Women's Soccer, Volleyball get Sunday wins.

.
CARDINAL COUPLE MONDAY

-Cards win 2-1 over Georgetown women's soccer

-Volleyball sweeps Rutgers

-Watson on re-alignment (again)

The University of Louisville women's soccer team with an impressive win over the Georgetown Hoyas yesterday in our nation's capital. Christine Exeter with both Cardinal goals in the double overtime 2-1 victory. The win improved Louisville to 7-5-3 overall and also put them in first place in the National Division of the BIG EAST Conference with a 5-1-2 record.

The Hoyas hit the scoreboard first in the match...getting a header goal from Camille Trujillo twenty minutes into the game. That advantage held up through the first half and well into the second...before Exeter took a pass from Angelika Uremovich and found he back of the net in the 79th. minute of play.

Kiefer's goal-tending has sparked
the Cards lately.

It would be 23 minutes later until Exeter nailed the game-winner...taking a throw-in pass from Jennifer Jones and guiding the ball past Georgetown goalie Elizabeth Hanna early in the second overtime to end it. For Exeter, it was her ninth goal of the season - tops for the Cardinals - and her eight goal in the last nine games.

With the win, Louisville edged ahead of the Hoyas (11-5-0, 5-3) in the National division. Chloe Kiefer did another great job defending the net for Karen Ferguson-Dayes team, with four saves. Georgetown out shot the Cards 13-6 in the contest and held a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal...but the Cards led in the most important stat...goals scored.

Louisville returns to Cardinal Park for two this weekend...hosting Rutgers Friday, Oct. 14th. at 7 p.m. and Seton Hall Sunday, Oct 16th. at noon.

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Volleyball also found success on Sunday with a 3-0 sweep of Rutgers in Piscataway, NJ. The Cards took advantage of 19 Lola kills for the 25-19, 25-13, 25-16 sacking of the Scarlet Knights.

"I'm proud of this East Coast swing to get two road league wins and in a sweep says a lot about our team dealing with adversity and injury. I thought Caitlin Welch did a great job passing and serving. We got two big blocks from Gosia Lech and Lola continues to lead our offense." -UofL head coach Anne Kordes.

Emily Juhl and Gwen Rucker are both inactive because of injuries. The Cards played only eight players in the Sunday match.

The Cards battled against Rutgers evenly to start game one - tied at 11-11 - before a 7-3 run gave them a 18-14 advantage. They closed out the first game with three straight Lola kills to take the six point victory. 

Taylor Brauneis had 34 assists in
the win over Rutgers.

Rutgers stayed close in game two, trailing 14-10, until a 7-2 Louisville run put it out of reach at 21-12. Taylor Brauneis served the final three points to close out the Scarlet Knights - including a game ending ace. 

In the final, Louisville jumped out early and had the Piscataway girls down 19-10 before coasting in with the nine point victory. 

The Cards are on a five game winning streak. They return home to prepare for a Friday night contest against arch-rival Cincinnati in Cardinal Arena.

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(The weekend added more mystery and intrigue to conference re-alignment and expansion with the hiatus on Missouri getting a SEC invite and TCU expected to announce Monday they're joining the BIG 12. Our David Watson sounds off.)

Monday morning, you sure look fine.

That line from a classic Fleetwood Mac song would be an apt description of the viewpoint from the Horned Frog campus down in the Dallas-Ft.Worth area. They're expected to announce sometime today that they're accepting the BIG 12 offer to join the band.

This move made sense all along. There was the flirtation with the BIG EAST. Did anyone ever really think that they'd go through with the ridiculous-from-a-geographical-standpoint action of having to travel to Providence to play women's basketball or take their football team to Piscataway to plow through the Scarlet Knights? 

So the BIG EAST takes another right cross to the chin and wobbles back to the corner  behind in points and staggering like a UK fan after a Saturday of Keeneland and Cats football. Syracuse and Pitt gone. Louisville and WVU waiting to hear the word. Connecticut and Rutgers wishing they were on someone's short list.

Missouri appears to hold the key to Louisville's possible inclusion in the BIG 12. Whether the haughty SEC will include the Mizzou Tigers or not remains to be seen, but I don't see the BIG 12 sending out any more party invitations if the Show Me state gets spurned by this non-committal suitor and stays in the BIG 12. 

Watson has an affinity
for lemonade shake-ups,
corn dogs and carnies.

Louisville makes no sense in the previously mentioned from-a-geographical-standpoint scenario inclusion in the BIG 12. Neither does WVU. But, the most I look at the conference re-alignment facade that has shook up college sports like the guy in the lemonade shakeup booth at the state fair midway, I can identify with another 70's rock music line - this one from legendary Jimmy Buffett.

I'm just trying to make a little sense of it all.

Those Louisville fans expecting to be on buses down the road for fall football clashes in Norman, Stillwater and College Station may have to put off those calls to their travel agents for awhile. The conference that no one wants to stay in is still standing. The ring referee, however, is watching closely. 

(David Watson is a special correspondent for CARDINAL COUPLE. His oldest daughter will attend Notre Dame next fall unless Ball State ponies up a field hockey scholarship.)
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Field Hockey wins...Football loses...Sandy Walker reviews...

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SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Strong second half leads Field Hockey to win.

-Football falls to NC.

