Sandy is again struggling to keep up with this week's laundry

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TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

(Staff columnist Sandy Walker takes us on her weekly journey through the world of women's sports at UofL other relevant things. Make sure and stop by to see her at the Central Cardinal Club holiday boutique and fashion style show Tues., Oct.16th. at the PNC Club at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium along with other members of the CARDINAL COUPLE staff.) 

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(IT'S LAUNDRY TIME AGAIN...IT'S WORSE THAN 5 to 10...MADDER THAN A WET HEN...OH, WHERE DO I BEGIN?) 

It is a messy, messy time of year with multiple weather temperature changes and periodic rain that keeps the dirty clothes piling up.   In addition, add all of the extra clothing needs due to all of the recruiting traveling going on from in house visits and official visits

BASKETBALL

We are at the crossroads where basketball activity is busy. For the fan, though, there are no games to attend.  There are only lots of internet rumblings and gossip about recruits visits and reactions to them -- both their official visit to the schools and at their homes.  Those of us who are eagerly awaiting the season’s first game find ourselves, while trying to fill in the building excitement, seeking out any piece of information to be found.  I hear that Jenny is
even bribing Coco to hide out in the stalls of various women’s restrooms and listen for new pieces of recruiting information.   

The recent and upcoming visitors, as well as other young ladies that Jeff is seeking can in the future become known as Louisville’s trail blazers

 and a member of a historical break out recruiting class or they can choose to individually be known as just another of the followers of early greats from other schools.   To all of those who sign on, welcome aboard and hang on as it is going to be a great ride as you make your own history!

( Editor note: Co-Co reports that Jeff Walz is in Springfield, Oregon today...visiting a potential Lady Card. Maserati, Lexus, ...no...MERCEDES!)

Sunday was the home visit of Emmonnie Henderson, where it was reported as a great visit, while Mercedes home visit was reported to have been on Tuesday as she was definitely saving the best visit for last.  Her expected official Louisville trip set for October 26.  One of our weekend visitors, Alex Harris – another post player -  committed to Penn State over Louisville & Michigan so my dual post game plan seems to be in tatters.   Included in the report is that Duke was also visiting Kentucky’s Becca Greenwell last night. Wonder what Jo Ann is telling recruits these days. Anyone with updates to these or other recruits information,   please feel free to send in comments.

Reminder of the Tip off Luncheon:

The annual Tip Off Luncheon is set for Tuesday October 23 with doors opening at 11:15 am.  The event will be held at the YUM! Center and was a sold out event last year so get your ticket reservations in as soon as possible.   University of Louisville women's basketball coach Jeff Walz will again be the featured speaker with team members also present (who are not in class).  Tickets for the event are $30 each on a first come, first serve basis.  You can call the U of L special events office at (502) 852-0706. See you there.

Pre-Season Rankings:

Lindy’s Sports picks UL women pre-season number 6. 

As long as several of the players are able to make a speedy enough recovery from earlier injuries they will maintain and improve upon the ranking.  Otherwise, I have total confidence in their ability to do as well or better as the season progresses.

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GOLF

The Louisville women's golf team will host the annual Cardinal Cup Monday, Sept. 17 and Tuesday, Sept. 18 at the Cardinal Club in Simpsonville, Ky. The Cardinals will host UTC, ETSU, UNC Wilmington, Illinois State, James Madison, Akron, Cincinnati, Maryland, Georgia State, Missouri, Bradley, UNC Greensboro, Charleston Southern and Rollins College for a 15-team field with 12 individuals also competing.

The teams will play 36 holes on Monday with an 8:40 a.m. shotgun start and 18 holes on Tuesday with an 8:40 a.m. shotgun start.  Information is directly from the University’s Official Golf Page located at http://www.uoflsports.com/sports/w-golf/spec-rel/091512aab.html.

Golf Tournament Update:

The University of Louisville women's golf team leads the field with a score of 591 after two rounds in the Cardinal Cup held at the Cardinal Club Course in Simpsonville. The Cardinals shot a 294 in the first round and a 297 in the second round to move up four spots to take the lead. Cincinnati is currently second with a score of 596. Missouri and Georgia State are tied for third with a score of 599. Sophomore Emily Haas currently leads the field.

