Volleyball Cards best North Dakota State

SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE COVERS:

-Cardinal Volleyball defeats NDSU

-Women's soccer upsets South Carolina

-Atlanta Dream sweeps the Mystics

The University of Louisville volleyball team defended the Cardinal Arena home court with a 15-25, 25-19, 25-17 25-19 win over visiting North Dakota State last night in the season opener for the Cards. Despite losing the first match, the Cards roared back to sweep the final three games and got the win over the Bisons. A good crowd on hand to watch Louisville led Lola Arsanbeckova conquer the Bisons...the Cards won the battle of the kill shots 46-39. Louisville will take to the floor again on Sunday against Ohio in Cardinal Arena.

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Louisville women's soccer pulled a major upset in downing South Carolina 1-0 in the Gamecock Courtyard Cup. The Cards (2-0) got a second half penalty kick score from Assumption High School's Jennifer Jones to provide the win against the 13th ranked Gamecocks. Louisville's defense stood strong in the final minutes of the contest...keeping USC out of the net.

A great win for Karen Ferguson Dayes young team against a quality opponent yesterday on the road. Dayes predicted early on that this year's version of the Soccer Cards would be much improved over last year's team and so far, she's looking like a prophet.

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Angel's McCoughtry's first half heroics led the Atlanta Dream to a 101-77 win over #1 Eastern Conference seed Washington last night in Atlanta. Angel pumped in 17 points by halftime to give the Dream a lead that the Mystics could not overcome. McCoughtry totaled 21 points in the victory despite sitting out most of the second half.

Atlanta used a 26-0 run in front of the home crowd to pull away from Washington. Iziane Castro Marquez added 21 points for the Dream...who advance to the Eastern Conference finals. They await the winner of the New York vs. Indiana series...New York has a 1-0 lead in the semifinal series and those two teams face off tonight.

Atlanta seems to have shaken off the late season slump that had them losing 6 out of their final 8 regular season games. They're back to the run and gun, get the ball down the court style that propelled them to the top of the division early in the season and Marquez seems to be playing with a lot more confidence and aggression now that her face mask protecting a broken nose has been removed. McCoughtry's determination and leadership have the Dream flying high when it counts...crunch time, win or go home time. Would you expect anything else from #35?

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Five stakes races highlight the Saratoga card today...including the $1 million dollar Travers Stakes. Kentucky Derby winner SUPER SAVER, with Calvin Borel on board will face ten contenders...including Derby participants ICE BOX, FIRST DUDE and FLY DOWN. The early 7-2 favorite in the race is Saratoga's Jim Dandy Stakes winner A LITTLE WARM.

Todd Pletcher, trainer of SUPER SAVER has to be praying for the skies to open up and create a sloppy track for his horse. SUPER SAVER won the Derby in wet conditions and hasn't won on a dry, fast track since his Derby score.

We're looking for big things from FIRST DUDE in the Travers. He adds blinkers for today's race and the mile and a fourth distance could test his early running style. The DUDE finished a close second in the Preakness earlier this spring and third in the Belmont Stakes. He's also got a nice and profitable early morning line attached to him at 8-1.

Yo, DUDE...let's party today! Veteran jockey Ramon Dominguez rides again on the three year old that is 1 for 9 in lifetime wins with four second place and four third place finishes. 9 for 9 in the money...could make for a nice across the board venture.

Volleyball tonight!

FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE PRESENTS:

-Volleyball tonight!

-She's back...

-Geno finds some creative financing

The University of Louisville volleyball team takes the floor tonight at 7 p.m. against North Dakota State in Cardinal Arena. You say you haven't checked out the Volley Cards before? Do yourself a favor and attend a match or two. This isn't your typical back yard Sunday afternoon knock the ball around stuff...where someone usually sprains an ankle and the big fat guy ends up face first in Aunt Ginny's potato salad.

It's a fast paced, exciting affair...where the spikes, blocks and serves whiz by on the court with incredible speed and accuracy. Sophomore Lola Arslanbeckova (pictured right) is one of the best kill shot artist in the college game and Louisville is the defending Big East Tournament Champions. Al Greener will have the pep band there, Louie the Cardinal Bird will be on hand and you'll also probably run into a few of Jeff Walz's Lady Cards watching the matches.