-Sandy Walker on the Dream



The University of Louisville finished strong on the road at Piscataway yesterday and defeated Rutgers in Field Hockey 4-2. Four different Cardinals scored in the win.

"This was a really great win for our program. The last couple of weeks have been really tough, but we've fought through it and this game was no exception. We played a quality opponent who gave it everything they had. I was happy we stuck with the game plan. We kept fighting and working hard for each other." -Head coach Justine Sowry.

The Cards scored first, five minutes into the contest when Amber Thomas knocked one in from short range. Rutgers responded halfway through the half to tie it and took the lead shortly before the half ended.

The second stanza belonged to Louisville. Hayley Turner struck first on a Caitlin Collins feed to tie it. Then, Kelsey Rosenmeier converted an Erin Schneidtmiller pass to put Louisville up 3-2. Heather Stevens tacked on an insurance goal with ten minutes remaining to make it 4-2 Cards.

Louisville out shot the Scarlet Knights 12-8 and Erin Conrad had four saves as Louisville improves to 8-5 and 2-2 in BIG EAST play. 

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Great defensive effort from the football Cards yesterday but they were on the wrong end of a 14-7 final against North Carolina. The Cards recorded four sacks and gave UNC quarterback Bryn Renner fits all day...but couldn't score until 42 seconds remaining in the game. Louisville missed two first half field goal attempts.

UC next week, who will probably have 14 points in the first 14 minutes against Louisville. The Bearcats know how to score. The Cards need lessons.

Victories come with offensive production. The Cards have been rocked with injuries and coaching controversies in this area and the free-wheeling scoring juggernaut we saw in Lexington versus UK is just a fading, fond memory now. Points on the board creates "W"'s. Defensive plays are great and always welcome...but if the offense can't create and capitalize from them..."L"'s are the end result.

************************************************************************************************************

(Sandy Walker on the Atlanta Dream...second best in the WNBA again)

Being up close and personal at Friday night's Atlanta Dream vs. Minnesota Lynx WNBA Championship finals game did not make the outcome any easier to take. The atmosphere was electric in a sold out Philips Arena...where the fans were primed to motivate their team.

Once again, for three quarters...there was hope for a Dream win. But, as it was all series long, the fourth quarter saw the wheels fall off the Dreamobile. Forced offensive choices and a tenacious Lynx defense created the 73-67 loss for Atlanta. 

For the second straight year, the Dream have fought their way to the finals and then been swept out the door. Look for a return in season four if the Dream can maintain their current roster. And, hopefully a crown.


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Soccer wins in double overtime vs Villanova...Volleyball sweeps Seton Hall...Dream lose...Jenny's wish list



Bon-nay with her "redneck" wine glass...compliments
of Tillie the Tour Guide and Flo...



SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE...WHO'S WATCHING THE PARRISH HOUSE?

-Women's Soccer over Villanova

-Volleyball sweeps Seton Hall

-Jenny's Wish List

Exeter scores twice in Cards win

Freshman Kim Sharo connected with the game winner in the second overtime yesterday in Philadelphia as the UofL women's soccer team defeated Villanova 3-2. Villanova opened the scoring but the Cards rallied to tie in the second half and led 2-1 before Nova scored late in

regulation to send it to overtime.

It was sophomore Christine Exeter who netted both goals in regulation for the Cards...who improved to 6-5-3 with the win.

Louisville travels to Georgetown next for a Sunday game against the Hoyas.

*********************************************************************************

Lola with 21 kills for Volleyball...who swept the Pirates yesterday in South Orange, NJ. The Cards took it 29-27, 25-18 and 25-21.

"It was a great road win." said UofL head coach Anne Kordes. "Seton Hall played scrappy defense with a lot of heart and drive. They did a great job. Brooke Mattingly and Taylor Brauneis

Lola on the loose again

had a nice offensive outing."

The Cards started slow...trailing in game one early but took a 13-12 lead and then went on a 5-1 run to secure the contest. Emily Juhl, hampered by injuries, came in and helped the Cards take the second game. Louisville never trailed in game three to go to 13-4 on the year and a perfect 5-0 in the BIG EAST.

The Cards got 35 assists from Brauneis and valuable play from reserve Gosia Lech...who was a perfect 3-3 on kills.



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(CARDINAL COUPLE WRITER JENNY O'BRYAN SHARES HER WISH LIST)

I am first and foremost a women's college basketball fan. As such, it has been a long off-season. Fortunately, we can finally say, the new season is just around the corner. The tip-off luncheon is a little less than two weeks away. The preseason exhibition game - a little less than two weeks away. That means it is time for my basketball wish list.

First, I feel it is important to tell you about last year's wish list. It was a modest wish list, not asking for anything for my team. I had two wishes...I wanted UCONN to lose a game. Just one. Before I get labeled as a "Husky Hater."...let me say I absolutely admire the athleticism of the Connecticut team. I admire the coaching staff and their recruiting skills. I wanted them to break the all-time consecutive win record..and then I wanted them to lose. They did. Twice. First wish granted. Next, I wanted two team beside Stanford and Connecticut to play for the National Championship. I got this one in SPADES! Texas A&M and Notre Dame. If I had only known my wishes would be granted, I would have dreamed even bigger.

