Sunday Cardinal Couple

A Butchertown Outing

With an unplanned Saturday evening, and Racing Louisville FC in town, I decided to check out my first game at "the other Lynn", Lynn Family Stadium in Butchertown.

Racing Louisville FC hosted the Portland Thorns in a nearly picture perfect day for an outdoor sporting event, so I decided to go catch the game.  A quick jaunt downtown, and I found easy on-street parking on Witherspoon underneath the I-64 and I-71 ramps.  After spending a few minutes navigating the electronic ticket system run by Seatgeek, I did finally manage to get a barcode on my phone and gained entry.  My seat was good with mostly good sight lines from about halfway up the upper deck.  Crucially, for your fair skinned reporter, the seat was on the western side of the stadium, and thus in the evening shade.

I arrived early, circled the interior of the stadium to explore a bit in this my first visit, and picked a place to eat.  The cheeseburger was not gourmet, though the seasoned fries were decent, and the total tally for the burger, fires, and a large bottle of water was $10...definitely not bad for stadium fare.  There were a number of potential options for food, and some of the others hold promise of being more culinarily rewarding, and prices were quite reasonable across the board.

Oh, how did the game go?  Well, the Thorns are good.  They're down about five players who are off playing internationally in the lead-up to the Olympics right now, but they're still good.  The team sits in second in the leagues standings, and even with a depleted roster was able to keep majority control of the game.  Racing put up a good fight, particularly early, but eventually fell to the Thorns 2-0.

Early aggression for Racing didn't work out so well.  A handful of...let's call them "quirky"...calls by the official deflated the energy of the home team.  A first half foul called on Racing in the box was particularly poorly received by the admittedly biased crowd, which resulted in a penalty kick for the Thorns and the first score of the game.

For the second half of the game, I relocated down to the end zone at the open end of the stadium to hang out with a friend has his season tickets in the Waterfront Supporters  Zone.  The second score for the Thorns, then, was at the far end of the field from me, so I didn't get a good view of it.  Regardless, the damage was done.

While the majority of the control in the game went to Portland, it wasn't overwhelming, with Racing have a number of opportunities to attack and challenge the Portland GK, but nothing found its way into the net.

Former Card Emina Ekic did see action, playing 16 minutes at the end of the game.  She got several touches and made some great moves toward goal, but wasn't able to connect.

FC Racing Louisville will be on the road for the next game.  Orlando will be the hosts on Friday with a 7pm start.  Racing returns home for a 3pm game on July 25th where the smart money is on it being hot and humid compared to last night's wonderfully comfortable weather.

NY Liberty and Jones Acrobatics

Jazmine Jones may have the most watched play of the WNBA for the week in the NY Liberty's 82-79 win over the Washington Mystics.

The Liberty got some insignificant leads in the opening minutes of the first quarter before the Mystics would go on a 14-2 run to close out the opening frame 28-15.  The Liberty wouldn't lead again until under four minutes left in the game before going on to the narrow victory.

Jones scored 17 in just over 21 minutes of play.  She went 4-9 from the field, and 2-3 from three point range.  Add a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe, five rebounds, a steal, and a block, and you have a pretty darn good game for the Tallahassee lassie.

The play that's getting everyone's attention was early in the 3rd quarter, with Jones attempting to corral a rebound on what should have been an easy lay-up by Shook.  With her usual energy and over-the-top exuberance, Jones chased it to the sidelines, hurdled the bench seats, and ended up coming to the stop at the behest of a walkway railing to her midriff.  After the flip over the railing and landing in the walkway, Jones popped up as only she can and continued play. 

Here it is: Jazmine's Audition For the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics squad

 The worst part of the whole affair was that she was unable to save the possession.  All was not lost, though.  The next time down the court for the Liberty, she got a nice assist from the top of the key out to the three point line and drained it.

The 17 for Jones didn't top the scoring for the Liberty in the game, Betnijah Laney did that with 19, though it did take her 36 minutes to get to that tally.

Next up for the Liberty, the Dallas Wings come to town tomorrow night at 7pm.

Cardinal Couple Radio Hour Podcast

We had a fun show yesterday, with four out of five on the call.  Case was up in Madison watching boats go fast and turn left.

The audio levels are a bit out of whack on this one, so if you wanted to wait for Case to do his magic in the podcast posting, it might be easier listening.