Can't make the Friday night game? Not to worry...the Volley Cards take the court again on Sunday against Ohio U. at 2 p.m.

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Our favorite filly RACHEL ALEXANDRIA returns to the track Sunday in the $300,000 Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga. She'll face four opponents in the 1 1/4 mile dirt race and could face some keen competition from Todd Pletcher trained LIFE AT TEN. It's the first time Rachel has gone a mile and a quarter. LIFE AT TEN has won six races in a row, including the 1 1/4 mile Delaware Handicap.

This race could determine which race RACHEL will be entered in for the Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs. A strong showing at this distance could make her a candidate for the $5 million dollar CLASSIC. against the boys. If she can't get the distance...they'll probably point her to the 1 1/8th mile LADIES CLASSIC.

Calvin Borel rides the Steve Asmussen trained filly. Go get 'em, RACHEL!

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Ok, who dressed this guy? This is a photo of a bank robbery. The criminal obviously wanted to bump his contribution level to the Connecticut women's basketball program...deciding to wear the 78 wins in a row UConn t-shirt.

(It almost looks like former UofL head football coach Bobby Petrino under the cap...but we know Coach is financially set until 2525.)

Detectives in the case should be casing the Huskies first home game to see if the robber is in the front row. According to witness, the assailant wasn't carrying a weapon...but had Tina Charles standing by the exit...ready to post up and take out any would be heroes (just kidding on that last part.)

If apprehended, he should be forced to buy season tickets and sit thru a season of Rutgers' womens' basketball. Nothing is greater punishment for a UConn fan....

I wonder if the perfect crime would be me knocking off a 7-11 in a UK t-shirt. No one would see that coming...

(Thanks to They're Playing Basketball owner Sue Favor for this great find...)

Angel and Dream take 1-0 advantage

THURSDAY AT CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Angel key in 95-90 Dream win

-"worst joke I have heard lately"

-another chance to spend your paycheck

Former UofL great Angel McCoughtry refused to lose last night and the visiting Atlanta Dream took a 1-0 lead in the WNBA Eastern Conference semifinals...defeating the Washington Mystics 95-90 in the Verizon Center. McCoughtry led all scorers with 28 points as Atlanta broke a two game losing streak.

The Dream began the game with a vengeance...jumping out to an early 10-1 lead...largely due to the efforts of Iziane Castro-Marquez. Washington clawed their way back into the contest, though and led 19-17 as first quarter action finished.

The Dream regained the lead early in the second quarter and put on an excellent shooting and fast break display...going 16 for 19 from the floor in the second stanza and taking a 48-33 advantage into the locker room at halftime. McCoughtry totaled 17 first half points and guard Coco Miller added 10. The Dream couldn't catch a break on fouls, though...and several players had 3 whistled on them in first half action.

Atlanta managed to sustain the double digit lead through the 3rd quarter. A late Mystic run cut the margin to 10 at 68-58 to end the 3rd quarter. McCoughtry was silenced most of the period...but still had 21 points on the scoreboard.

What followed was a wild and wacky 4th quarter. Washington methodically narrowed the Atlanta advantage and had whittled the margin to 68-63 with 8:59 remaining. They would climb within 2 at 77-75 and Atlanta looked to be on the ropes with 4:30 left in the game. Angel and Miller found some spare gas, though and the Dream went on a 9-0 run to hold a 84-75 lead with 2:54 to go. Washington would manage to cut the deficit to four several times in the final minutes but clutch free throw shooting by Miller and McCoughtry preserved the 5 point win.

The teams travel to Atlanta for game 2 on Friday in the best of three playoff format. If the Mystics win...game three returns to Washington on Sunday.

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The other playoff game last night featured the Seattle Storm hosting the L.A. Sparks. Seattle took the contest 79-66...getting 20 points from Swin Cash and 17 from Lauren Jackson. Two games on tap for Thursday night...New York and Indiana go to battle in the East and Phoenix and San Antonio square off in the West.

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I watched the Dream victory last night on WNBA All-Access from my laptop. Good picture, only one freeze up but the play by play and commentary was horrendous. Beside being blatant Mystics "homers"...the inept crew kept mispronouncing half the Dream's players names and was offering moronic advice like "if you allow Atlanta wide open shots in the paint...they'll score" and "if Atlanta could make more free throws...they'd have a bigger lead."