This brings us to this year's list. I want great things for my LADY CARDS! I think it is realistic to thing they can go undefeated during the out-of-conference schedule. Texas A&M will be tough. I believe the early scheduling of this game, though, gives us the slightest edge...even though we are in enemy territory. The Kentucky game in Lexington will be tough also. Even though it is in Lexington, it is close enough to Louisville that our travelling fan base can help our Cards bring home the win.

I want to beat UConn. Last year, I wanted UConn to lose. This year, I want to beat them. Our court, our fans, our arena. I want a big turnout and a win. So bad that I can taste it.

In the past, I have not thought we could beat the Huskies...I just wanted us to play well. This year, our ladies can do it! I know our team has been working hard during the off-season. Mo and Becky remember their freshman year, when we lost to UConn 3 times.

Our time has come. Our team is ready. Get the win.

I also expect our team to make a deep run in the tournament. By deep run, I mean a trip to Denver. The Final Four. We are poised for our first National Championship. I would love for it to happen this season. Winning it all takes a lot of good health, depth in positions, drive, determination, hard work, great coaching and a bit of good luck. Things that we can control, we have. So far, the good health is there. Let's hope for the good luck.

My final wish is that Mercedes Russell (Class of 2013) ends up at UofL. She's the top ranked post player in her class. I want our first ever #1 ranked recruit to come and play for my beloved Cardinals. We are in the running. She's made an unofficial visit. The coaching staff recently visited her at her high school in Oregon. As a high school junior, there is a lot of time before she can sign a letter of intent. Between now and then, I feel certain our coaching staff is putting us in the best possible light to sign this highly talented, elite post talent.

OK, I'm dreaming big. It is an exciting time to be a Lady Card fan. Our Cards are on the cusp of greatness. Our program is on the brink of excellence. Our time is coming.

Finally, it is about time to start. Bring it on. I can hardly wait.

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Atlanta fell to the Minnesota Lynx last night. WNBA Finals over and done with. Our Sandy Walker was at the game and will weigh in later today with her recount and observations. Can't blame Angel. She is the ultimate warrior.
.
.

Hello, I Must Be Going

THE LATE GREAT GROUCHO MARX'S CLASSIC FULLY DESCRIBES THE CONFERENCE REALIGNMENT WHIRLWIND CURRENTLY BLOWING AROUNND COLLEGE SPORTS.

TCU...WE  HARDLY KNEW YOU.

CARDINAL COUPLE FRIDAY:

-Bye, Bye TCU...(until we meet again?)

-Volleyball, Field Hockey in action today

The BIG 12 has extended an invitation to upcoming BIG EAST member (formerly Mountain West participant) TCU. That is, of course, if Missouri gets
voted in as a potential SEC member. They'd rather be in the BIG 10, of course...but that has nothing to do with the situation. The talks continue today for the TCU crew.

Maybe they'll decide to join the Patriot Conference and throw all of college sports observers into fits.

The wheels are now set in motion for the BIG 12 to re-convene and extend an invitation to Louisville to follow TCU into the conference and effectively send the BIG EAST to the canvas for the "10 count." If, that is...they decide to expand back to 12. Meanwhile, back on the farm...Missouri waits to see if the haughty SEC will approve their pool pass. WKU must be really excited about all of this...they actually gave someone a football game last night.

Talk about a Freaky Friday ahead...

******************************************************************

Louisville women's soccer travels to Villanova and volleyball heads to Seton Hall for BIG EAST action this Friday. It's part of a big Cardinal sports weekend that also includes field hockey and football.

CARDINAL COUPLE, meanwhile...will be travelling with Co-Co, La-La and the School for Exceptional Primates for a soccer match at Three Mile Island. The S.E.P. girls are facing The Children With 12 Fingers Academy.

We've got some good writers lined up for you the next couple of days, though and WE'LL pop in electronically to make sure Bill the Goat hasn't eaten the server (or the busboys). 

Everyone have a great weekend and GO CARDS!
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Bingham takes Fern Creek job...Atlanta Dream gets jobbed by Minnesota Lynx

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THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE COMIN' AT YA !!!

-Bingham to lead Tigers in girls' basketball

-Despite Angel's record breaking effort...Dream loses 101-95

-Any given Sunday

Former Lady Card great Candyce Bingham has been named the girls' basketball coach
at Fern Creek High School. She was instrumental, along with Angel McCoughtry, in leading
the 2009 Lady Cards to the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament final game. Up to a
couple of weeks ago, Bingham was having a spectacular season for the San German team
in Puerto Rican basketball...third in the league in scoring and rebounding.

Candyce graduated from DuPont Manual High School in 2004 and started her college
hoops at Xavier University. After two years, though, and limited playing time...she transferred to the University of Louisville and teamed up with Angel McCoughtry to
become the best duo in the history of UofL women's basketball. Bingham averaged


C.B. in Puerto Rico

 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds on the 2008-09 Cardinal team that faced Connecticut in the NCAA Championship in St.Louis.

Bingham was drafted in the third round of the 2009 WNBA Draft by San Antonio but was the final cut by the Silver Stars. She has played for various teams overseas since then...in addition to working with UofL's Fastbreak Club and the UofL Marketing department.

She replaces Michelle Fries, who posted a 94-76 record in six seasons at Fern Creek.


