LAX Defeats Vandy -- Louisville Softball vs. UK Today -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

 STRONG SECOND HALF GETS LACROSSE PAST COMMODORES 15-6

Louisville Lacrosse outscored the visiting Vanderbilt Commodores 7-1 in the second half and gained their sixth victory of the season Tuesday afternoon at the Louisville Lacrosse Stadium by a score of 15-6. 

Another outstanding scoring performance from Hannah Morris with four goals.  Four Cardinals recorded two goals each in the win (Kokoro Nakazawa, Kylea Dobson, Caroline Blalock and Allegra Catalano). Nicole Perroni also scored for Louisville to extend her scoring streak to 15 games. 

Scott Teeter stayed with the "two goalies are better than one" philosophy and it paid dividends yesterday . Sara Addeche handled first half "keeper" duties and J. Pleck drew the second half start. 

It was a game of runs. The Cards jumped out to a 4-0 lead to begin the contest and were ahead 7-2 early in the second quarter. Vandy put three of the final scores on the board to end the half, though, to create a 8-5 UofL lead at half time. 

The "Dores" did not respond at all in the second half, a strong Cardinals defensive effort proved to be the story in the final 30 minutes and the Cards did a lot of substituting at the end and still got the nine-goal win. 

So, at 6-7 and with four games to go, can Teeter's bunch get to the NCAA Tournament? 

You'd have to think the Cards would need to win three of the four to get a record above .500 and keep their RPI in the thirties. 29 teams will play in the 2022 tournament , which will be played in Baltimore in late May . 29 is a ridiculous number. Why can't they just make it 32, or, if they insist on "play in games" 40 teams? I'm sure some NCAA Lacrosse bigwig has an answer that makes perfect sense to him or her, but would baffle and make no sense to the average Lacrosse fan . another swipe at women's sports, if you ask me. 

Three of the final four are on the road, with stops at Pittsburgh, Niagara and Syracuse. Pitt, in their first season of Lacrosse at the D1 level and ACC, is 6-7 and 0-6 in the ACC and they'll be the Cards first stop of the road trip on Saturday. The Saturday after that the Cards go to Syracuse, who is 10-2 currently. Then, the trip to Niagara and finally back home for the season ender against Notre Dame. 

Notre Dame also hosts the ACC WLAX Tournament this year. 

My guess is that a win in the ACC Tournament will get Louisville in the NCAA Tournament, providing they don't fall apart the rest of the season and lose three or all four of their final games. I can see them downing Pitt and Niagara, at Syracuse will be rough and the Notre Dame game appears to be a evenly matched affair -- it'll be played under the lights at  Cardinal Stadium. 

We'll see. 

SOFTBALL TO HOST UK 

It's rivalry day tomorrow for Louisville Softball (providing Mother Nature cooperates) and the Cards face in-state rival Kentucky in Ulmer Stadium. 

A 7 p.m. first pitch and, if you can't make it out to Ulmer, the game will be shown on ESPNU.. 

The Cards come into the game at 19-15 on the season and are led offensively by Carmyn Greenwood and Taylor Roby/ Greenwood is batting .419. She leads the ACC in hits with 49. Greenwood has 11 home runs and 39 RBI's 

Roby has 12 home runs and 36 RBI's. She's also the main pitcher for UofL with 100 innings of work and 82 strikeouts. 

UK is 25-8 on the season and currently ranked 8th in the nation and bat .342 as a team. 

The Cats won last year's match up 6-5 last year in Lexington 

paulie   

Lacrosse wins at Vandy -- Shook Honored -- other WBB News -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

INTERVIEWS AND PRESSERS FROM WEDNESDAY

LACROSSE WEEKLY WITH TEETER AND SHANAHAN

JEFF WALZ PRESSER


LACROSSE HOLDS OFF HOME-STANDING VANDY 15-13

The University of Louisville Lacrosse squad improved to 3-2 yesterday with a 15-13 win at Vanderbilt. A game of runs, a late-contest surge by the Commodores and strong start to the second half for Louisville. It all added up to an exciting but a bit nervous afternoon for this Louisville Lacrosse fan. 

Key for the Cards LAX squad was Shayla Scanlan's four scores. Three of them came in the second half and her final "find the net" throw gave Louisville a bit of security with 1:12 on the clock, turning a 14-13 game into the final margin. Also big was Brenna Shanahan's six assists, 

Louisville started a bit slow, surrendering the first two goals of the game, but went on a 3-0 run that gave them the lead just five minutes into the action. Two of the three goals were from freshman Allegra Catalano. Vandy responded with a similar run, firing in three straight to hold a 5-3 advantage with 17:33 until the half. 