                                                 http://www.uoflsports.com/sports/w-golf/recaps/091712aaa.html

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CHEERLEADING

It is possible that this season on Glee we will be seeing authentic Louisville Cheerleading uniforms and swag.  The producers of the show have requested items for main character Santana, played by actress Naya Rivera.  Last season she announced that “she was headed to the Derby City after receiving a full cheerleading scholarship to U of L. The show also gave a shout-out to the Cardinals during the episode, saying the school has one of the top cheerleading programs in the country”.

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120917/features07/309170027?source=nletter-top5
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Cheerleader Basic Requirements:

·         Incoming freshman ARE eligible to try out.

·         Transfer students with a minimum GPA of 2.0 are eligible to try out.

·         Current U of L students must be enrolled full-time (12 hours) to be eligible to try out.

·         Try-out packet must be submitted at the first round of auditions with a $40 fee.

·         There is NOT a point system. The coach makes the final team selections after advisement from current and/or former captains.

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VOLLEYBALL

Lola Arslanbekova was selected as the Louisville Student-Athlete of the Week.

Louisville wins the Louisville Invitational by beating Miami and Lola with 21 kills and nine digs was voted as MVP. Teammates Kaitlynn James and Brooke Mattingly join her on the all-tournament team. U of L now has three wins over schools that   should win their respective conferences Check out http://www.uoflsports.com/sports/w-volley/recaps/091512aab.html for details.

Volleyball Promotions

Friday Sept 21 at 7:00 is Alumni Night at the YUM! Center.  Members of the UL alumni association can gain entry to the game against DePaul for $2.00. The squad is #10 in the nation in the latest Volleyball poll. 

                           

Also: Post Game against Notre Dame on September 23 (2:00 match) there will be Post Match Youth Clinic.  This is a free volleyball clinic for K-8 kids which will be held on the court after the game by the staff and team.  Waivers are needed.  Additional information can be found at http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/lou/sports/w-volley/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/vb-12-clinicwaiver.pdf   Autographs from the team will be available after the clinic to participants.

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SOCCER

Louisville Soccer moves up to 10^th in the Nation. 

Behind first half goals from Courtney Holtz and Charlyn Corral,

                        

 Charlyn Corral

Courtney Holtz                                 
                                                        
The Louisville women's soccer team earned a 2-0 road victory over DePaul on Sunday afternoon at Wish Field.  With the win, the Cardinals improved to 6-2-0 overall and 1-1-0 in BIG EAST Conference action, while the Blue Demons dropped to 5-4-1 on the season and 1-1-0 in league games with the loss.

 See http://www.uoflsports.com/sports/w-soccer/recaps/091612aaa.html 

Also come check out Louisville forward Christine Exeter who last year was named BIG EAST Offensive player of the year. She is recently back on the UL field after playing for the Canadian FIFA U-20 World Cup games.

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SOFTBALL

Big East Softball Champs were honored at Saturday’s UL football game.  

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NASCAR RACING NATIONALS

While I am aware that Nationals stockcar racing with NASCAR is not a University of Louisville women’s sporting activity – In this 40^th anniversary year of Title IX I could not resist a shout out to Brad Sweet who on Saturday drove car # 38 in the Nationwide Series Dollar General 300 and helped to remind us there are still all too many folks out there that just can’t handle dealing with females who are attempting to be as successful as others in formerly all male dominated sports.   It is sad but on Saturday, while a lap down from the leaders, Brad blocked Danica Patrick for a number of laps and did not allow a standard courtesy pass until it was too late for her to challenge moving from the 12 spot to possibly a top 10 finish.  Way to go Brad! 
  

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EVENTS

Cardinal Couple has been invited to set up a booth at this year’s Central Cardinal Club Holiday Boutique and Fashion Show. The event takes place Tuesday, Oct. 16th. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the PNC Club at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.  There are a lot of neat silent auction items available for viewing or to place a bid on. Paul and Sonja will be distributing flyers and business cards, talking women's sports with whoever stops by. and offering people a chance to register for a piece of Cardinal memorabilia that we're giving away. Others of us who periodically contribute to the blog will be dropping by also.  If I can’t get finished with my laundry I can always bring it with me to hang dry.