Bingham's knowledge of the game and her special ability to relate to and teach younger basketball players will serve her well in her new position. Doesn't hurt to have her mentor and UofL head coach Jeff Walz twenty minutes away, either.

Jeff Walz weighs in on the announcement:

"I am very excited for Candyce and Fern Creek High School. They are not only getting a very good basketball coach, they are getting an even better person. This is an outstanding opportunity for her. I have no doubt you will see Fern Creek at the top of their district and region soon."

Good luck, Candyce. Make the Tigers roar.

**************************************************************************************************************

Different night, same result for the Atlanta Dream in their quest to capture the WNBA title. Great first half, big night from Angel McCoughtry and then...boom! Here come the Lynx... In the 4th quarter, the Minnesota Lynx went on a 20-10 run to end the game... overcoming a 85-81 deficit with five minutes remaining to bury Atlanta and take a 101-95 win to go up 2-0 in the best out of five series.

Angel and Seimone Augustus battle it out.

Once again, McCoughtry was brilliant in defeat. Her 38 points set a new record for points in a WNBA finals game - a record Angel had set last year. She had 24 points at halftime but was visibly upset at the foul disparity. The Dream was whistled for 33 infractions, compared to 23 for the Lynx.

"Let us battle it out. Let us scratch and claw to the end. It's entertainment. That's what people want to see." McCoughtry pleaded after the contest.

"I just don't really understand a lot of the things being called." Atlanta head coach Marynell Meadows added.

Hitting their free throws would have helped Atlanta. They went 21 for 32 at the line. Seimone Augustus turned in a big effort for the Lynx...with 36 points on 11 of 14 shooting from the floor and 13 for 16 from the line. Despite the commanding series lead, Augustus wasn't taking anything for granted:

"The legacy isn't complete until you're holding the trophy." she insisted.

Augustus shouldered the load for Minnesota late, with center Taj McWilliams-Franklin on the bench with a sprained knee and Maya Moore saddled with foul trouble for most the game. Jessica Adair came off the bench to help spark the Lynx with 13 points.

The teams head to Atlanta for game three...which will tip Friday night and be shown on ESPN 2.
.
*************************************************************************************************************

Congratulations to the UofL men's soccer team...a 3-2 winner in overtime against Indiana University. Kenney Walker had two goals for the Cards, including the winner.

************************************************************************************************************

Cards still lead the tally over UK when it comes to current players in the NFL. 19 to 12...advantage Cardinals. 16 teams represented...not bad.

UOFL



Brock Bolen still bowling over people.



Brock Bolen           Jacksonville

Michael Bush          Oakland

Deion Branch         New England

Harry Douglas         Atlanta

David Akers           San Francisco
Breno Giacomini    Seattle
Chris Redman        Atlanta
Hunter Cantwell     Baltimore
Elvis Dumervil       Denver
Amobi Okoye        Chicago
Brandon Johnson    Cincinnati


Michael Bush running through the Wildcats



William Gay          Pittsburgh

Chris Johnson        Oakland

Kerry Rhodes        Arizona

Jason Spitz           Jacksonville

Eric Wood            Buffalo

Bilal Powell           New York Jets

Cameron Graham   Tennessee

Gary Barnidge        Carolina

..

.

.

Angel, Dream back in the Target Center...Vance scores lone goal for Cards

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WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Field Hockey falls to Ohio State 2-1

-Sandy Walker gets us ready for game two WNBA finals

-Missouri on the move? Re-alignment takes another twist.

The University of Louisville Field Hockey team made the mid-week journey to Columbus, Ohio yesterday to face-off against the #20 Ohio State Buckeyes. Justine Sowry's crew comes home, though, on the short end of a 2-1 contest...falling to 7-5 on the season.

Vance had the Cards lone score

Defense was the name of the game in the first half, with neither team able to score. Ohio State came out with a flurry to start the second half, though...putting two goals on the scoreboard in the first five minutes. Elizabeth Vance took a feed from Hayley Turner to put the Cards within one with under six minutes left in the contest, but couldn't score the tying goal as time ran out on the Cards.

Louisville goalkeeper Erin Conrad had six saves for the Cards in the loss. Ohio State out shot Louisville 14-8 in the contest.

Louisville returns to BIG EAST action this weekend...when Rutgers comes to town on Saturday. Fans are encouraged to wear pink...as the Cards do their part to promote Breast Cancer Awareness and research. Pink balloons and other merchandise will be sold with all proceeds going to the National Foundation for Cancer Research.

*************************************************************************************************************

(Sandy Walker fills us in on Angel and the Dream - as they face Minnesota in game two of the WNBA Finals tonight in Minneapolis.)

When you are playing a team with more tools in their arsenal and 15,000 home court fans behind them, intensity and heart are what you need to even the odds. The Atlanta Dream players used both for three quarters Sunday night against the Minnesota Lynx, but saw the wheels fall off the wagon in the final quarter.

Angel goes...and goes...

From the opening tip off it was apparent that no member of the Atlanta Dream understood - or cared - about the odds they would have to overcome just to play even with Minnesota. The Dream just came to play. A diverse mixture of Marynell Meadows squad stepped up and contributed. Minnesota did not even have an offensive rebound until the second quarter was halfway gone. Even with Angel seeing very few touches and hobbled with foul trouble, Atlanta managed to forge a 12 point lead. McCoughtry's second foul sent her to the bench, though and the Lynx trimmed the advantage to three...and McCoughtry re-entered.