The runs had begun and they weren't going to stop. 

Scanlan's first score and a follow up goal from --one of the Blalock sisters -- (Caroline), knotted it back up at 5-5. 

Your turn, anchor droppers.

Vandy followed with two scores in a minute and it was seven minutes before the next "drop the stick and celebrate" event took  place. With 1:45 to play in opening half action, Cards leading scorer Ally Hall connected for her first score and with a minute left in the half Paige Richbourg evened it up at 7-7. The half ended that way -- tied. 

A strong Cardinal start to the final 30 minutes ensued. Louisville outscored the 'Dores 4-1 in the opening nine minutes. Goals from Richbourg, Hall, Scanlan and Hannah Morris boosted the Cards into a 11-8 edge. Morris and Blalock built the lead to 13-9 with their second scores of the afternoon. Four minutes later, with 7:37 to play, Scanlan found success with her third goal, which gave the Cards a lead that looked insurmountable at 14-10. 

But, it was run time, again. This time, it was the home team. 

14-10 turned into 14-13 over the next five minutes. It was time for head coach Scott Teeter and the visiting Cards to talk about it. A timeout resulted in a drawn-up play, and the play produced a score from Scanlan...with just 1:12 remaining in the contest. 

It was the final goal of the game and the Cards had survived the Vandy run for the 15-13 victory. Five Cards finished with two goals each, Scanlan four and goalkeeper Rachel Florek had another big day with 14 saves. 

I'll visit Scott Teeter for another one of our Wednesday "Talks with Teeter" and post it at the top of today's site later today.

We'll also probably have a student-athlete, I let Coach decide who he wants to bring in...he has several good choices available today


SHOOK SELECTED AS SEMIFINALIST. 

When you think of Kylee Shook, you think of the blocked shots. You think about her strong rebounding skills. You also think of how she shuts down prominent opposing center's like "Big Smile" Cunane and Janelle Bailey. Yes, you also think of the three-point shooting skills (at least I do), but we'll stick with her defense. It's the defense, after all, that has her as one of ten semi-finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. 

The lone ACC nominee for the award. So, she's pretty much assured winning the honor in the ACC, right? Knowing the ACC, they'll probably go in a completely different direction...but it takes nothing away from what Kylee had done this season . 

Shook is UofL’s all-time leader with 217 career blocks. She recorded six blocks at UT Martin to become UofL’s all-time leader, surpassing Angel McCoughtry (2006-09) who had 162.

She has 80 blocks this year, which is the most in Louisville single season history. She had three blocks at Syracuse to eclipse Yuliya Tokoya’s 59 blocks in 2006-07 for the single-season record.

Shook leads the ACC and ranks 11th in the NCAA with 2.9 blocks per game and is averaging 3.1 blocks per game in ACC play, which leads the league by over half a block and is 1.3 blocks per game better than the third-best blocks per game average.

She is nearly averaging a double-double on the season with 9.6 points per game and 8.0 rebounds. Her 8.0 rebounds per game rank seventh in the ACC.

STATUS PENDING...

Word out of the Louisville WBB circles is that it is day-by-day on whether Dana Evans and Elizabeth Balogun will get the start against Boston College Thursday night. Both are recovering and receiving treatment for sprained ankles suffered in the Cards win at Georgia Tech last Thursday. 

Let's face it, you have a conference championship and NCAA Tournament coming up. Louisville is assured of a #1 seed in the ACC Tournament in Greensboro and why take the chance of playing either Dana or "E", if they're not 100% ready-to-go.

You don't want a re-sprain or any aggravation for either student-athlete. 

Yes, wins = seeding in the NCAA Tournament and I get that. I have to go with the premise, however, that you want your players who help deliver wins available when you need them in the tournament. Healthy. Ankles healed.  

We'll see what Coach Walz's thoughts are on this today at his weekly Wednesday presser today. I'll post the audio at the top of the page later today. 

Check back tomorrow, as Jared gets you ready for the Thursday night, 6 p.m. contest against Baldwin's Boston College Eagles. It's Angel McCoughtry "bobble-head" night and 1,000 of those will be available to the first 1,000 fans in attendance. Doors open at five. 


Have a wonderous, not-too-wet Wednesday! 



paulie
xxxxx

LACROSSE PLAYS VANDY TODAY -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

LACROSSE TAKE 2-2 RECORD TO MUSIC CITY

Louisville Lacrosse (2-2) continues the non-conference part of the 2020 schedule with a 4 p.m. face-off today against the Vanderbilt Commodore in Nashville . 