A fun discussion, on everything from traffic woes in Louisville, to basketball and trips to Tokyo, and a great quiz about coaches both here at UofL and others.

JMCA

WNBA RECAP -- MYISHA KEEPS MYSTICS ALIVE -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 MYISHA GOES FOR 30 IN MYSTICS WIN

Amidst all the Thursday night football options, Myisha Hines-Allen decided to take over the WNBA last night and her 30-point effort led the Washington Mystics to a 80 -72 win over the LA Sparks. 

I don't think there is much doubt she is the most improved player in the WNBA this season and her 30-point, eight rebound effort in 35 minutes kept the Mystics in the hunt for the eighth and final playoff spot in the WNBA. 

It was Myisha sinking threes, going coast-to-coast for buckets and pounding in the paint for scores in the Washington win. Trailing 45-39 at the half to the Sparks, Hines-Allen and her team-mates unleashed a 23-12 third-quarter on the L.A. squad and took a 62-57 lead that they would not relinquish the rest of the way.

For Washington, it pretty much breaks down to this:  with two games left to play in the regular season, two wins would have them in the playoffs, unless the Dallas Wings win their final two games. Dallas holds the tie-breaker between the two, having won both previous matches. 

Washington plays the New York Liberty on Saturday and then Atlanta on Sunday. It should be noted that Atlanta is looking to capture that final playoff spot also and is one game back of Dallas and Washington at 6-14. The Wings finish with Chicago tonight and the New York Liberty Sunday. 

                                                 *****

Speaking of the Liberty, the New York squad gave the Indiana Fever all they wanted for three quarters last night but could not seal the deal in the fourth -- losing 85-75.  

This one was tied 62-62 after three quarters.  

Jazmine Jones was returned to the lineup (maybe Walt Hopkins figured out that another almost-30 point loss wouldn't be much fun) and Jaz responded with nine points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes. Kylee Shook saw nine minutes and had two points, that ankle most likely still a bit sore.

New York has the opportunity to be a spoiler in their final two games of the year -- facing Washington Saturday and Dallas Sunday. A win for New York over either or both opponents could put a dent in Washington or Dallas' playoff hopes. 

                                                  *****

Angel and the Aces entertained Minnesota last night and the Lynx kept it interesting for a half before Las Vegas tossed a 25-15 third quarter at them and went on to win 104-89.

Angel McCoughtry had 22 points and eight rebounds in just 17 minutes for the Aces, who remain a game back of league leading Seattle. 

Las Vegas could take the regular season championship if they win their final two games and get the #1 seed in he playoffs. The task, though, is formidable -- with Los Angeles on Saturday and Seattle on Sunday. 

19 YEARS AGO

Let us never forget that 19 years ago, on September 11th., our nation was shocked and attacked during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Do you remember where you were? 

I was working and had stopped into a pharmacy to get a ink-pen, of all things, mine had ended up in the hands of the previous client I had visited. I walked in and noticed several people gathered around the checkout counter watching a portable TV. 

(Yes, friends...that was when were still able to get television without cable, dishes or internet)

The first plane had already crashed into the World Trade Center and, as I watched, a second came along and did the same to the remaining tower. It was 9:00 a.m. when I entered, 9:04 when the second attack hit and I never did get that ink pen. Instead, I decided I was going home to watch the rest of the coverage. I remember thinking while I was driving home, listening to the radio coverage...how could this happen, was it over? and why... 

2977 lost their lives. Remember them today, and every day. 

 

paulie 

 

LIBERTY AND ACES GET WINS -- DUKE NEWS -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 LIBERTY UPSET SKY

The New York Liberty have been looking better lately and last night their "team play, take the three" style paid off with a 101-99 win over the Chicago Sky. Breaking a seven-game losing streak, New York was close at the half, trailing just 49-46 and used a huge third quarter to take the lead. NYL outscored Chicago 32-26 in the third and held on at the end to get the win. 

Former Louisville WBB great Jazmine Jones had another nice outing for New York with nine points, three rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes. She's getting more accustom to playing at the point-guard spot and had a nifty steal in the contest to help the Liberty get the win. Kylee Shook contributed eight points, three grabs and had an assist for New York. FIve players reached double figures for Walt Hopkins team -- led by Amanda Zahui B with 22. 