There will be a silent auction, holiday shopping , a lunch Buffet ($16 per person), fashion show, free wine tasting throughout the day and dinner buffet ($20 per person). All proceeds benefit the Cardinal Athletic Fund and UofL  Athletics. For information call 502-649-2638 e-mail debbiedoodlebug@mail.com.

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                                                             SHE'S OUR ANGEL 

Angel McCoughtry made a 2nd quarter apperance at the UofL v UNC football game wearing her Olympic Gold Medal and getting a massive, standing ovation from the 55,000 in attendance. She also tailgated in the lot with Cardinal fans before the game and all this after leading her Atlanta Dream squad to a victory Friday night. 

The Dream is firmly ensconced in third place in the WNBA Eastern Division and will begin playoff battles after two more regular season tilts.  
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Tuesday Cardinal Couple -- Sandy's tasks of today include bleaching and spot washing

TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

( Sandy Walker sorts out all things Cardinal today and  catches us up on events, recruiting, softball, Mercedes Russell, lacrosse, the National debt, Keynesian economic trends in a recession and forensic methods at a tampered crime scene.)  

UPCOMING EVENTS

Battle of the Bluegrass

Wednesday  8/29   Volleyball   vs UK  @ KFC YUM! Center            7:00 pm

Help break the YUM! Volleyball Attendance record and support our volleycards against UK.

The UK match is a Red Out!

                                   Volleyball  Cardinal Classic  Louisville Invitational 8/31  &  9/1

Friday             8/31   Duke       @  KFC YUM! Center    7:30  pm

Saturday        9/1     Marshall  @  KFC YUM! Center  11:00 am

Saturday        9/1     Samford  @  KFC YUM! Center    7:30 pm

December 13 and 15 are the dates for the semi-final and final NCAA

Volleyball NCAA

National Championship matches which is being held at the KFC Yum! Center.

Saturday        9/1    Cross Country vs Mid-America Opener @ Evansville, IN. 9:00 am

Saturday        9/1    Field Hockey vs Davidson @ Trager Stadium 2:00 pm

Sunday         9/2    Soccer vs UNC Greensboro @ Lexington, KY   12:00 pm

                                  Check out head coach Justine Sowry’s weekly show on Cards TV.

Rachel Melhado and Christine Exeter will rejoin the team this week.

Monday          9/3    Field Hockey vs Ball State @ Trager Stadium 2:00 pm

U of L Office Website U of L official schedule website is

@ http://www.uoflsports.com/scoreboard/

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RECRUITING

There is no current word on last weekend’s planned “unofficial” campus visit of class of 2014 junior forward Sydney Brackemyre.  Anyone with specific news or sightings please contact cardinalcouple.com with your information which will be shared, if the information passes Sonja’s approval.  Sydney is to be the first of several fall visitors to campus.  We will soon be seeing and hearing of the visits by Saniya Chong, Alexandria Harris, Emmonie Henderson, Mercedes Russell and Imani Wright (5'11" guard from Hooks, TX).  Fortunately there is plenty of room for each of them both for scholarships and floor position.

MERCEDES / REBECCA UPDATE

Gold was won on Sunday by the USA, 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women of which Mercedes Russell scored 8 points, 6 rebounds 3 blocks and 2 steals. The US team knocked off Spain by a score of 75-62 with the 13 point margin being the closest final any team has come to beating the USA team.   Rebecca Greenwell contributed 13 points and 12 rebounds. Complete tournament information can be found at http://www.fibatv.com/live.

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NCAA COMPLIANCE and SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUES

We seem to be seeing more and more issues where NCAA compliance infractions are at issue.  It was recently announced that a major scandal occurred when a  __________ fan called a recruit and asked him about his status.  The player has stated that he was used to receiving reporters calls and thought the caller was just another of the same but it turned out to be a fan who was trying to encourage him to stay with his school commitment.   The player stated "I didn't think nothing of it until somebody called me, an ESPN guy, who told me the guy put it on Twitter that he talked to me on the phone."  Later the “fan” began to boast on a popular website’s message board about reaching out to recruits.  NCAA rules state that the rules have been violated by the “assisting in recruiting a prospect over the telephone, via social media or in person.”  At this point both the recruit and the University are at risk.