The third quarter was the emergence of Lori Ann (Angel's alter ego - see www.wnba.com/playoffs/2011/mccoughtry_duality_111001.html for an explanation). The fire, intensity and adrenalin kicked in for #35 and she battled to 19 points and kept the Dream in the game. Wherever the ball was, Angel was. The teams ended the third quarter tied at 62.

At this point, a crucial game-changing decision was made. It was decided to extend Angel's between the quarters breather a little bit longer and she sat as play began. That was all Minnesota needed. With Angel on the bench, Minnesota became more bold and confident...using a stifling defense while Rebekkah Brunson took over on offense. When Angel re-entered the contest - with 8:13 remaining in the game - Atlanta was down by five and the momentum had shifted for good. Atlanta's earlier 12 point lead had become a 17 point turnaround and the Target Center crowd roared in approval as the Lynx sealed the deal.

Looking at tonight's game:

-With the return of Erika de Souza and the continued hot hand and defensively re-born Iziane Castro Marquez, Coach Meadows will have the choice of which strategy to use and when to use it. Angel creates best when she's at the "3" or wing position but moved to the "4" when DeSouza missed game one. With DeSouza back, hopefully the Dream's lineup will be a little better balanced and rebound better.

-With a game under their belts in the very loud and home team fan-friendly Target Center, the Dream hope to be a little more settled in and more comfortable in their second road test of the series. 

-Game time is 8 p.m. tonight and ESPN2 will have the feed. 

-A look ahead to Game 3, in Atlanta, shows that Ticketmaster and Stub Hub have very few tickets remaining for the Friday, Oct 7th. contest in Philips Arena. Fortunately, ESPN2 has picked this one up also. 
.
(Here's hoping Angel flies high over Minnesota skies and the Dream play four quarters tonight. Thanks to Sandy for another in-depth and outstanding review of our #35 and her quest to get a WNBA title.Also, congrats to Angel...(1st. team WNBA.)
.
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(The following is editorial comment and does not express or define all of CARDINAL COUPLE's writers and staff on the possible move of Louisville to the BIG 12.)

Missouri has decided to "shop around". After a monolith four hour meeting Tuesday night, the Missouri Board of Curators (what, they brought in museum directors?) has approved a measure to "allow chancellor Brady Keaton to explore the Tiger's conference affiliation".

I doubt he makes a phone call to the BIG EAST's John Marinatto. The boys in the BIG 10 won't be waiting by the phone. Your WAC, PAC and MAC conferences aren't hovering over their cellular communication devices either.

This means SEC for the 'show me' state and would effectively drop the BIG 12 membership to eight schools if Kentucky and Tennessee's conference take the "tiger by the tail" and toss him in the pool.




 

So, how many schools would the BIG 12 add? How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if interim BIG 12 commish Chuck Neinas would chuck wood?

The guess here is they'll try to make the BIG 12 once again twelve...and that might turn out very sweet for Louie the Cardinal Bird. TCU...how about you? C'mon in. BYU? We want you, too...stroll on through.

That leaves two...and if the BIG 12 decides to stop at 10, then the Cards are forgotten and forlorn. If they go twelve, though...gotta love Louisville's chances.

Cue up the theme song from Jeopardy. Alex, we'll take the BIG 12 for mega $$$$$$$.
.

Lola BIG EAST Player of the Week...Field Hockey heads to Ohio State...BIG EAST Standings

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WELCOME TO TUESDAY @ CARDINAL COUPLE

-Lola gets third BIG EAST Player of the Week Award

-Field Hockey headed to Columbus

-BIG EAST Standings for Volleyball, Field Hockey and Women's Soccer

-Watson weighs in on the BIG EAST.

Some players in UofL sports history are often identified by just one name.
Angel. Grif. Scooter. Rodney. Shoni. Add Lola to the list. The junior outside

Lola

hitter for the UofL Volleyball team has been named the BIG EAST Volleyball Player of the Week for the third time this season. Lola averaged 6.71 kills per game for the Cards last week..double-doubles in both Cardinal wins and leads the league in kills.

The Cards are in a three-way tie for first place in the BIG EAST Volleyball standings and travel to Seton Hall and Rutgers for weekend matches. The Pirates could be a challenge Friday in South Orange, N.J. They're 3-0 and somewhat of a surprise on the BIG EAST Volleyball circuit.

Rutgers stands at 0-3 and will host Louisville Sunday.

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Ziva

Lola

We never really paid much attention to it...but our buddy Charlie Springer, who is a huge NCIS television show fan, commented last year on how much alike Lola and actor Cote de Pablo, who plays Ziva David on the show, look alike.

It's worth a second look  Here's the pics...see what you think.



As long as Anne Kordes doesn't start giving back of the head slaps to Lola, we're OK with the comparison. We also wouldn't mind if Tony showed up for a few games...but keep that annoying, little Jimmy Palmer in the van.

*****************************************************************


Field Hockey makes a rare middle of the week, out-of-conference trip to #20 Ohio State for a Tuesday, 3 p.m. game. The #19 Cards are are 7-4 on the season...coming off a 4-2 loss to #4 UConn.