Really? I have no idea where they find these bozos...but wherever it is...it's a source they need to drop. Two hobos by a shanty near a railroad track could have provided better analysis and play by play.

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OK...this one is horrible but it had me going until the final sentence:

'Charlie Strong, UofL football coach has been replacing Rick Pitino in television commercials in the Louisville area market as of late. As we all know, most television commercials are 30 seconds in length. Pitino can only last 15.'

It's only going to get worse as basketball season gets closer and closer. Hang in there, Rick...maybe Calipari will do something stupid to take the pressure off you.

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Changes on tap for the football season and the goings on at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. The ticket office and Cardinal apparel store is now open next to the east entrance and offers 10% off any purchase if you are a season ticket holder. There is now a no-smoking policy in force inside the stadium (good luck on that one) and food and drink specials will be offered before the game on the new south side observation deck overlooking the Crunch Zone and end zone.

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Good luck to former Cardinal great Candyce Bingham who is leaving today to go play Euro hoops. Never felt that she got a fair break to make the WNBA after graduation...but she's probably making more money overseas...so go to the hoop and block out, C.B.

Hammond narrows it to 4 schools

WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE BRINGS:

-Rockcastle County star Sara Hammond narrows it to four.

-WE offer our spin on UK vs. UofL Footbal

-A comical horse race call

-Has she been forgotten?

Rockcastle County (KY) senior Sara Hammond has pared her list of colleges down to four institutes of higher learning. Making the cut are WKU, Vanderbilt, UConn and LOUISVILLE! We figured all along that the Lady Cards were standing strong with the probable Miss Kentucky Basketball for 2011 and viewing the list confirms the chatter we were hearing about Matthew Mitchell and Kentucky's late pitch falling on deaf ears. The 6'2" versatile player can take it to the hoop or punish you from outside. She has that certain "it"...the look of determination and focus when she is on the court. She has planned recruiting visits to and from Louisville and UConn...none yet for Vandy or WKU.

Let's be Captain Obvious here. Sure, it's great to get the nod and call from Geno and UConn. They are the elite program in women's college basketball and the Huskies don't pick up the phone and call just anyone. But, how many college bound lady hoopster from the Commonwealth have ended up in Storrs, Connecticut? Exactly. Nada, Goose egg, zilch and none. One has to wonder just how serious they are when they have access to about half of the 17U Team USA that won the European Championships?

WKU is a fine school and once used to be a certified power in the college WBB ranks. They might well return to that status but do you really want to spend four years going to non-descript Sun Belt schools? Louisville ex- Janae Howard transferred there to seek more playing time. Speaks volumes about the talent level in Bowling Green...definitely a step below the other three schools. Howard was a streaky shooter during her brief stay at the 'Ville and never could grasp the concepts of defense, rebounding or all over the court hustle.

Vanderbilt has intriguing possibilities. Melanie Baucom has had success with past Kentucky high school stars. Then, there is the other side of the coin. Ask Tia Gibbs about her year at Vandy. The Commodore home court...antiquated Memorial Coliseum reminds me of a medium sized high school gym. There's that weird configuration of benches beneath the basket, the raised floor and it really pales in comparison to the brand spanking new KFC YUM Downtown Arena.

There, Sara...we've laid it all out for you. Jeff Walz has a jersey waiting for you. The Louisville fans have many cheers and screams waiting for you. Enjoy your senior year...it is a magical, dizzying and way too fast time in one's life...and then head to Louisville and continue your education.

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It's everywhere in the air and the topic at water coolers, bars, instant oil change facilities and the internet. Who will win the UofL vs. UK football game on Sept 4th?

We deal primarily with UofL women's sports here. We won't spend a lot of time on the upcoming gridiron tussle...but we will offer five things that we'll be looking for when we're getting baked in the Crunch Zone dressed in red that Saturday.

1) Can UofL receiver Doug Beaumont find the end zone. The likable and talented senior has had a great career at UofL but has never caught a pass for a touchdown. Which leads to the old joke...How do you keep Doug Beaumont out of your front yard? Erect a goal post...Here's hoping he gets there on the 4th.

2) Will UofL fans obey Coach Strong? Charlie wants all Cardinal fans in their seats and raising cain prior to kickoff. We've been around Cardinal tailgaiting many a year and know full well that our fan base doesn't usually do that. WE'LL be looking around when the game starts to see if they're buying into the "Strong philosophy".

