unfortunately, for the second year running, we're looking at a team under .500 halfway through the season. The Cards may remain ranked even if they lose to #3 Virginia tomorrow, but they're going to have to find a way to get out of the offensive slump. With UNC and Duke still on the schedule, as well as Wake and Cal on the road, Louisville field hockey need some wins to be considered for the NCAA tournament. I think they're good enough to do it, but they'll need to prove it to the committee.

Louisville Live at the KFC Yum! Center

Louisville men's and women's basketball have put aside the flashy outdoor venues of 4th Street Live, Louisville Slugger Field, and Churchill Downs in favor of the friendly confines of the KFC Yum! Center. I think they should consider Lynn Family, but I doubt Soccer Holdings would be too keen to allow them to put something on their well-manicured field. L&N Stadium could also be fun with the new field level suites.

That said, there's something quite right about doing your kickoff event on your home floor. Given all that has happened with the men's basketball program in recent years, there's not a thing wrong with getting everyone to bring good vibes to the Yum! Center. Last night there were good vibes galore. Plus, how can you not get excited for the upcoming year with an introductory picture that goes as hard as this one?

Last night's festivities included a 3x3 game, 3-point contest, and a dunk competition. Taking home victory in the 3x3 were Ja'Leah Williams and Mackenly Randolph from the women's team along with J'Vonne Hadley and Terrance Edwards on the men's. They were joined by Stephen Van Treese representing the alumni. Their team was coached by Aly Khalifa and Kobe Rodgers. The team they defeated featured Imari Berry, Anaya Hardy, and Chelsie Hall along with Koren Johnson and James Scott. It was coached by Merissah Russell, Olivia Cochran, Elif Istanbulluoglu, Nyla Harris, and Jayda Curry. 

It's nearly impossible to tell who all participated in the 3-point contest, but unfortunately the women couldn't quite keep up this year. The finals were between grad transfer (and 6'-11" forward) Noah Waterman and transfer senior guard Reyne Smith. The aptly named Reyne took home the victory. 

Freshman Khani Rooths was the winner in the dunk contest, earning 10s across the board, except for the (well within his rights) strict judgement of Darrell Griffith. Dr. Dunkenstein still scored Rooths a 9. Anaya Hardy got it on the action in the dunk contest as well, exciting the crowd with (just about) a dunk of her own. I'd score it a "standard Peyton Siva breakaway" style dunk but it'd be pretty difficult for anyone to defend, so I like it. 

This season should be exciting for the Cards, and we're looking for both teams to feed on the energy each can bring to the Yum! Center.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

It'll be a twosome on the show today, as a noon kickoff holds out Jared and Daryl. I'm headed to a friend's shower (it was scheduled before the football game), but Paulie and Jeff will hold down the fort. They'll be happy to talk volleyball and Louisville Live, but perhaps not quite as thrilled about field hockey and soccer. You can check out the live stream of the show by going to the Cardinal Couple YouTube page and clicking on the live video. Jeff usually creates that about an hour before the show, which officially starts at 11 AM Eastern. If the live time doesn't work for you, there are plenty of playback options, so be sure to check out whichever is best for you!

Cardinal Couple YouTube: Link

Spotify: Link

Apple Podcasts: Link

Google Podcasts: Link

Overcast (free account required): Link

Pocket Casts (free account and app required): Link

RadioPublic: Link

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case

Louisville LIVE returns -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL 

Louisville LIVE is Back! It’s the 5th year of the event and it usually gets pretty good reviews.

Friday, October 4, 2024. Tickets go on sale in September and students will be able to attend for free.

Not like there was any doubt it would return, but its been moved to the KFC Yum! Center for the 2024 season. Perhaps the program anticipates a little extra excitement for the new season and administration?? In years past it's been held at 4th Street Live, Churchill Downs, and Louisville Slugger Field. This is the first time the event will be held on the Cardinals' home court.

Fans will get an opportunity to see the new Cardinal squads along while the veterans from the women's side will get to introduce the new men's roster to CardNation.

Photo from GoCards

The program has also been known to pull out the big guns for this event, bringing in Louisville legend Angel McCoughtry and native rapper Jack Harlow to hype up the crowds. Former Cardinal Payton Verhulst won the three-point contest last Louisville Live. Which Cardinal will take that title this year?