The 'Dores are 3-1 on the season, and their only loss came against another ACC lacrosse school. Vandy fell 15-12 at Boston College in their second game of the season. Since then, they've won two in a row. Lehigh took Vandy to overtime before suffering a 13-13 defeat Saturday in the home opener for Vanderbilt. 

The Commodore began the season on the road, winning at Wagner 14-11. After the BC loss, they went to Kennesaw State had romped 21-11.  We'll offer bonus points today, if you can correctly identify the states that Wagner, Lehigh and Kennesaw State are located in. Answer at the bottom of today's article. 

Louisville lost a close one Saturday against Michigan 15-11. The Cards started slowly in this one in Ann Arbor, roared back to tie the match at 11 and ended up falling by four. UofL goalkeeper Rachel Florek set a Louisville Lacrosse record with 17 saves against the Wolverines. She was also interviewed by Cardinal Couple last Wednesday. W're 99% sure the two events are coincidental, since the interview came before the record-setting performance in goal. 

Louisville has the all-time edge over the 'Dores 7-3. 4-1 at the L.L.S. and 3-2 in Nashville. 

Last year, Louisville trailed early before climbing back to force a 8-8 tie. In overtime, Vandy got the deciding goal. Shayla Scanlan had a "hat trick" in the affair, and scored the tying goal with 29 ticks left on the clock. Ally Hall tallied twice in the contest also. 

Hall leads the Cards with nine goals. She's also been a guest on the "talks with Teeter" (coincidence, again?) RIght behind her is Hannah Morris with eight and there's a three-way tie for third -- Shayla Scanlan, freshman Allegra Catalano and one of the Blalock sister's - Caroline - with six scores each. Twelve Cards have goals on the season and Louisville has a 49-47 scoring edge on opponents this season.  

Vandy plays their Lacrosse in the AAC (American Athletic Conference). Pre-season poll put them to finish third in the conference. They return Emily Mathewson, who scored the game-winner against Louisville last year, is tied for goal-scoring honors with 10 and also their draw control leader with 15 to her credit. 

This one can be seen on You Tube today at 4 p.m. We have a link below.

LINK  LOUISVILLE LACROSSE VS VANDY

Tomorrow we'll review the action with Coach Teeter and a student athlete with our weekly "Talks With Teeter" interview series. I'll be writing for the second day in a row, back from Sonya and my "get-away" extended, weekend long birthday's trip. Be sure to check back in!   

NOTE:  Answer to the question today is Kennesaw State is in Georgia, Wagner in New York City, NY and Lehigh in Bethlehem, PA. If you knew all three, we'll offer you a bonus point for the ACC TOURNAMENT PICK 'EM" we'll be running here next week. 

(Three forms of undeniable proof required for bonus point. Offer void in Canada and Kansas. All decisions reviewed, verified and deemed official or needing further review by contest czar Jared Anderson, who also supplied today's action photos.) ...

paulie
xxxxx

Go Cards! 

Senior Night for Louisville women's basketball -- Seniors and Walz Presser -- Lacrosse falls in O.T. Heartbreaker. -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

LACROSSE STAGES HUGE RALLY BUT FALLS IN OVERTIME 9-8

When this 2019 Louisville Lacrosse team can put together a full 60 minutes, they will be one of the elite teams in Division I Lacrosse. The process is still not quite there. Louisville looked like much the best of the two teams for 36 minutes -- and the majority of the second half --  in yesterday's match against Vanderbilt...but the gaps in continuity and team play the rest of the way proved costly in the 9-8 overtime loss to Vanderbilt at the Louisville Lacrosse Stadium. 

The Cards surrendered an early goal to the Commodores before putting three straight on the scoreboard to hold a 3-1 lead with 13 minutes until halftime. It looked like the rout might be on, but...

Vanderbilt used their fast-break, all-out jail break style of offense to counter against the Cards to end the half. The visitors ran their way to six straight goals in the final 13 minutes to grab a 7-3 lead. A buzzer-beater by junior Gwyn Devin with four seconds until halftime set the tally four goals in favor of Vanderbilt. For Devin, the kamikaze pilot of the Commodores attack, it was her second goal of the match and the 'Dores had the momentum going into the break.

Head Louisville Lacrosse Coach Scott Teeter delivered a "stay-within system" and play as a team halftime message and the words proved to be just what the Cards needed in the final 30 minutes. After a quick Vandy score from Devin to start the second half, the Cards applied excellent defensive pressure and two quick scores by sophomore Ally Hall brought Louisville back to a three-point deficit at 8-5.