3) Can Froman throw the ball down the field? A lot to like about the senior quarterback but his long range passing is suspect. Can he toss one 30-35 yards to a Cardinal receiver accurately? Will they even try?

4) Where do you hide from Brandon Heath? The Cardinal linebacker is a fierce tackler and if UK runs his way...will EMS be needed to cart off the unlucky ball carrier? This guy would tackle his Aunt Ginny if she carried the pigskin...

5) Getting your kicks. The word is that Louisville placekicker Chris Philpott has been accurate and consistent in his field goal attempts during fall practice. Can he translate that success into points in a game that just might come down to a 2 or 3 point margin?

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Gotta share this entertaining call from track announcer Larry Collmus during the 7th. race at Monmouth Race Track on Sunday. (Never get the wives involved!) Click on the link below and enjoy!)

http://www.theneweditor.com/index.php?/archives/11737-Best-Exacta-Ever-7th-Race-at-Monmouth-Park.html

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She was a highly touted, talented freshman at Fern Creek High School for the Lady Tigers basketball team. Has the star on Teonia McCune faded as she prepares for her senior year? At 6'4' she poses a dangerous threat to those who unwisely try to take it to the hoop against her and she rebounds as well as anyone in Kentucky High School girls basketball...but are the major colleges still calling? We know that Louisville's Jeff Walz had a marked interest in her when Monique Reid and Teonia shared the court several years back...but a scan of the most promising 2011 class players doesn't reveal McCune as being one of the top standouts. She also participates in volleyball and track and field at the Creek.

We have to wonder if this will be her breakout year and if the Cards are still looking to fit her into and red and black jersey. Louisville is pursuing several talented and nationally recognized post and paint players in the 2011 class but we're not hearing much about McCune. Stay tuned this winter...we'll detail her final season on the court for the Tigers.

Is it too early to worry about 2012?

TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-2012: Too far off to worry about?

-A rundown of fall women's sports

-WNBA scenarios

CARDINAL COUPLE co-owner Paul Sykes (pictured left) is busy at work trying to qualify for the USA 2012 Bean Bag (or Cornhole) team that will compete in the World Championships in Havana, Cuba. (OK, I made that up..but wouldn't it be a blast to go to Cuba and get comped for throwing a bag full of dry corn kernels?)

The point is this...the class of 2012 in girls high school basketball is already starting to verbal to colleges and universities. Case in point...Louisville Manual High School star April Wilson decided over the weekend that Purdue University is the place to be. Louisville was on her short list but a weekend visit to West Lafayette convinced her that Boilermaker country was where she wants to spend her four years of matriculation and basketball.

A lot can happen from one's junior year in high school to college. Coaches can leave. Injuries can happen. Interests may change. UofL Lady Card shooting guard Becky Burke was South Carolina bound until a coaching change in Columbia, SC made her re-evaluate her previous decision. Incoming Cardinal wing Antonita Slaughter knew as as freshman that Cardinal Red and Black were her colors...before Jeff Walz got there. Former Cardinal great Candyce Bingham grew up and attended high school in the shadow of the north side UofL dormitories near Manual but headed off to Xavier to begin college. Finally, she got it right and returned to Louisville for two outstanding years.

Verbal commitments are just that...saying out loud that you like one place the most of all. Doesn't mean a thing until the contract is signed and the papers are received. We, in the sports world....though, are obsessed about recruiting and who is leaning where, who is on the short list, who is visiting where and when and why isn't this college the favorite of that player. Remember the drama that surrounded Shoni Schimmel and whether she would show up at Louisville or not? We're glad to say she is on the Belknap Campus and probably worrying about reading assignments and science labs like the other 4,000 freshmen on campus.

The talented trio of girl's basketball players at Marion County are sophomores and juniors this year...but they are a top topic of discussion and speculation already in the recruiting pundits around the state. Kyvin Goodin-Rogers, Makalya Epps and Bre Edler may very well win three state championships in a row but many out there will be more concerned about where they are visiting over the Labor Day weekend.

Let's get the class of 2011 out of the way and safely tucked into the bastions of higher learning first before we get too wrapped up about 2012. After all, the current hype about all the signs pointing to catastrophe and calamity scheduled for that year may just make recruiting a moot point...conspiracy theorists unite!