I will unfortunately be out of town for this year's event but can't wait to be back down at Yum! for another spectator season of UofL women's basketball! 

Senior season Olivia Cochran is loading you all.... Are we ready for it?! 

As Always, 

Go Cards! 

~Daryl 

WSoc beats NC State 1-0 -- Louisville LIVE -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FRIDAYS WITH DARYL

Hello readers and hello weekend!  It is going to be a great weekend in the Ville with the temperatures going back up (enjoy it while it lasts!) 

SOCCER

The Cardinals break the losing streak to the Wolfpack...winning 1-0 on the road Thursday night. 

Corrine Dente connected for the game winning goal in the 28th minute, assisted by Morgan Bentley.  Maria Echezarreta, goalkeeper for the Wolfpack, had her work cut out for them, registering 14 saves compared to UofL's Erynn Floyd just saving 2 in the entire match.

First half

In the game's first substitutions, Bentley and Dente both entered the match in the 27:47 minute mark and connected under a minute later to put the Cards ahead for good.   It was Dente's second career goal and first since 2019.  The goal was the 7th shot attempt by the Cards at that point in the match.  The Cards had 11 shots in the first half while NC State had just 3.  

Second half

The Cards continued to pressure the Wolfpack registering 13 shots in the second half compared to NC State's two...late in the 49th minute by Leyah Hall-Robinson and then Mia Vaughan in the 67th minute. Neither could get it past Floyd.  In the span of the 70th to 72nd minute, the Cards had 4 shot attempts, two each by Bentley and Karsyn Cherry respectively.  

With the win, Head coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes collected her 200th career win.  The Cards move to 6-6-2 on the season and 3-5 in the ACC. 

UP NEXT 

Louisville at #10 Duke 

Sunday 1:00PM
ACCNX

FIELD HOCKEY

#4/5 Louisville at #12 Syracuse

6:00PM

ACCNX

Currently 12-3 on the season, the Cards hit the road for the final road trip of the season. UofL is 9-12 against Syracuse all time, winning the previous two meetings against the Orange. It is the 8th ranked matchup for the Cards where the Cards went 5-3. Syracuse is 7-0 at home this season and the Cards are looking to spoil that and pick up their 2nd ACC win.

Louisville's Sasha Elliott carries a 0.92 goals against average, standing second in the ACC and fifth in the NCAA. She also leads the nation with an .846 save percentage. Elliott is the reigning ACC and NFHCA Defensive Player of the Week - she has earned both honors twice this season.

Graduate senior forward, Quirine Comans, leads Syracuse with 12 goals on the season. Senior forward, Charlotte De Vries leads in assists with 9 while also taking the teams most amount of shots.

Fun Fact: Freshman midfielder, Lindsey Schiavone, from Louisville KY is on the roster for the Orange. No stats to report. She went to Sacred Heart, winning two state titles.




VOLLEYBALL

#2 Louisville at Virginia

7:00PM 

ACCNX 

Louisville is 17-1 overall and 8-0 in ACC and ranked . The Cardinals have won 37 consecutive league matches. The last team to beat Louisville was Pitt on Oct. 23, 2020.  Louisville leads the all-time series with the Cavaliers, 9-3, beginning in 1995. The Cardinals are winners of the last five matchups against UVA. 

UVA is 9-10 on the season and 1-7 in the ACC.  Outside hitter Grace Turner leads the team with 263 kills. She had 15 kills against FSU and 16 against Miami last weekend.

Middle blocker Abby Tadder posted a career-high 18 kills and hit .517 to lead the Cavaliers to their first win over the Seminoles since 2010.  Virginia is currently 2-76 all-time against AVCA ranked foes, 0-17 all-time against AVCA top-10 and 0-9 against top-5.  

After a career weekend last week for Claire Chaussee and Amaya Tillman,  Louisville has a top 10 showdown with the #8 ranked Pitt Panthers airing on ESPNU at 1:00PM on Sunday afternoon.  




LOUISVILLE LIVE

 

8:00PM 

Louisville Slugger Field

Doors open at 7:00PM 

ACC Network

 

Since the event is being held at Slugger Field, I have the opportunity to work it so I will definitely be out there to 'work' (but mostly cheer) the celebration for the 2022-23 basketball squads.

I can't wait to see Juniors HVL and Olivia out there vibing with each other and the crowd!  I like that this event is 'touring' the city at different iconic local venues.  I hope the fans show out!