It's the end of the game! Will there be
a tie or a win in overtime?

Louisville and Ohio State have faced each other 20 times...the Buckeyes holding a decisive 15-5 record against UofL. It should be noted that six of the last eight contests have been decided in overtime.

Which brings us to the question...Why do field hockey games go to overtime but have no ties and women's soccer games have overtimes and ties?

The Cards are looking for big effort from their defense...which has allowed only 14 points in 11 contests. They'll also need offensive production from leading scorers Hayley Turner (seven goals, six assists) and Elizabeth Vance (four goals). Ohio State is on a five game winning streak and 2-0 in the BIG TEN...with wins over #11 Michigan and #13 Indiana. 

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BIG EAST STANDINGS:

VOLLEYBALL

LOUISVILLE      4-0
Villanova       4-0
Cincinnati      4-0
Marquette      4-0
Seton Hall     3-0
Syracuse       2-1
Pittsburgh     2-2
USF              2-2
Notre Dame   1-3
Georgetown   1-3
DePaul          1-3
WVU             1-3
Rutgers         0-3
UConn           0-4
St. John's       0-4

FIELD HOCKEY

UConn          3-0
Syracuse       3-0
Villanova       1-1
LOUISVILLE  1-2
Rutgers         1-2
Providence     0-2
Georgetown   0-2

WOMEN'S SOCCER (National Division)

Georgetown    4-2-0
LOUISVILLE   3-1-2
Notre Dame    3-2-1
Seton Hall      3-3-0
Villanova        2-4-0
Cincinnati       1-3-2
Rutgers          1-4-1
DePaul           1-4-1

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******************************************************************

(Cardinal Couple special correspondent David Watson looks at the BIG EAST. We're proud of the fact that he even spell-checked his column for once...)

So, how much $$$$$ is enough to get Syracuse and Pitt out of the BIG EAST before their scheduled 2014 departure date? I say $15 million each. If they wait, they can bail for $5 million. What's a mere $10 million per school when you're headed to a conference that prides itself in raiding the BIG EAST for talent? They'll get to re-connect with former BIG EAST schools Miami, Virginia Tech and Boston College. Not that they'll be able to compete with them in football, which is why they're leaving, but those Boston College vs. Syracuse grid-iron match up will be "must-see" TV. 

(If you're an insomniac.)

 Women's basketball should be just as exciting when Pitt takes on Virginia Tech. Someone pass the 5 Hour Energy.

The major question is if the fans of Pitt and West Virginia will
miss the "backyard brawl" in football in the upcoming years? Maybe it can be an out-of-conference game. Here's who the schools are currently playing out-of conference.

Pitt scheduled Buffalo (not the Bills, OK?), Maine, Iowa, Notre Dame and Utah.

David Watson

The WVU out-of-conference contests this year are Marshall, Norfolk State, Maryland, LSU and Bowling Green.

So far, the two teams are 5-3 in out-of-conference games. WVU lost to LSU and Pitt has fallen to Iowa and Notre Dame. So much for cupcakes in the cupboard.

Finally, the BIG EAST is pursuing an expansion strategy. For football only. Yet, they won't turn the screws on Notre Dame and put a pressure hold on them to commit for football. At least, the league is trying to stay together. Until the Big 12 comes calling for Louisville and the ACC woos UConn and Rutgers. If you're South Florida or Cincinnati, who may have two of the best three football teams in the BIG EAST this year, you're praying that the Marinatto glue being applied to the structure holds. And, if you're TCU, you have to be thinking:

"What in the heck did we get ourselves into?"

My solution? Combine the BIG EAST, ACC and BIG 12 and just call it the BIG Conference. Sometimes, simplicity is best. 

Finally, the women's basketball team at UofL might get neck strain when they travel to Texas A&M this year for a game. The Aggies have 6'7" Rachel Mitchell, 6'5" Karla Gilbert and 6'4" Kelsey Bone on the front line. Just don't let Shelby guard any of the three, Coach Walz.
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Volley Cards defeat N.D....Women's Soccer beats USF 2-1...Dream fall to Lynx...Velasquez wins singles in tennis.

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MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Lola, Brauneis key Cardinal Volleyball win

-Exeter's "heads up" leads Soccer Cards to 2-1 victory

-Atlanta, Angel fall in 4th quarter to Minnesota

-Freshman Velazquez wins singles final at Wake Forest

The University of Louisville Volleyball team defeated Notre Dame 3-1 in action at South Bend yesterday afternoon. After dropping the first game to the Irish 17-25...UofL roared back and took the final three games 25-16, 25-22 and 25-21 to secure the match. The win drops the Irish to 8-6, 1-3 and the Cards improve to 12-4, 4-0.

Stepping up big again for Louisville was Lola Arslanbekova. The junior outside hitter had 28 kills against Notre Dame and was especially dominant in game three for the Cards...scoring six out of the last seven points to get the win.

Lola likes it! Cards win!

It was a slow start to Sunday action for Anne Kordes' team, falling behind 12-3 to the Irish in game one. Louisville managed to get within six late in the contest at 21-15 but ended up on the short end of the 17-25 final.

The Cards got Lola involved early in the second game and used a 11-3 run midway through the action to build a comfortable lead that the Irish couldn't diminish. Lola's seven kills and Emily Juhl's three blocked helped the Cards to a 25-16 win and knotted the match at 1-1. 