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We got an e-mail asking which women's sports at UofL take place in the fall. Actually, all participants in the 12 women's sports programs at Louisville are hard at work defining and practicing their skills, but actual events include field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, cross country, rowing, swimming and tennis. The field hockey, soccer and volleyball teams have already had either exhibitions or actual games. Cross country kicks off Sept. 4th. and Rowing on Sept 8th. Tennis begins Sept 25th., and Swimming on October 21st. Basketball in October, too.

Lacrosse, golf, softball and track begin in the spring.

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The Eastern Conference of the WNBA begins their playoffs Wednesday. Atlanta travels to Washington and New York hosts Indiana. Over in the Western Conference, division leader Seattle hosts Los Angeles and Phoenix greets San Antonio.

Diana Taursi led the league in scoring during the regular season with 22.6 ppg. for Phoenix. Cappie Poindexter (New York) was second with 21.4 ppg. and Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry fancied 3rd with 21.1 ppg. Tina Charles (Connecticut) showed the way in rebounding, grabbing 11.7 per game and Ticha Penicherio (Los Angeles) dished out 6.9 assists per contest.

Several Atlanta Dream players cracked the top ten in the above categories. Iziane Castro Marques was seventh in scoring at 16.9 a game, Sancho Lyttle fourth in rebounding (9.9) and Erika deSouza sixth (8.3). Shalee Lehning finished seventh in assists (4.8). A pretty good nucleus for the Dream in 2011 and the upcoming playoff run.

Atlanta falls to Washington in regular season final

MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE COMMENTARY:

-Not a great DREAM

-Your weekly PANERA winner

-The MOLE report

Despite Angel McCoughtry's 18 points, the Atlanta Dream lost their regular season finale to visiting Washington 90-81. Believe me, it wasn't this close, though. The Dream stumbled out of the starting gates and trailed by 20+ from the second quarter till the fourth...when they managed to put on a belated rally and cut the final margin to less that double digits.

You have to wonder about the intensity and what is going on with the Dream internally since the All-Star break. The Dream has only won two games since then and dropped their final two at home. Losing to the Mystics handed them the Eastern Division title and set up a playoff scenario where Atlanta, who finished fourth in the Eastern Conference, will travel to Washington to begin their playoff quest against these same Mystics on Aug. 25th.

Atlanta is the best rebounding team in the WNBA...with DeSouza, Lyttle, McCoughtry and the rest creating nightmares forthe rest of the league...but shooting woes have created a situation where they look lost in a lot of offensive sets and if McCoughtry or Castro-Marquez are having an off night....the whole team plummets.

Here's hoping they can solve the quagmire and get it together to make a run in the post season.

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Congratulations to Andrea Maxwell, winner of the weekly PANERA BREAD gift card contest. Andrea is a big fan of the Dutchman's Lane location and writes:

"I love their specialty summer salads and that they have free wi-fi at their locations. I can spend my lunch hour eating, surfing the internet and keeping up with what is going on at the office. "

Two weeks remain in the contest.

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Our on-campus confidential reporter (we call him/her the MOLE) sends this info along:

"Back to school Monday. Been a great summer and have had some fun hanging out with a lot of the athletes who stayed on campus this summer working out. Unfortunately, there are a couple of them that aren't going to be able to pursue what they are here on scholarship for because of injuries that haven't gotten any better. It's depressing for them and one of them isn't going to remain in school because of it. On the bright side, though...fans of the women's basketball team will be glad to know that the girls who stayed on campus this summer and worked out are in great shape and there is a overpowering desire to make it back to the NCAA Tournament and also get a little revenge on the way the a certain school east of here laid it on them last winter."

We'll have reports from THE MOLE from time to time. WE can't reveal the identity of our source though because of the close nature the mole has to one of the sports.

Volleyball, Field Hockey pick up wins

SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE :

-Field Hockey handles Kent State

-Volleyball defeats the alumnae

-Some potential 2011 Lady Card hoops recruits?

-Nothing but BLIND LUCK

The University of Louisville field hockey team handled Kent State yesterday at Trager Field 3-0. Rachel Hollenbach, pictured to the left, scored one of the Card goals against the Golden Flashes. The Cards looked good against the MAC opponent...playing them to a scoreless tie in the first half and then erupting in the final stanza.