Red shirt sophomore goalie Rachel Florek and the Cards defense were slowing the Vanderbilt squad down and finding ways to keep the Commodore off the scoreboard. Florek's second half performance "between the pipes" was one of the most impressive I've seen "in goal" since I've been following the Teeter era at UofL. 13 saves for her and the Cards were utilizing the team concept by getting scores from three different players to roar back and tie the match when sophomore Shayla Scanlan delivered her third goal of the match with 29 seconds to play on an unassisted shot to te the affair at 8-8. 

To overtime the two squads went. 

Overtime in Lacrosse is a bit different that most sports. It is a mere three minutes and whoever scores first wins. Vandy got the winning goal with four seconds left in the overtime session for the 9-8 heart-breaker.

Despite the loss, we may have seen the Louisville squad take a huge step towards success in the rebuilding process Teeter and the LAX girls are undergoing. This was a poised, confident and productive Cardinal squad in the second half. The defense made the adjustments and the offense was finding out that scoring could happen when they stayed in system and passed the ball. 

The two game home slate ends with a 1-1 record. The Cards travel to South Bend for an Irish match-up this Saturday. Then, it's off to Butler for a Wednesday match. The Cards will need to be at their best, offensively and defensively against both. 

Yesterday, the team showed a lot of heart, refusal to quit the fight and some stellar performances. Let's hope it is a continuing  sign of a team that is beginning to "get it" and moving forward together in the reclamation project currently being engineered by the players and staff. 

Rebuilding can take time, ask my adopted sister, as she goes through the rebuild from the fire that destroyed her beautiful house in Oldham County. This particular Lacrosse rebuild is underway and there will be highs and lows, bumps and smiles and peaks and valleys. 

If these LAX girls and this staff can learn from this one and push forward...then the rebuild gains a welcome boost and step in the right direction.

Scott, Rachel and redshirt junior Brenna Shanahan talk about the match at the link below

LINK: TEETER, FLOREK and SHANAHAN POST GAME VANDY


SENIOR NIGHT AGAINST THE WOLFPACK FOR WBB

Has it really been four years since Asia Durr arrived on campus? Someone tell me I'm dreaming and she, Arica and Sam are not getting ready to play their final regular season home game in the KFC YUM! CENTER. 

Maybe it's my huge fondness for these three, but it is hard for me to come to the realization that their time as Cardinals is drawing to a close. 11 possible games remain for them and this 2018-19 UofL WBB squad (counting tonight, at Pitt, three potential games in the ACC Tournament and, hopefully six in the NCAA Tournament). Where has the time gone? 

The foe tonight is a top ten squad. The N.C. State Wolfpack started the season 21-0 and sits at 24-3 coming into tonight's match-up. They are #10 in the nation. Projections have them as a solid #2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, so far.  A win for Ms. Wuf's bunch would tie them with the Cards in conference standings at 12-3. A lot on the line for both teams as we prepare to honor and celebrate these three seniors (despite what a certain TV talking sports-head blundered out -- yes...only three seniors, not four).

This Wolfpack team has been average their last six games with a 3-3 record. It has been an arduous stretch for Wes Moore's squad, though.  

The Pack fell to a rapidly improving UNC squad in Raleigh by 13. A trip to FSU produced another loss, to the Noles in a close one 75-70. Then, it was off to Syracuse an a hard-fought 77-73 win over "Q's" bunch. Hosting Notre Dame next, the Wolfpack were punished 95-72. Wake Forest came to the NC State campus next and was dispatched of 80-46. Last out...NC State got revenge at Chapel Hill for the previous loss to UNC with a 74-69 victory. 

Freshman center Elissa Cunane and veteran Kiara Leslie have been the leaders of the Pack since talented Grace Hunter went down with a season ending injury after 14 games. The two combine for 30.6 points a contest and are aided in their offensive success by the heady, point-guard play of Aislinn Konig..who leads the squad with 107 assists and adds 11.4 points a game. 

N.C. State holds foes to 58.6 points per game while averaging 72.2. They out-rebound opponents by 10 a night...a team effort, no N.C. State player averages more than 7.6 a contest. Konig and Leslie are the three-point threats...Konig good for 82 makes on the season and firing at a .412 success rate.  

Like the Cards, they are primarily "seven deep" with Erika Cassell, DD Rogers Kai Crutchfield and Kayla Jones augmenting the main three threats of Cunane, Leslie and Konig. 

Louisville has to avoid a slow start tonight, play with intensity for 40 minutes and find a way to battle on the boards with the Pack tonight. A ball-hawking defense might serve to the Cards advantage by keeping Konig from releasing the three or finding Leslie and Cunane. 

The motivation should be there, with Senior Night and a crowd over 11,000 + expected. Get there early, the senior introductions begin around 6:45 p.m.