At the U of L women’s basketball elite camp Cardinal Couple owners and staff observed U of L coaches spending the beginning of the clinic sessions attempting to explain many of the basic rules of recruiting and outside contact to the campers and although I learned much that day, I absolutely do not profess to even have a novice level of knowledge of the NCAA regulations.  If asked specific questions concerning recruit contact  – my answer would be, “I have no idea but avoiding individual contact would appear to be the safest action.   For those of you who just need to know more:

Check out http://www.uoflsports.com/school-bio/student-athletes.html for everything you every wanted to know (and more) about NCAA and UL student athlete regulations.

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FALL SOFTBALL IS UPON US

Louisville softball has announced its fall schedule for the new 2012-2013 season.   Games are to be held at Ulmer Stadium on Sept 29, 30 and October 6 with seven  returning starters.

                                                                                               

Saturday, September 29
12:00 p.m. - Louisville vs. Bellarmine
2:30 p.m. - Louisville vs. Eastern Kentucky
5:00 p.m. - Bellarmine vs. Eastern Kentucky

Sunday, September 30
2:00 p.m. - Louisville vs. Murray State
4:30 p.m. - Bellarmine vs. Murray State

Saturday, October 6
12:00 p.m.- Louisville vs. Bellarmine
2:30 p.m. - Louisville vs. Tennessee State
5:00 p.m.- Bellarmine vs. Tennessee State

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ANGEL QUIZ

What is Angel McCoughtry’s middle name?  

No cheating by searching the internet or trying to bribe Timmy with bananas for the answer.  Hint:  One source indicates the name could possibly mean “God Is Gracious”.  Send in your answers to cardinalcouple.com and Paul or Jenny will issue the answer in Wednesday Cardinal Couple.

( Editor note: A quick poll of the staff chimps came up with Jerry, Empire, Schwartz, Food Cake, and Meadors as possible answers. They are all incorrect.) 

                                                                                   

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt172/kenyanBeast32/340x

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BASKETBALL WORKOUTS BEGIN

Monday’s first day of individual workouts for the UL basketball team is complete.  Coaches Walz and Williams indicated that the day was going great with improvements from many of the players who apparently are already bonded close as a team.  Tweets of several players indicated that it was great to be back in the gym and that the players “was putting in work”.  Shawnta indicated that she jogged for 20 minutes today and had no pain which is great progress as her paint play is definitely needed.      

Word is that there will be a mid-night madness for the women this year.   You will know when we know.

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LACROSSE

The UL lacrosse team joined other IWLCA Division 1 Academic Squads as a team which maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average.  The team average was enhanced by Janaye Dzikewich’s 3.96 GPA in her exercise physiology master’s degree work and Katie Oliverio’s  3.77 grade-point average in sport administration. 

Janaye                                                   Katie       

 Each were also named to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Association’s Academic

 Honor Roll. 
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ODDS AND ENDS

( Editor note: An opinion on the Angel McCoughtry vs. Marynell Meadows saga can be found @ Paul's personal website. Click the link below.

Is Angel the Devil here?  

Finally, get soon well wishes to CARDINAL DOMINANCE  owner Shannon Ruffra, who suffered a heart attack over the weekend.  Sonja and Paul wrote for CARDINAL DOMINANCE several years ago and hope that he recovers fully and in time for the football opener against UK..
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Tuesday Cardinal Couple -- Sandy taking care of everyones odds and ends Laundry - once again!

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TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

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SPECIAL REPORT.....
2:30 p.m.
Our sources tell us that Marion County front-liner Kyvin Goodin-Rogers has committed to play basketball at the University of Kentucky after visiting the campus.

Great work and scoop by our recruiting guru Jenny O'Bryan on this !!  

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(Sandy takes us on her usual madcap jaunt through women's sports at UofL...driving the Cardinal Couple golf cart recklessly from venue to venue while Timmy the Intern operates the GPS. Look out ahead!)  


A woman caught taking care of the details behind the scenes to make sure the job gets done.  Nothing new there, right Sonja!