Amber Thomas began the scoring for the 'Ville in the second half with a nice putback into the nets after Kent State blocked a shot on goal. Pam Bustin's squad increased the margin to 2-0 when senior Simone Attles slapped in a rebound shot off of a penalty corner a few minutes later.

Hollenbach finished the exhibition game scoring late in the match on a nice feed from Karen Nall.

The teams played a sudden death scrimmage and penalty shot contest after the game and Louisville won both of those events also.

Things get officially started for The Flock on Saturday, August 28th when they travel to Michigan State to face off against Duke in the Champion's Challenge.

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Leonard Yelin's Volleyball Cards swept the alumnae in exhibition matched yesterday in Cardinal Arena behind the solid spiking of sophomore Lola Arslankova. Yelin used the exhibition to experiment with several different lineup combinations and the Cards swept the former Cards 25-15, 25-20 and 28-26.

Lola had 10 kills in the matches and Lena Ustymenko, now playing professionally on the west coast beach circuit had nine for the alumnae. The season opens Friday night, August 17th against North Dakota State in Cardinal Arena.

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Louisville is going after some excellent recruits for the 2011 basketball season. Quaneisha McCurty, a 6'5" post for Dalton (GA) High School has already verballed to the Cards. Cierra Warren, a powerful 6'4" front liner is on campus after transferring from UNC. Rockcastle County (KY) forward and probable 2010 Miss Basketball Sara Hammond lists Louisville as her front runner and Cardinal fans who saw her play in the recent AAU tournament here in Louisville are absolutely in love with her game...as are the Cardinal coaches and current players.

Here's a few that are still out there on the radar for Louisville in 2011:

Raven Ferguson, a 5'11" small forward at Columbus (OH) Africentric High School lists Louisville along with Ohio State, Miami (FL), Michigan State and Xavier as possibles. She helped lead her team to a state title last year and is a certified scoring machine.

Sheila Boykin, a 6'2" power forward out of Long Beach (CA) Poly Tech is considering the Ville along with several west coast schools, Arizona and Arizona State. She's hard to handle in the paint and has the BIG EAST body size that would make her quite effective at Louisville.

Erika Johnson, a 6'1" power forward from Seattle (WA) has Louisville listed with UNC, Washington and California as her favorites. She's a contender for player of the year in Washington and scores well from all over the court.

All three of these potentials are ESPN Top 50 prospects and would give the Cards a wealth of front line participants to go with the ample and deep back court players already on campus.

Get 'em in here, Jeff! We all know Louisville in the place to be!

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Jerry Hollendorfer's BLIND LUCK came storming down the stretch in the $500,ooo Alabama Stakes at Saratoga to catch front runner ACTING HAPPY and win with Joel Rosario on board. Sent off as the 9-5 second favorite she hung back in the pack until they hit the stretch and then unleashed a powerful run to catch and pass the leader and hold off hard charging HAVRE DE GRACE by a neck to win. 3-5 favorite DEVIL MAY CARE finished fourth in the field of six.

Rider John Velazquez won five races yesterday on the Saratoga card and was aboard DEVIL MAY CARE in the feature...but finished three lengths behind third place runner ACTING HAPPY in the Alabama. The exacta was a good one paying $29.60 for a $2 wager but the trifecta was much more pleasing...putting $147 into the pockets of those who had the $2 combination of 4-6-1.

BLIND LUCK ran earlier in Kentucky this spring...winning the Kentucky Oaks. She's a legit three year old filly who has already earned over $1 million dollars in her young career.

Several upsets in other high profile races yesterday around the nation. DEBUSSY slipped by turf champion GIO PONTI in the Arlington Million and DUKE OF MISCHIEF knocked off I WANT REVENGE in the Iselin Stakes at Monmouth. Favorite PADDY O' PRADO captured the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington and Victor Espinoza guided top betting choice EVENING JEWEL

to an easy win at Del Mar in the Del Mar Oaks.

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Last day to get in your entries for this week's PANERA BREAD gift card giveaway. I had the opportunity to sit down with PANERA executive and managing partner Archie Karel earlier this week at one of his local restaurants and found a new favorite for breakfast...the tasty sausage, egg and cheese on toasted ciabatta bread. MMM..MMMM..GOOD!