The Cards are 5-3 lifetime against the Wolfpack. A nervous, "grab-a-big-lead" and "hold on for dear life" 55-47 win last year in the conference regular season at Raleigh. Sonya and I were there for that one and I was honestly glad just to get out of a packed and crazy-loud Reynolds Coliseum seeing a Cards road win on New Year's Eve Day.  Another nail-biter in the ACC Tournament semis last year in Greensboro. 64-59.

A referee contingent today that includes Eric Brewton (Jerry Abramson's favorite stripe shirt) he was one of the crew that called the Louisville vs. Notre Dame game earlier this year in South Bend. 

We hope Asia Durr does "Asia-Durr type things", Arica and Sam produce at what they do well and the force of "B" and Kylee rebound and score frequently. Jazmine Jones could use a stat-stuffing night. The key tonight just might be speedy Dana Evans...her disruption of opponent's defenses and play-making abilities need to be at their best tonight to assure a Cardinal win. If Kasa is cleared from concussion protocol, any minutes she can contribute will be welcome and, hopefully, effective.

We think Dana is the ACC's "Sixth Player of the Year" and tonight would be a good time to mark her territory on that accolade. 

With the tournament seedings for the ACC still up in the air, the Cards need a convincing performance tonight to solidify their claim as potential ACC Co-Champs. Let's hope the Cards can "make it so" and "Pack up the Pack" and send them home with the "L". 


WEDNESDAY WBB PRESSER

The three seniors and Walz spent nearly an hour in front of the media yesterday to primarily discuss their careers and the team. It is certainly worth listening to and there were some great revelations and stories told.  You need to set aside an hour and listen to it in it's entirety. 

Here is the combined clip: 

LINK: ASIA, SAM, ARICA AND jEFF 2/27

Sorry that the questions were mostly inaudible after my opening question. My guess is that the Courier-Journal guy asking questions turned the media microphone off.   For better audio where the questions can be heard, try the two links below: 

LINK: WALZ (Audio only)

LINK: PLAYERS (Audio only)

Have a tremendous Thursday!


paulie
xxxxx 

Louisville women's basketball -- Off to the ACC, Lacrosse goes to Vandy -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

CARDS PLAY FRIDAY 2 PM AS #1 SEED

Down to Greensboro we go, for the ACC WBB Tournament. 14 games in five days. 15 teams and 15 dreams. Some of them, considerable long-shots. Some of the teams making a cameo appearance for a day and then back to campus. Some possible upsets along the way and a conglomeration of players, different cities and mascots. The best conference in college basketball gets together to do battle.

All assembling and gathering in the Greensboro Coliseum to vie for the right to be the ACC automatic qualifier in the NCAA Tournament. From Beantown to the beaches and all in between.  

The Cardinals are the #1 seed and won't play their first game until 2 p.m. Friday against the winner of the Virginia Tech vs. Syracuse game that tips off Thursday at 2 p.m. By then, eight teams will already be eliminated. Let's take a preemptive look at the matchups and Paulie's guesses. 

WEDNESDAY

The 1 p.m. contest features #12 seed UNC against #13 seed Boston College. The Eagles won the previous affair 77-64 early in conference play and then lost 12 out of their next 13 games. It's a B.C. team that has freshman sensation Milan Boldin-Morris, Georgia Pineau and not much more. UNC knocked off Duke in Chapel Hill in late January and then dropped eight in a row. In this battle to break the losing streak, I'll go with UNC. Paris Kea is a huge threat anytime she steps on the court. Jamie Cherry and Janelle Bailey can burn an opponent, too. TarHeels get unstuck and advance. B.C. trudges back to Chestnut Hill with Baldwin the Eagle. 

3:30 p.m. brings the #15 seed Clemson Tigers to prowl against the # 10 seed Georgia Techsters.  Tech went into Clemson and won by 12 in the regular season matchup. Tech gave the Cards a scare, too, in late December at the McCamish Pavillion. Tech has Francesca Pan, Zaire O'Neill, Elo Edeferioka and a bench full of role players. I'm glad to see them as a #10 seed instead of a #8 or #9...because I'd be nervous if the Cards had to open up against them. Clemson has a top four football team and the ever-optimistic head women's basketball coach Audra Smith. I see the Ramblin' Wreck rolling on and Clemson shuffling back to South Carolina. Sorry, Arthur.  I'll miss the psychedelic-eyed Tiger. 


The final game of Wednesday is a 6:30 throw-down between #11 seed Wake Forest and #14 seed Pitt. It's the best matchup of the day, in my humble opinion. The Panthers lost to the Demon Deacs by nine early in ACC play but I'm thinking that the Pitt team we'll see Wednesday is better than that early version. Yacine Diop and Jasmine Whitney are serious ballers and Danielle Garven has better than average guard skills. They'll battle with a Wake Forest squad that needs three wins to get to .500 on the season and a team that has no clear leader...but an excellent coach in Jen Hoover and high profile scorer in Elisa Penna.  I call the mild upset here and pick the Panthers to move on to Thursday. 