This one came down to the wire, Chicago tying it in the fourth at 99-99 and Layshia Clarendon hitting two free throws with less than a second remaining to improve New York to 2-12 on the season. With the loss, Chicago drops to 10-5. 

LAS VEGAS 96 - DALLAS 92

The Las Vegas Aces are now 11-3 after holding off the Dallas Wings 96-93. Angel McCoughtry's squad jumped out to a 52-43 lead at the half and withstood a late Wings run to hold on the second place in the league. 

McCoughtry had a good evening in limited playing time with 12 points in 16 minutes. She went 3-3 from the floor and 6-7 at the line for the Aces.

The Aces used the strong game of A'ja Wilson (26 points) to dominate the inside and get this "W". Las Vegas took only six three-pointers in the contest, hitting two -- while the Wings went 15-40 from the deep. 

DUKE SAYS NO TO FANS 

Duke University became the second ACC school to put a ban on fans to start the fall athletic season. Yesterday's announcement puts the Blue Devils in the "empty bleachers" category with Syracuse. 

I hate to see the move, but I fully understand it. What would normally be big tickets events on both campuses ultimately increases the risk and spread of COVID-19.  

I have the feeling that we're just beginning to see the dominoes fall in the ACC. Louisville submitted a plan drastically reducing attendance for football and Governor Andy Beshear didn't seem too thrilled with the numbers, remarking that the Miami Dolphins were bring in less than the 18,000 the Cards proposed. And, NFL squads are beginning to announce no attendance for the first couple of weeks at their contests. 

Let's face it. Attending football as a fan while being social distanced and wearing a mask just doesn't seem like things that go together well. Add alcohol and and hours of tailgating into the mix and you're coming up with a dangerous scenario. 

True, these probably wouldn't be as problematic situations at, let's say, a field hockey or soccer match on a college campus, but, why take the chance? These are college student-athletes, not paid professionals.

If the intent is to keep the student-athlete safe and competitive, all precautions are going on (mostly) on campus to ensure their safety and protection from COVID, why throw all that out the window by introducing fans into the scenario?

I get it, we all want sports and we all want to watch our favorites compete. It is really going to permanently destroy anyone's fandom and fervor, though, if you have to do it via TV, internet, radio or other devices for a short while? I think that's better than cancelling things all-together, like some Power 5 conferences have done.

Sadly, it's also most likely going to affect what we do here at Cardinal Couple as far as "on-the-site, live game coverage" and post-game interviews. We haven't officially received the word on that yet, but, we're willing to "take one for the team" if we're asked to. 

This, of course, puts the direct onus on the athletes now. Will they follow the protocols, stay away from campus parties?  I certainly hope they would. Weighing the chance to compete against the chance to socialize with pals has become a new and important decision in the life of the student-athlete, and any college student, in 2020. 

Let 'em play. We'll stay away, if that's what you say. So they can stay....healthy. 

paulie 

All Four Cardinal WBB WNBA Players Tonight -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

ANGEL, MYISHA, JAZ AND KYLEE

One of those rare nights tonight where we get to see all four of the Cardinal WBB WNBA professionals on the court on the same evening. 

Beginning at 7 p.m., it'll be Jazmine Jones and Kylee Shook looking for their first win in the WNBA for the New York Liberty against a Minnesota Lynx squad that has started well with a 3-1 record.

Let's face it, New York has some shoes to fill without rookie Sabrina Ionescu at point. Whether Layshia Clarendon is the answer at point remains to be seen. Kia Nurse can score, she proved that against the Mercury with 17 points, but just one assist raises a few questions. 

Jazmine Jones is a talented, athletic guard but lacks the point guard experience, having played with some great ones at Louisville and never having to be the point. It might be a long night for the Liberty. I'd like to see a few more minutes for Kylee tonight and see if that three-point shot she had at Louisville is still an effective weapon. 

NBA TV will show this contest

Then, at 8 p.m., we get a special bonus when it's Angel McCoughtry and her Las Vegas Aces agains Myisha Hines Allen and her Washington Mystics. 

A win for Myisha (named the Player of the Week for the WNBA) and her squad would tie them for first place in the standings. They'll have a tough task against the potent duo of Angel an A'ja on the Mystics, though and Ariel Atkins has been filling up the bucket, too for DC. 

ESPN2 will show the contest.