Cardinal women's soccer kicks by EKU 4-1

Saturday CARDINAL COUPLE covers:

-Cards soccer opens with a win

-Volleyball scrimmage today.

-APPLE tournament final

-Field Hockey at Trager this afternoon

The University of Louisville women's soccer team started the 2010 season off the right way with a 4-1 win over Eastern Kentucky University last night at Cardinal Park. The Cards displayed a youth movement last night with goals from freshmen Christine Exeter, Julie Casselman, Angelika Uremovich and sophomore Emily Cardell. The Cards out shot the Colonels 18-6 and didn't allow a goal until the late stages of the contest. Taylor Vancil defensed the net well for Louisville...making three saves.

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The Volleyball Cards will play an exhibition match against its alumnae today in Cardinal Arena at 2 p.m. Admission is free.

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Sacred Heart had no trouble with the Kentucky Country Day Bearcats yesterday in the finals of the APPLE tournament field hockey game. Sacred Heart scored in the first three minutes of the game on a nice steal and rip by Emily Stewart and the Valkyries never looked back. Stewart had two scores on the day for Sacred Heart (4-0) which led 3-0 at the half.

Country Day did manage to score the first goal of the season on Sacred Heart late in the contest but the Bearcats had difficulties all afternoon against the stout Valkyries defense.

This marks the seventh straight APPLE tournament championship for Sacred Heart and four Valkyries players were selected to the all-tournament team. Sacred Heart outscored the opposition 24-1 over the 4 game tournament action.

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Pam Bustin's UofL field hockey squad takes to Trager Field for a 1 p.m. exhibition against Kent State this afternoon. Sounds like a great day to be on campus with field hockey then volleyball for the Lady Cards.

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THREE SISSIES failed to fire for trainer Jeffrey Sheets in yesterday's second race at Ellis Park yesterday. The 3 yr. old filly broke slowly, fell far back behind the leaders and struggled to finish 9th in a field of 12. It was only a slight improvement from her debut in her second lifetime outing and it looks like she may have to descend in the claiming ranks to be competitive.

School days...schools play

FRIDAY'S EDITION OF CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Key high school match ups this weekend

-UofL women's soccer tonight

-Three Sissies goes today at Ellis Park

The chant on the Assumption High School campus must sound something like "We're number two...no check that...we're number three." as the Rockets have been ranked the #2 volleyball team in the nation..but #3 in Kentucky. Talk about a tough local crowd...Assumption sits behind St. Louis St. Joseph in Volleyball Prep's top 100 rankings and the Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association has the Bardstown Road school behind Mercy and Sacred Heart here in the commonwealth. For what its worth, Volleyball Prep has Sacred Heart at #40 nationally and Mercy checks in at #74 in the nation.

Assumption returns four all state performers from last year's team and five Rocket volleyball players are already committed to colleges...including Jeni Houser (Notre Dame) and Jackie Napper (Kentucky)

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The APPLE TOURNAMENT field hockey final will match up Sacred Heart vs. Kentucky Country Day. Sacred Heart breezed thru their semifinal game against Male 9-0 and KCD topped Ballard 4-2. In consolation game action, Mercy downed Eastern 3-1 and Assumption rolled past Presentation 5-0.

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Lest we get too caught up in local area high school sports, let's not forget that the UofL women's soccer team will be in action Friday night against Eastern Kentucky University. The Cards are looking to rebound from last year's disappointing season and head coach Karen Ferguson Dayes has recruited well and has some very good and experienced players returning. they teams will kick it around at Cardinal Park at 7 p.m.

Field hockey has an exhibition game tomorrow against Kent State at 1 p.m. at Trager Field. Admission to both events is free.

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Finally, a bit of horse racing...THREE SISSIES goes in the second race at Ellis Park today. She'll face 11 competitors in a $10,500 maiden claiming race for 3 year old and up fillies and mares over 6 1/2 furlongs. She's been working lights out for trainer Jeffery Sheets and will have the services of rider Sal Gonzales. She's morning line listed at 8-1 odds...but if she breaks out of the gate like she's been working...she could surprise at a price. Let's just hope no one claims her..a risk you take when you run 'em at the claiming level. We think she's got a great shot at breaking her maiden today and winning. And, she's no sissy...either.