THURSDAY 

Four games in a full day of hoop-de-do and some interesting possible scenarios. 

The 11 a.m. opener should be an in-state rival, if I've picked correctly with UNC facing N.C. State. Wes Moore was primed to be the #4 seed in the Tournament with his Wolfpack but Notre Dame ruined those dreams in the final day of regular-season action. Don't cry, Ms. Wuf, you'll get a win over that silly Ram and Sylvia Hatchell's crew, but this just might be the most exciting game of Day 2. The Wolfack won both regular season games against Carolina Blue and Chelsea Nelson, Kiara Leslie, Kaila Early and Akela Maize will make sure Ms. Wuf gets to hang around another day with Paulie. State over UNC but it may not be by very much. 

2 p.m. brings Syracuse and Virginia Tech to the court. The 'Cuse has superstar freshman Digna Strautmane and a great surrounding cast with Tiana Mangakahia (both radio announcer's nightmares), Miranda Drummond and Gabrielle Cooper. And the ubiquitous Coach "Q". Otto the Orange should be around for Friday action. VT will counter with Regan Magarity, Taylor Emery, Chanette Hicks and Alexis Jean...but I'm seeing one and done for the Hokies. Doubters can point to VT's win over Syracuse 73-64 at the Carrier Dome...but Syracuse is on a five game win streak and I'll say Syracuse continues the win streak and gobbles up the Gobblers.   

At 6 p.m. we'll see Virginia, the #7 seed most likely face Georgia Tech. A tough match up here. JoAnne Boyle's squad had a killer stretch late in the year with losses to Louisville, Miami and Notre Dame. The Cavs have a well-balanced squad, though, and won by six over GT in Atlanta. 6'9" Felicia Aiyeotan will need a big game (no pun intended) for VA if they are to advance. I'm going with the Georgia Tech mild upset here, though, and seeing the Yellow Jackets buzz their way into the quarterfinals with a win over Virginia. 


The evening's nightcap sees #6 seed Miami make their tournament debut against either Pitt or Wake Forest. They handled Pitt easily in conference play but stumbled early in the schedule to Wake Forest. I picked Pitt and the Hurricanes should storm past them. If it is Wake Forest on the other bench, you can expect a closer game. Miami, with Erykah Davenport, Mykea Gray and Emese Hof all making big contributions to Sebastian the Ibus's squad, should advance but this part of the bracket is a toss-up and I'll go with Miami advancing, but wouldn't be too surprised if they don't. Intriguing. 

THE REST OF THE WAY. 

We'll look at Friday matchups once we know them. I'll be adding to the articles the rest of this week with summations and results from tournament action after the completion of the games...so be sure to check back each night. I've left my picks in the comments sections, because...

CARDINAL COUPLE'S ACC PICK 'EM CONTEST.  

Yes! The Pick 'Em is back for another year and Jared Anderson will be reviewing the selections for us in 2018. No entry fee required. 

It's simple to play. There are 14 games. You pick each one in advance. You get a point if your pick wins. Most points wins the tournament and a $25 Panera Card. FREE PANERA! 


Leave your picks in the comments section today or tomorrow before 1 p.m. 

*************************ALL ENTRIES MUST BE IN BY 1 p.m. WEDNESDAY*************************

Here's a sample of picks, provided by the cagey Sonya: 

SONYA'S selections

ROUND ONE:  North Carolina, Clemson, Pitt
ROUND TWO: NC State, Syracuse, Virginia, Miami
ROUND THREE: Duke, Louisville, Notre Dame, Florida St. 
ROUND FOUR: Louisville, Florida St. 
ROUND FIVE: Louisville 

14 games, 14 picks. We've never had anyone pick all 14 correctly in the history of the Pick 'Em. Will you be the first? 

Remember....put your picks in the comments section today or tomorrow by 1 p.m. and make sure and give us a name if you win.  Tell a buddy, phone a pal...the Pick 'Em is here! 


LACROSSE TRAVELS TO VANDY

Louisville takes their 4-1 record south to Tennessee today to face the Vanderbilt Commodores in 4 p.m. lacrosse action.

The Commodores are 3-0 on the season with wins at Fresno State and Kennesaw St. and a home victory against Furman. They're a high-scoring squad, currently tied for first in DI lacrosse with Syracuse at 19.67 goals per game.  