In "news of the weird", what in the wide world of sports is going on in Atlanta? Is team owner and U.S. senator appointee Kelly Loeffler deliberately trying to upset an entire league and its fan base? 

Last night, teams were sporting shirts urging votes for Loeffler's November opponent Raphael Warnock. This one's just getting started, friends. 

We still have five months left in 2020. Grab your popcorn and have a seat.

WNBA STANDINGS

Chicago        4-1

Seattle          4-1

Washington  3-1

Minnesota    3-1

Phoenix        3-2

Las Vegas    2-2

Los Angeles 2-2

Indiana         2-2

Dallas           2-2

Atlanta         2-3

New York      0-4

Connecticut  0-5

REQUESTED

I've had several requests for the video of the UofL WBB players in practice that was made mention of in Walz's latest teleconference. Here ya go, link below: 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0nnpop80hno67ck/Presser%20August%203.mp4?dl=0 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

paulie

xxxxx

 

Fall Sports Are A "Go" -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

ACC Fall Sports Are A "Go"

We have our answer.  After speculating for weeks on end if we would have a season or not the ACC made their decision yesterday.

All fall sports are happening.

For UofL, this means we will see volleyball, field hockey, women's soccer, women's cross country, men's cross country, men's soccer, and football.

Football and Olympic Sports (basically everything else that isn't football or men's basketball) have separate guidelines and restrictions.

Olympic sports may begin competition on Thursday, Sept. 10.  Any scheduled games and matches prior to that will be cancelled or postponed.

Conference play has been limited to what the NCAA considers the minimum amount of conference games to be permitted: field hockey (6), volleyball (10), m/w soccer (6).  If they choose to play more conference games outside of that it will not count towards the conference record.  Think of it when softball plays other ACC teams in early season tournaments, but those results are counted in the conference standings.

If schools choose to add non-conference games it is entirely up to each school.  Opponents must meet ACC medical standards.

ACC Championships have also been decided as followed: field hockey at Duke (Nov. 5, 6, 8), women's soccer at Wake Forest (Nov 6 & 8; only top four teams qualify), men's soccer at Wake Forest (Nov. 13 & 15; only top four teams qualify), no volleyball championship, which is normal.

Football is receiving an 11-game schedule with a lengthened 10-game conference schedule.  In the past, they played a 12-game schedule with eight conference games.  The sole non-conference game must be against an opponent instate.  Pending the SEC's decision, it's a safe bet that the non-conference game will be the Governor's Cup game against Kentucky.

If fans and media will be allowed at games is still uncertain.  Based of the ACC's announcement yesterday, I believe it will be up to each school to decide.  If media are allowed at games it is hard to see the chance of any type of post-game press conferences with players or coaches, due to the social distancing aspect.

Once we know each team's set schedule we will have plenty to talk about and give previews and predictions.

As long as all members of the teams can stay safe and healthy then I'm down with fall sports.  If we see an issue of COVID-19 outbreaks amount student-athletes or staff then we may need to reevaluate our options.

WNBA Results

The WNBA played three games yesterday.  The first game, which featured no former UofL players, had the Fever taking down the Mercury 106-100

.

In game two, the Liberty squared off against the Wings.  Although the Liberty dropped to 0-2 with the 93-80 loss, we did see some production from the Cards.  Jazmine Jones, who sat out the season opener with a sprained ankle, logged her first professional minutes and scored her first career points on a short-range jumper.

Jaz finished the night with eight points, one rebound, one steal, and two fouls (one technical- questionable call).  Kylee Shook didn't have a hot night, but did pull in a pair of rebounds.

There was a WNBA record, with 10 rookies logging playing time in that game.

The final game of the night was Angel McCoughtry and her new team -- the Las Vegas Aces -- against her old team -- the Atlanta Dream. 

The "dream" turned out to be nightmare for Atlanta. Las Vegas took a 100-70 win. Angel had 12 points and seven rebounds for Las Vegas, who had no trouble in finding scorers against the porous Dream defense. McCoughtry was one of five double figure scorers for Las Vegas, who was led by A'ja Wilson's two points. 

The Aces built a 47-35 first half lead and increased upon that in the final 20 minutes. Both teams are now 1-1 in the young season.

Remember to continue to stay safe and stay healthy.

Happy Thursday and Go Cards!