Santa Anita Race Track is replacing their synthetic surface and going back to dirt for the winter-spring meet that starts in December. Trainer complaints about the Pro-Ride surface and the hard time it has draining water sparked the move.

The safety concerns are a matter of huge debate among California trainers and owners. Jockeys have their opinions also about the surface. We asked local Churchill Downs rider Vic Arterdia..who has worked horses at Santa Anita and Del Mar to compare surfaces and he gave us a beauty...

"The artificial stuff is like driving on gravel. That stuff can sting when it comes flying back at you. It's like someone throwing pebbles at you when your going 30 miles an hour...and sometimes it will clog up a horse's nostrils and he has trouble breathing by the end of a race. With dirt, it doesn't sting as much but you get sloppy conditions sometimes that make you change goggles many times during the race. I like the dirt surface. That's why I'm here in Kentucky."

Women's Soccer gets national attention

The Thursday Edition of Cardinal Couple features:

- UofL women's soccer on Fox Soccer Channel

-Key matchup in the Alabama at Saratoga

-Things we are hearing

-Did you ever wonder why...

The Fox Soccer Channel will televise live the UofL vs. UK soccer match at Cardinal Park Thursday, Sept 9th. at 7 p.m. The annual "Battle of the Bluegrass" should prove to be an interesting match up this year. UofL coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes has recruited well and promises a much improved season over last year's disappointing sub .500 record. Plus, it is UofL vs. UK...a matchup that always draws significant attention...whether it be in football, field hockey or fan rivalry.

Last check we did, we didn't have the soccer channel on our lineup of programs...but we did discover that local carrier Insight Communications has some pretty attractive packages available that include the channel for those who cannot make it to the game. CARDINAL COUPLE will be there live to watch, observe and report the event for you.

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Saratoga (NY) Race Course has brought two of the best 3 yr. old fillies together for an exciting race this Saturday in the $500,000 Grade I Alabama Stakes. BLIND LUCK and DEVIL MAY CARE will be two of the entrants in the 1 - 1/4 mile race on the dirt. It'll be an important matchup for determining who will be named 3 yr. old filly of year as well. Both horses are also expected to run in the Ladies Classic on Nov. 5th in the Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs.

BLIND LUCK has been phenomenal for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer this year, winning the Kentucky Oaks and also races at Oaklawn and Delaware.

DEVIL MAY CARE may have run a disappointing 1oth against the boys in the Kentucky Derby but has slaughtered the competition in the Grade I Mother Goose at Belmont and the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga.

The race will also draw some other top flight fillies, including Black-Eyed Susan winner ACTING HAPPY, Mother Goose runner up CONNIE AND MICHAEL and TIZAHIT.

Now...if we could only get ZENYATTA and RACHEL ALEXANDRA on the same track...

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CARDINAL COUPLE is sorry to report that potential 2011 UofL women's basketball candidate Bria Smith has verballed to Virginia but several very good candidates remain out there for Coach Jeff Walz. Rockcastle County (KY) standout Sara Hammond still lists Louisville at the top of her potential list and her game is exactly the style of basketball that will fit in great with Walz's style of hoops. With plenty of guards on the current roster and only one of them a senior, one might surmise that Walz is looking for additions to the Cardinal front line and he has two that will be awesome there next year in Quaneisha McCurty and UNC transer Cierra Warren. Good basketball players are always desired and needed...and CARDINAL COUPLE has received word that a very talented post player has Louisville in her top 3 and...well, that's all we can report to you at this time.

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We still have 3 weeks of the PANERA CARD giveaway left and...quite honestly...your responses have been rather slow this week. Still some good ones in but...if you think you have what it takes to nail down the $10 prize...shoot us and e-mail or leave a message in the comments section on why you like to go to PANERA. E-mail your reason(s) to:

cardinalcouple@insightbb.com

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(Some muddled thoughts to leave you with on a foggy Thursday morning in Louisville)

Did you ever wonder why...

-High school and professional basketball is played by the quarter and college basketball is played by the half?

-The WNBA has a jump ball for "tied up" dual possessions and college and high school goes by which way the possession arrow is pointing?

-The shot clock has different times in high school, college and the pros?

-The halftime break is 15 minutes in college and 1 minute in AAU ball?

-College women's basketball coaches use major baseball and football events to host potential recruits but men's basketball coaches never use major field hockey and volleyball events to bring in the guys?