The 'Dores participate in the Big East Conference for lacrosse (confusing isn't it?) and are receiving votes in the top 25 poll, like Louisville. They are led by Emily Mathewson's 14 goals. Kayla Peterson (13) and Julie Blaze (11) round out the double digit performers. 

Louisville is led by "Don't mes-sa with" Tessa Chad's 18 scores and "Sweet" Caroline "one of da Blalock sistahs" Blalock follows is 13. Jillian Balog has eight goals for Louisville and Julie Wood (from Annandale, NJ) has also found net eight times. 

Louisville leads the series 6-2 and earned a hard-fought win over Vandy last year 11-10 in the "Ellis"...the Louisville Lacrosse Stadium. 

Julia Wood knows of these ship-dwellers...she faced them last year and comments: 

"They are a quick team. They play like a bunch of midfielders and are all over the field but I think we'll match up pretty well against them." 



No TV for this one that I've found but you can follow the action on Facebook Live 
Go to facebook.com/VanderbiltAthletics for the action. 

And Statbroadcast. Go LAX! Turn the Teeter Terrors loose!



Paulie
xxxxx 

Senior Night...Saying Goodbye to Three -- Lacrosse wins at buzzer-- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

CARDS HONOR WALTON, JACKSON AND JOHNSON TONIGHT

The University of Louisville women's basketball team faces Virginia tonight in the KFC YUM! Center and will honor three seniors. 

Three seniors with very different stories. If it were a soap opera...we might call it "The New, The Brave and The Mom."  



The New would be Taylor Johnson. Coming to the Cards as a red-shirt senior, the former Loyola-Chicago point guard from Frankfort, IL. had a successful career leading the Ramblers before coming to UofL. At Louisville, she's given the Cards a season of stability at the point and shown solid defensive skills. A career high of 33 points back in 2013 against Milwaukee...her high at Louisville was eight against Georgia Tech. She earned her bachelor's degree in the spring of 2016 in film and digital media and is pursuing a master's degree in sports administration. 

The Brave goes to Briahanna Jackson. The fiery point-guard embodies the drive and determination of this Cardinal squad. From Tampa, FL  via Central Florida...Jackson took on a new role this season as a point-guard and has delivered the goods in an exemplary manner and with flash. The 2012-13 Conference USA Freshman of the Year, she's had 66 career games in double-figure scoring and put up 34 against Georgia State and Missouri State at UCF for career highs. She leads Louisville in steals this season and is a member of the 1,000 point club. Majoring in criminal justice. We hope the back spasms aren't bad enough to keep her out of the starting lineup tonight. 

The Mom is Cortnee Walton.  The lone member of the squad who has played in a NCAA Championship game...the fierce rebounder has been a stability and consistent factor since arriving on campus. Equally important is her leadership and guidance of the younger players...Cortnee is always there for advice, consultation and encouragement. With 589 career rebounds and 130 games as a Cardinal, she has overcome foot and elbow injuries. She was named to the 2015 Allstate WBCA Good Works Team for outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement. Cortnee earned her bachelor's degree in the spring of 2015 in communications and is pursuing a master's degree in sports administration. She has a bright career ahead of her in sports media...interning at WAVE TV and working with Cards Radio WKRD as a frequent guest on Howie Lindsey's LOUISVILLE FIRST  morning radio show. The Surprise, AZ native is one of the best-loved Cards in history and it's going to be tough to see her go. 

Please try to be in your seats tonight by 6:40 p.m. to celebrate these three young women's accomplishments. They have earned your respect and acknowledgement. 

As for the game...Louisville (23-6, 10-4) faces the Cavaliers for the second time this season. The Cards took an exciting 86-81 win in overtime when they visited Charlottesville back on January 5th. Myisha Hines-Allen exploded for 31 points and 17 rebounds in the contest. Mariya Moore added 23 points and Asia Durr contributed 16. Both Hines-Allen and Moore fouled out of the contest...along with two Cavalier players...a total of 50 free throws were attempted. After a sloppy first half...Trailing by six at halftime, the Cards fell behind by 15 in the third period before rallying. Dominique Toussaint sank a three at the buzzer to force the extra sessions...but the Cards sank their final seven free throws to take the win. 

Louisville will need to find a way to contain the VA four guard attack of Toussaint, Mason, Willoughby and Huland-El and have an answer for center Lauren Moses tonight. Tip is at 7 p.m.  Once again, be there early! 


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LACROSSE WINS AT THE WIRE 11-10 OVER VANDY

Hannah Koloski had six goals for the Cards in the 11-10 win over the visiting Commodores...and it was her score with four seconds left in the match that was the huge one as Louisville goes to 4-1 on the season. 