Jared

WNBA Update --- Softball Presser today -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

WNBA UPDATE

Only one of the Louisville women's basketball players that are preseason WNBA camps played in an exhibition game last night and that was Asia Durr.

Unfortunately, it wasn't a huge night for neither Durr or the New York Liberty. They went to Mohegan Sun Arena, home of the Connecticut Sun, and got blinded by the Sun 100-66. 
The Liberty fell behind by ten early and thing continued to get worse for New York the longer the teams played. 

Asia got the start and put in 19 minutes of court time. She did not score in those 19 minutes, going 0-3 from the floor -- including a missed three-point attempt. She distributed two assists, grabbed two rebounds, picked up a couple of fouls and had a turnover. 

She played the first half of the first quarter, returned for the final 1:30 of the second quarter, started the second half and played about five minutes of the third quarter and the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter. Asia's 19 minutes tied for third most on the roster last night. 

I wouldn't worry too much about the playing time. New York has an unwieldy 24 players listed on their current roster. 15 saw action last night. With players injured, still ln Europe and such, obviously the brief preseason schedule and the [practices that follow are a time for coaches to evaluate as much as they can, do some necessary trimming and build what they hope will be a foundation for the season. 

If the Liberty are going with a three guard set primarily (Durr, Kia Nurse and Brittany Boyd) to compliment, pick up the scoring threats and feed Tina Charles and Amanda Zahui B inside...they should be OK. Head coach Katie Smith is now faced with the task of finding the other pieces of the puzzle to fill out a 12 player roster by May 23rd. Charles can't do it all alone, NY needs a proficient scorer at the guard slot and I think Durr is the answer for the need. 

The Liberty pre-season schedule ends today when they take on the Atlanta Dream. The regular season begins May 24th. 


SOFTBALL PRESSER

Paulie and Celene Funke talk Tournament
(Photo by Daryl Foust) 

Louisville Softball had a pre-NCAA Tournament presser today at Ulmer Stadium at noon. It'll follow the Cards' practice, which began at 10 a.m.

Louisville goes to Evanston, IL. for participation in the Northwestern regional starting Friday. To advance to the Super Regional, the Cards need to win two in the double-elimination format, that will start with Louisville facing Southern Illinois. Northwestern and Detroit Mercy are the other two participants. The first game against SIU is scheduled for Friday, 1 p.m. 

We have audio clips below from head coach Holly Aprile, pitcher Danielle Watson, catcher Madison Cousineau and center-fielder Celene Funke. 

Good luck to the "Hit and Pitch" Cards in Evanston in the NCAA Tournament! 


AUDIO LINKS: 


HOLLY APRILE

DANIELLE WATSON

MADISON COUSINEAU

CELENE FUNKE



paulie
xxxxx





  

CARDS BOW OUT OF ACC TOURNAMENT -- MYSTICS PLAY TONIGHT -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FIFTH INNINGS DOOMS CARDS IN ACC SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

A 1:30 p.m. Thursday start (or thereabouts) between #5 seeded Louisville vs. #4 North Carolina in the ACC Tournament began as what to be appeared to be a potential Cardinal win in the early offing but fortunes changed dramatically in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The TarHeels plated six runs on five hits and a couple of walks in the bottom of the fifth inning and went on to eliminate Louisville from the Tallahassee Tournament 9-3

After a scoreless first, Louisville put the first run on the board in the top of the second when Kyra Snyder drew a walk, advanced to third and scored on Maddy Newman's single.
The Cards held UNC at bay in the bottom of the frame and added to their lead in the top of the third when, with two outs, Sidney Melton singled up the middle and trotted home on Megan's Hensley's base-clearing shot to left field. 3-0 Louisville and things were looking good for the Cards. 

UNC wasn't ready to pack up and head back to Chapel Hill, though. By any means. 

The Tar Heels tied the contest up in the bottom of the third, scoring three runs with two outs and that 3-3 score held until the bottom of the fifth inning. 

Then, to use a descriptive term, the bottom fell out. 

UNC put together four straight infield singles and a walk. Two runs crossed the plate and  Holly Aprile went for a change in the circle with still no outs. Danielle Watson leaves and Taylor Roby enters. Another walk scored another run and a double sent two more Tar Heels home for an 8-3 UNC lead. A sacrifice fly plated one more score before the Cardinals could return to the dugout. 