 

   

News:  Olivia Cochran is one of 20 watch list candidates for the 2023 Katrina McClain Award. Louisville is one of three teams to have a player named to each of the four positional watch lists so far this season.

Chrislyn Carr was named to the Lieberman Award Watch List, Hailey Van Lith was named to the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Watch List and Morgan Jones was named to the Cheryl Miller Award Watch List.

As Always 

Go Cards! 

~Daryl 

WSoc at NC State -- Swim and Dive vs Tennessee -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Women's Soccer Travels to NC State

Louisville women's soccer hits the road for their final road trip of the season. They face NC State tonight before visiting Duke on Sunday.

The Cards and Wolfpack are slated for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff and will be shown on ACC Network Extra.

Louisville enters the match with a 5-6-2 record, but has struggled in conference play with a 2-5 mark. NC State is 7-5-4 overall with a 2-4-1 ACC record.

Most recently, NC State drew 3-3 against Miami. The Hurricanes held a 3-0 lead 19 minutes into the match but the Wolfpack defended their home turf by scoring the final three goals of the match.

Jameese Joseph has powered the offense with seven goals and 16 total points. Leyah Hall-Robinson leads the team with five assists to go along with a pair of goals. Eight other NC State players have logged at least one goal. Despite scoring 21 goals on the year, NC State has allowed 24 goals.

Maria Echezarreta has been the only player in goal for the Wolfpack. She's allowed 24 goals but has recorded 64 saves for a .727 save percentage.

For Louisville, this is a must win game in order to keep any postseason hopes alive.

Swim and Dive Hosts Tennessee

A top-10 match-up will be happening at the Ralph Wright Natatorium today at 2:00 p.m. The Cards host Tennessee in a dual men/women meet. All events at the Ralph Wright Natatorium are free admission.

Plenty of women's swimmers hope to make an early strong impression. Gabi Albiero is one of the highest ranked swimmers in the country in the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle. Christiana Regenauer also ranks among the top in the country in both events.

Looking at longer distances, Paige Hetrick and Rye Ulett both rank in the top 10 in the country in the 200-meter freestyle and 500-meter freestyle, respectively.

Louisville Live

Continuing to grow in popularity, Louisville Live will be held at Louisville Slugger Field this year. The event, which showcases both women's basketball and men's basketball is scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. and last around 90 minutes. This will be the first time that a full court will be used.

The roster for both teams will be introduced, including pre-season All-ACC team members Hailey Van Lith and Morgan Jones. Members of the team will then compete in various skills competitions including a three-point contest.

Louisville was recently picked to finish first in the ACC this year. Virginia Tech was picked to finish second and NC State third.

I plan to be out at Louisville Live to get some shots of the event so hopefully we can share some of those this weekend.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared

More Awards News -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Fourteen Named to IWLCA Honor Roll

Louisville's lacrosse squad is full of student-athletes that excel in the classroom as well as on the field. After having four named to the All-ACC Academic team and putting the entire team on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, the Cards had 14 players named to the IWLCA Honor Roll. The IWLCA honor is awarded to juniors, seniors, or graduate students who earned at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Louisville's awardees were Carolina and Sarah Blalock, Allegra Catalano, Magdalena Foster, Grace Jenny, Sydney Kirchenheiter, Rachel Lifson, Hannah Morris, Ashley Osborne, Kirsten Parker, Kirsten Pezzullo, Paige Richbourg, Abigail Roskovich, and Alexa Steffens. 

Louisville Live Wins NACMA Gold Medal

Louisville basketball's change in venue for Louisville Live this year turned out to be quite popular. The Horses & Hoops event drew a significant crowd to Churchill Downs, and, as it happens, drew the attention of those outside of the Derby City as well. The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators gave their awards for the past year and Louisville's team grabbed the gold medal for Best Event Attendance Promotion. As someone that happened to be at Churchill Downs for a wedding and got to see the event get started, I have to say it looked like quite the spectacle. I think it was a much better setting for fans and hope they continue it in the future.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast Break

With the stars aligning against us this week, we'll be taking the week off from the show. Paulie is out and about, Daryl is at Slugger Field, and I can barely string a coherent thought together for more than a couple of sentences at a time. We should be back on track next week.

Until next time, Go Cards!

Case