The Cards trailing 3-0 early in this affair, causing head coach Kellie Young to get a time out and rearrange some things. Koloski responded with two goals in 18 seconds and the Cards went into halftime down 5-4. 

The second half started well for Louisville with five straight scores. Koloski had two of them in the opening minutes and Louisville had a 9-5 lead with 20 minutes to play. The 'Dores battled back with a 3-0 run and tied the match with 2:30 to play. With 41 seconds left in regulation, Young got another time-out and the Cards set the play that allowed them to take a little time off the clock and give Koloski the chance to fire the game winner. 

POST GAME KELLIE YOUNG

POST GAME HANNAH KOLOSKI




PAULIE PICKS

Seven games on the ACC slate tonight! Let's take a look: 

-- Clemson at GEORGIA TECH.  The first one between these two was a nail-biter...Clemson winning 62-61 I expect nothing less in this one...and I'll flip a coin and go with GT

-- Virginia at LOUISVILLE. The Cards went to overtime at the Wahoos home. They should fare a little better on Senor Night in the "Ville" and stay in the hunt for a top four ACC finish. LOUISVILLE. 

-- North Carolina at NC State. Yes, the Tar Heels won in Chapel Hill earlier this year. NC State probably hasn't forgot that and will be looking for a bit of payback. I'd love to see UNC get the sweep...but NC State is the pick here. 

-- Boston College at NOTRE DAME.  The Eagles have been grounded most of this season and the air- traffic patterns don't look any better over South Bend. The Irish in a romp in the Purcell Pavilion. ND.

-- Wake Forest at SYRACUSE. Buoyed by the win over NC State in Raleigh, the Trees may give the Orange all they want in the un-airconditioned Carrier Dome. It probably won't be enough, though, on 'Cuse Senior Night. SYRACUSE.

-- MIAMI at Virginia Tech. Tech played the Canes to a seven point loss in Miami. Tech has lost 10 straight in a row, though, and probably won't contain the "big winds" tonight....even on senior Night. MIAMI.

-- Pittsburgh at FLORIDA ST. The Panthers need a win to stay alive for a first round ACC Tournament bye. They won't find it tonight, though, against a FSU squad that may be looking ahead to a season-ender against Notre Dame. FSU.




thanks for the birthday wishes, y'all!
paulie
xxxxx

Louisville Lacrosse sinks the Commodores 15-5...Asia Taylor headed to Indiana Fever -- Wednesday CARDINAL COUPLE

KOLOSKI'S SIX PACK HELPS LAX GET TO 4-0

Louisville Lacrosse jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first fifteen minutes of Tuesday's lacrosse match in Nashville and Hannah Koloski scored a career high six goals in Louisville's 15-5 win over Vanderbilt.

The Cards struck very early in this one...Cortnee Daley scoring just 16 seconds into action and then Daley connected again with a minute gone in play. By the half, the Cards held a 8-1 lead...Koloski had three scores on board, Kaylin Morissette and Daley had found the net twice and Julia Wood was in the books with one. 

Morissette and Daley would finish with four goals each in the rout. The Cards dominated shots on goal 39-19 and a 19-3 advantage in draw controls. Louisville (4-0) got eight saves from Brittany Read in the contest...which was played with a continuous running clock over the final 11 minutes. 

A bit of a change in scoring than we usually see out of the Cardinals...with just four players accounting for the 15 scores. Nevertheless, a convincing win and confidence builder for this veteran squad against a quality opponent on the road. 

Kellie Young's laxers will start ACC play on Saturday when they host the Boston College Eagles at the Louisville Lacrosse Stadium. First draw is scheduled for noon. 

A special congratulations to Kaylin Morissette, who was named to lacrosse's Tewaaraton Award women's watch list. She's one of 50 in consideration for the award that honors the top male and female college lacrosse player in the United States. 18 ACC women are on the list. 

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ASIA TAYLOR SIGNED TO FREE AGENT CONTRACT BY INDIANA FEVER

ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE
PICTURES...ASIA and CORTNEE

Congratulations to former UofL WBB star Asia Taylor for being signed to WNBA's Indiana Fever's roster as a free agent. 

A-Tayy has been playing in Israel and South Korea after spending the 2014 season with the Minnesota LYNX. Talk about two powder keg locations to play hoops at! 

Taylor was the AAC's most improved player in 2014 while at Louisville and a first-team all-league selection. She also had the most blocked shots for the Cards in the 2013-14 season. 

We always felt that A-Tayy deserved and needed another shot at the 'big show' after having to sit on Minnesota's bench behind a deep and talented front line. It's good to see she's getting it and we're ready for a few trips to Indy this summer! 

paulie
xxxxx