Sadly, UofL was not able to muster a rally during their final two at bats and UNC advances to the semifinals, to face NC State, with a 9-3 win. The Cards return home now to await the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday, losers of their last four and six out of their last seven. With an RPI of #35 (as of May 6th), the hopes are that the Cards will receive an invite to the field of 64. Speculation is that the ACC could get up to six teams in "the big dance"...with Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, FSU, UNC and possibly NC State (who has been on a tear -- winning their last five games by one run) looking as NCAA Tournament "locks". It would appear the Cards might be "on the bubble" for a bid, according to some. 

Any talk of a two or three seed in one of the 16 regional sites from a few weeks ago appears to be optimistic now. 

The late season falter won't help their chances. The hope is that earlier season wins against FSU, Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Michigan and Missouri just might be enough of a resume to warrant selection to the NCAA Tournament. And, the Cards did finish 33-21 overall ans 12-12 in conference. 

We'll find out Sunday. 

In other quarterfinal action, it was NC State 3 - Virginia Tech 2 in a huge upset, FSU beat up on Ga. Tech 7-0 and Notre Dame advances to the semis with a 9-2 win over Duke. 

The battle of the "Carolinas" takes place at 1 p.m. today, followed by the Noles and Irish on Fox Sports South, in case you're interested in viewing these two games. Will NC State be able to keep up their one-run win streak? 




JARED WANTS TO KNOW

The banjo eyed Tiger thinks Jaz would be a great QB. 

From a Twitter thread among a few of us yesterday, when we discovered Cardinal women's basketball great Jazmine Jones was in her hometown of Tallahassee cheering on Cards softball. 

"If JAZ played softball, what position would she play?" 

Speculation ranged from second base, to outfield -- and at third and first base at the same time because of her quickness.  What are your thoughts? 


WNBA PRESEASON KICKS OFF TONIGHT

The Minnesota Lynx host the Washington Mystics tonight at 8 p.m. in Minneapolis for the first WNBA pre-season game. That's a double treat for Cardinal WBB fans, because it means we'll get a chance to see Myisha Hines Allen and Sam Fuehring play for the visitors. 

The Mystics general manager and head coach Mike Thibault commented earlier in the week that he'll see how last year's starting five of PG Kristi Tolliver, SG Natasha Cloud, SF Ariel Atkins, PF Elena Della Donne and C LaToya Sanders fare against the Lynx. One can't argue that too much, since the Mystics did make the WNBA Finals last year. 

One would also think the familiarity of Fuehring and Hines-Allen with each other on the court, plus the all-world capabilities of Della Donne might make a pretty good combination as well. 

The Mystics current have 17 players on their roster. That means five will be cut before  the season opener. We hope Mooks and Sam survive. 

I haven't found any source to watch this one yet live. One would think in this day's age of technology it would be viewable on-line or by app somewhere. If you find a source, please update us in the comments section. 

In last night's exhibition in Brooklyn between the NY Liberty and the China, Asia Durr started for the Liberty, played 18 minutes, and had six points on 3 for 8 shooting -- plus six rebounds in the Liberty's 89-71 win. The game was on ESPN 3. 

Here's a rambling but informative You Tube review of it 

 NY LIBERTY VS CHINA

Have a fantastic Friday
Jared

SWEEP! Softball Cards take Sunday, series against Boston College -- Shoni back? -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

HENSLEY, HITTING CARRIES CARDS IN 8-0 WIN

On a "Pink Out" Day at Ulmer Stadium Sunday, the Softball Cards scored early and often in the five-inning, run-rule win over Boston College. 

Junior pitcher Megan Hensley picked up her third win in three days over the Eagles and Louisville's offense scored in each inning and collected 11 hits to ensure that Hensley would pick up her 15th. win of the season. 

In the first frame, the Cards did damage with two outs on the board. Hensley doubled and came home on a Jenna Jordan base hit. Nicole Pufahl drove Jordan to the plate with a single to give UofL a 2-0 advantage. That would actually be all the runs Louisville would require, but the offense was far from being finished. 

The "Szyd, Syd ,Sid" syndicate was responsible for adding to the "plate touching" when Alison Szydlowski reached on a single and scampered home on Sidney Melton's sharp single. 3-0 after two for the Cards and Hensley was holding court on the mound. 