Game three was a nip and tuck affair....Louisville falling behind 13-10 but getting three straight scores from Emily Juhl to create a 16-16 tie. Notre Dame fought back to grab a 19-17 lead but Lola took over from there and Louisville pounded out a hard fought 25-22 victory.

The Cards jumped on the Irish early in the final game and led 17-10 before a furious Notre Dame got them within two at 21-19. Emily Juhl got the winner for Louisville with a kill at 24-21
to end Sunday's action.

The Cards got an eye-popping 56 assists from Taylor Brauneis in the match.

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Christine Exeter used her head yesterday. Literally. Her head shot, on a kick from Devyn Ciotti, found the net in overtime and Louisville won 2-1 over the Bulls. With the win, the Cards improve to 5-5-3 and 3-1-2 in BIG EAST play.

USF started the day's scoring early...connecting on a goal just five minutes into action. It took the Cards just two minutes to tie it, though. Angelika Uremovich chased down a block by the USF goalkeeper and sent it back toward the net successfully. After that, the game evolved into a defensive struggle until Exeter's heroics in overtime. The Cards out shot the Bulls 24-12 overall and had a decisive 15-6 advantage on shots on goal. Chloe Kiefer finished with five saves at goalkeeper for UofL. 

The Cards pack the bags and head out for two BIG EAST game next...Villanova is the first stop on Friday and Georgetown on Sunday.


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The Atlanta Dream fell to the Minnesota Lynx 88-74 in the first game of the WNBA Finals...despite 33 points from Angel McCoughtry. Despite being shackled with foul trouble in the first half, #35 came out and scored nineteen of her points in the third quarter. The Lynx came out on fire in the fourth quarter and, with hot shooting and some crucial Atlanta turnovers, went on a 13-0 run which put them ahead to stay.

The Dream dominated early in the game, leading by double digits several times in the second quarter. Lindsey Harding and Iziane Castro Marquez picked up the scoring slack for the foul plagued Angel and strong rebounding by Alison Bales pushed Atlanta to a 29-17 advantage.

Led by Rebekkah Brunson and Semoine Augustus, the Lynx fought back and rode a third quarter surge that saw them grab a 51-49 lead. The contest was tied 62-62 after three.

In the end, Minnesota's rebound advantage 40-28, scoring domination in the paint (52-30) and 11 blocked shots overcame the Dream's quickness. Without post player Erika DeSouza, Atlanta was over-matched and out-played in the paint. DeSouza led Brazil's national team to a Olympics qualifying berth over the weekend but is expected to suit up for Atlanta in game two on Wednesday.

McCoughtry was spectacular in defeat. She dominated the third quarter with an assortment of jumpers, spin moves, steals and blocks. The Target Center crowd of over 15,000, though, rallied the home team and the Lynx takes the early lead in the series.

"The crowd energizes them and it just weighs you down." McCoughtry commented after the game. "It's good to know that we were the ones that kind of messed ourselves up. That's a good thing for us because we can adjust that."

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The Louisville women's tennis team may have found the star of the future yesterday in freshman Manuela Velasquez. She won the B - Singles yesterday in the Wake Forest Invitational and teamed up with Amelia Harris to win the doubles also.

Velasquez, a Queens, NY resident, is a great story. Her parents chose home schooling for her for high school because her early participation in tournaments was hurting her grades. Although she missed high school activities like proms and a formal graduation, she says it didn't affect her socially and feels it helped her academically. 

Velasquez has overcome obstacles to become a Cardinal



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..

"It wasn't hard to keep up. It was just staying disciplined and completing the work."

She's also overcome two serious injuries to reach the college level. A torn ACL in 2008 and two torn ligaments in her shoulder in 2010 kept her off the mainstream college recruiting circuits. Mark Beckham, UofL's head women's coach, saw the potential there, though and successfully got her on the Cardinal campus...beating out Long Island University and Boston College for her services.

Tough Louisville losses in Field Hockey, Men's Soccer and Football

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CARDINAL COUPLE PRESENTS SUNDAY

-Field Hockey falls to #4 Connecticut

-Sandy Walker previews Dream vs. Lynx

-Football gets run over by Herd

-Men's Soccer loses in O.T.

Not a whole lot to cheer about yesterday for UofL sports fans...as three Cardinal sports teams took to their respective fields of battle and received defeats...Let's see what happened

Cards fall for the second time in BIG EAST
play this season at UConn.

The Field Hockey Cards struck first against UConn in Storrs Saturday when Dominique Pasqualichio found the net on a penalty corner with assists from Heather Stevens and Hayley Turner just six minutes into the game. The Huskies responded with a goal, though several minutes later on a penalty corner to tie it up. They would go on to score two more times in the first half....putting Louisville in an uncomfortable position on the short end of a 3-1 score.

UConn came out and increased that lead to 4-1 in the second half and held the advantage until the Cards got a late goal from Kelsey Rosenmeier to create the final 4-2 score.

The Cards (7-4, 1-2) were outshot 17-9 by the Huskies. Erin Conrad had six saves for Louisville but UConn (9-1, 3-0) put the most points on Louisville's stout defense of any opponents so far this year.