RECRUITING JIGSAW PUZZLE

As has recently been announced on this site; prior to the November early signing period, we have several extremely high quality sought after 2013 recruits coming to campus for September and October official visits. Currently those with announced dates are Saniya Chong, Alexandria Harris, Emmonie Henderson and alphabetically last but certainly not least, Mercedes Russell.  In order to not be left behind we now have 2014 recruits checking out the facilities.  It is reported that in August Clinton Massey junior forward, Sydney Brackemyre (who is reported as having been made a scholarship offer by Jeff), will be here on an unofficial visit.  It is great to see the quality recruits who now recognize Louisville as a force to be dealt with and are here looking to determine where they could fit into its energy.  It is fascinating to see the national championship team Jeff is in the process of assembling.  He sees the shape, size and unique attributes of players needed to complete a one of a kind national championship jigsaw puzzle.   Jeff has now gone across the world seeking those players who look like they could fit into the remaining needed specific puzzle sections.

What is more remarkable is that I can see how each of these players, instead of competing with one another for corresponding positions, could instead fulfill our need for each of their unique talents with roles (double post anyone?) which include that of challenging the 2013 returning players to once again step up their own game as the challenge of the competition will cause them to dig deep into talents which had been unknown even to themselves.  Hopefully each of those coming to visit will determine it best to be on the side that others will have to deal with rather than facing off against us later at competing schools. Wonderful things are happening with Louisville WBB!  

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FOLDING LAUNDRY

Today we also feature a special lesson showing our fans the proper way to fold their shirts in preparation for looking good on the ESPN's Monday Night UL showcase event detailed next.  Go to

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5789051621080544400 

and very carefully watch the video at least twice prior to trying this yourself at home. 

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ESPN2’S MONDAY SHOWCASE TO FEATURE U OF L WOMEN

Unless you are able to travel to South Bend, IN on a Monday night in February to see the Louisville women beat Notre Dame...(and we certainly hope they will prevail over the Irish),

mark your calendars for Monday February 11 at 9:00 to watch the game be featured as part of “ESPN2’s Big Monday” and part of their “game-of-the-week series”.  This will be one of only10 games featured during the Monday night ESPN season.

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THANKSGIVING TOURNAMENT UPDATE

Louisville’s competition in its Thanksgiving Hardwood Tournament of Hope played at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico includes UC Santa Barbara, Central Florida, Gonzaga, Mississippi State, Missouri State, Winthrop and Oregon State University.  All games of the November 20-22 tournament will be played at the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center with fan packages apparently only available from the tournament organizer.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday             8/24   

           

            Soccer            vs Purdue                  @ Cardinal Park                  7:00 pm

            Field Hockey             Sherrill Brakmeier Classic

   vs Northeastern         @ Trager Stadium                6:00 pm  

            Volleyball                              Active Ankle Challenge

                                    vs Western KY          @ KFC YUM! Center            7:30 pm

Saturday        8/25

            Volleyball                  Active Ankle Challenge

                                    vs Morehead State     @ KFC YUM! Center          11:00 am

                                    vs Penn State             @ KFC YUM! Center            7:30 pm

Sunday          8/26

           

             Field Hockey   vs Northwestern        @ Trager Stadium               11:00 am

                                      or Miami (Ohio)                                               or      1:00 pm

Wednesday   8/29

            Volleyball       vs KY                           @ KFC YUM! Center           7:00 pm

                                                                                                           

Friday             8/31

            Soccer            vs SEMO                    @ Lexington, KY                    5:00 pm

 Volleyball       vs Duke                       @ KFC YUM! Center             7:30 pm

          

Please double check upcoming events with the U of L official schedule website

@ http://www.uoflsports.com/scoreboard/ as events are subject to change – and transcription errors by our special student, Coco are entirely possible. See you at the games!

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Phoenix Arizona mayor Greg Stanton was planning to use his attendance at the WNBA Phoenix Mercury practice as a photo op.  Things did not work out so well as while running drills with the practice squad, instead of coming down with a rebound against the Mercury's Nakia Sanford,   he instead left the practice with a broken nose.  He later indicated that he had a great time and injuries are just part of the battle wounds of the game.  He showed himself a good sport as he was quoted as saying, "My biggest mistake was thinking I could actually get a rebound".  At last report he was planning to attend the upcoming game.

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FIELD HOCKEY

The Big East Conference Field Hockey preseason coaches poll resulted in Louisville receiving the 3rd highest number of first-place votes and Erin Conrad, Dominique Pasqualichio and Alyssa Voelmie being chosen as preseason all-conference team.