After a scoreless third, Louisville doubled the runs showing on the center-field scoreboard in the fourth. Successful bunts by Celine "Play that Funke Music" Funke and Kyra Snyder's sacrifice bunt to move her to second, a walk to Blaire Bass and a single by Melton had the bags full of Cards for Maddy Newman. She drove one back at B.C. pitcher Jessica Dreswick to score Funke and reach safely. That set the stage for a Hensley single that got Bass and Melton home and Louisville found themselves with a 6-0 lead after four frames. 

Hensley was briefly challenged in the top of the fifth when Boston College filled the bases with two out but a pop out to Melton squashed the threat and Hensley's shutout remained secure. 

Sandy Pearsall's sluggers brought the festivities to a close in the bottom of the fifth. "Poof" worked a walk off Dreswick and powered home on a Funke triple that caught the B.C. center-fielder by surprise...expecting the "slap" hit...the hard hit ball soared over the defender's head and rolled to the fence to make it 7-0 Cards. "Mike, Mike, Mike" Szydowski reached on a bunt single and Bass caught a fastball on the knee to load the bases to set the stage for Melton to sit there with the bat on her shoulder and work a walk to score Funke and end the affair. 


It's encouraging to see the Cards peaking as the season draws to a close. Louisville brings in Marshall for a Wednesday single game and then ends the regular season with a three-game series at Pittsburgh. The Cards improve to 31-17 on the season and upped their ACC record to 10-10, which has them in fourth place in the Atlantic Division and just one game back of Boston College for third. 

We previously but incorrectly told you (unfortunately a few times) that only eight teams make the ACC Tournament. The number is 10 schools. Beginning next Wednesday, May 9th in Atlanta on Georgia Tech's diamond, they'll follow the standard 10-team playoff format. What that means is that the #8 and #9 seeds, plus #7 vs. #10 seeds play first day to "make" the eight-team "round of eight". Then, its #1 seed vs the winner of #8 vs #9...#2 seed vs. the winner of #7 vs #10 and so on and so forth through the rest of the participants. 

Current ACC Standings below:

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Florida State   18-3
Notre Dame     13-10
Boston College 11-9
Louisville         10-10
Syracuse           9-12
NC State           5-15


COASTAL DIVISION

Pittsburgh        14-6
North Carolina  15-8
Georgia Tech    12-9
Duke                13-11
Virginia Tech     7-10
Virginia            3-12

Miami, Clemson and Wake Forest do not field softball teams, a bit surprising...since they're three of the "more warmer" locations to hold outdoor events. 

So the Cards still have a bit of work to do to ensure they'll be travelling to the "Peach State" next week. Best guess here is that the Cards are "in"...since the Virginia schools aren't tearing up the softball world this year and will likely be at least one and possibly both of the two that don't see post-season...with N.C. State in that dubious status as well. 

Wins are the answer and also important to gather if Louisville wants a NCAA Tournament invite as well. Here's hoping the bats stay lively and the arms remain sound. 

INTERVIEWS FROM SUNDAY:

SANDY PEARSALL

MEGAN HENSLEY

( Thanks to Jared Anderson for the interview feeds )



THE RETURN OF SHONI? 

After sitting out the 2017 season, Shoni Schimmel is back and at the NY Liberty WNBA training camp. 

" I needed a break, going from high school, to college, to the pros. Last year, we talked about it. I suspended myself.Being able to take that year off,  I want to thank the Liberty. I've come back ready to work" Schimmel said yesterday at practice.

She'll need to work hard. The Liberty have Brittany Boyd, Lindsay Allen and Bria Hartley on the roster and drafted Kia Nurse. 

A concussion to her plus the death of her grandmother were also factors in deciding to sit out last season. 

Schimmel did report to camp "in shape" Sunday, from reports...an issue that came to question during the 2016 season...when she split time with the Liberty and the Atlanta Dream. 

So, with Angel back in the Atlanta camp, two of the most successful players in Cardinal WBB history are back after a year off. Here's hoping Shoni and new Liberty head coach Katie Smith can work something out and Schimmel can make the squad. 

LINK TO ASSOCIATED PRESS ARTICLE: SHONI RETURNS TO LIBERTY

(have a marvelous Monday and remember that life is full of twists and turns...something that everyone learns...when life is pressing you down a bit...rest if you must, but don't you quit.) 


paulie
xxxxx