Louisville heads to Ohio State for a Tuesday tilt against the Buckeyes before returning home to face Rutgers Sunday, Oct. 8th.

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(Cardinal Couple's Sandy Walker gives us this preview of Atlanta vs. Minnesota in the WNBA Finals)

Both Atlanta and Minnesota have definitely improved since their last meeting in June. The Lynx was 2-0 against Atlanta during the regular season but tonight's outcome in Game One of the WNBA Finals will be less reliant on improved skills and, more importantly...about the spirit, intensity and temperament of the Atlanta players....in my humble opinion.

Minnesota has every reason to expect a opening night win against Angel and Atlanta:

-The Lynx were designated #1 seed for the entire run of the WNBA Playoffs.

-The Lynx have the clear blessing for success from those who make a living projecting the outcome of sporting events.
-The Lynx benefit from additional time for physical rest and practice, having swept Phoenix in two games...while it took Atlanta three games to down Indiana.

The Atlanta Dream have a few documented advantages and also possess a few intangibles which I believe will hold the key to the outcome of the game tonight and the championship:

The will-to-win is what champions
are made of. Angel's is off the
charts.

-The Dream had Angel McCoughtry, Sancho Lyttle and Arminite Price...all were selected to the WNBA All-Defensive team. They were also the highest scoring team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season.
-The Dream have been their before...playing in the finals last season vs. Seattle
-Did we mention Angel? When her will-to-win is in high gear, there is no one more effective and productive in the league.

Keys to tonight's game and the series:

-The match up between Seimone Augustus and Angel, a stand-alone highlight reel in the making.
-Atlanta's success (or lack of it) from the free throw line.
-Whether Atlanta goes with the taller lineup against the normally better rebounding Lynx or sticks with the smaller, quicker lineup which flourished against the Fever with Iziane Castro Marquez and McCoughtry at the helm.

My projection of a winner (if based solely upon a statistically completed analysis) would be the Lynx. After including the intangibles, though...I go with Atlanta tonight. Having been denied the ring last season...Angel's on a mission.

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Teddy gets air at the
goal line

Although Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater ran for a touchdown and passed for a second one in yesterday's game against Marshall, it was a late interception that spelled the difference in the 17-13 loss to the Thundering Herd. A wacky play...the ball bouncing off two players before falling into the hands of a diving Marshall defender for the pick. Not Teddy's falut...but a game changer.

Things get no easier for Charlie's bunch next week. They travel to Chapel Hill to face a very good North Carolina team Saturday, Oct. 8th. at the despicable time of noon.

The TarHeels are 4-1 after yesterday's 35-20 win over East Carolina. They've also beat BIG EAST member Rutgers this year.

Unhappy with Cards
performance (and
he should be...)

The 2-2 Cards disappointed a lot of fans in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium...losing a defensive struggle to the Thundering Herd. Also quite upset with the loss was Cardinal head coach Charlie Strong..who refused to pick out any individual poor performances...just stating that the whole team played poorly. From my vantage point, Louisville's offensive line needs to review the basic techinques of blocking again.

The hero of the UK win...Dominique Brown...was almost a ghost yesterday for the Cardinal offense. Only six carries and 14 total yards? 95 yards rushing total for the Cards...completely baffling after a big performance at UK.

What's up with that?

Charlie Springer over at UofL Card Game has a great video of country music performer Trace Adkins singing the National Anthem at the game. Watch early, though..and you'll see Trace draw a blank when it comes to the "dawn's early....." part.
As Alex Trebek from Jeopardy would say..."the word is light, Trace...Light."
http://www.uoflcardgame.com/

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Louisville Soccer took a tough defeat last night against the Huskies in Cardinal Park. 1-0...in overtime. Good crowd on hand to watch the battle...but in a game where he who scores most wins, the Cards could not produce a net-finder.

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Soccer drops 1-0 to #10 Marquette...Volleyball sweeps DePaul...Field Hockey today....Rocks roll X 41-6

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday at CARDINAL COUPLE

-Early score decides Field Hockey vs. Marquette.

-DePaul no match for Lola in Volleyball.

-Sowry's stick swingers take on UConn today.

-Strictly business...Trinity romps St.Xavier by 35.

IF you showed up a little late for last night's women's soccer match against Marquette last night, you missed the deciding score. Five minutes into the game, the Golden Eagles' Taylor Madigan drove a loose ball into the corner of the net for a 1-0 lead. And, that...as they say...was that.

Defense dominated the rest of the way. Only 14 total shots in 90 minutes of play...Marquette holding a 9-5 advantage. The Golden Eagles also led Louisville in shots on goal 5-1.

Jordan Pawlik for Louisville

Cardinal coach Karen Ferguson Dayes commented on the early fireworks:

"With all due respect to Marquette, I personally think that it was a soft goal on our part. It was a great finish for them but we were definitely a little flat and I believe it was a missed clearance by us. After we made some adjustments for what they were doing, I thought we were in there. They're a good team and I give them credit. They got the win tonight."

With the loss, the Cards drop to 4-5-3 on the season and 2-1-2 in the BIG EAST. They'll look for redemption Sunday when USF visits. Game time is 1 p.m.

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Lola Arslanbekova led the Volleyball Cards with 19 kills last night as Louisville swept the DePaul Blue Demons 25-15, 25-15, 26-24 in BIG EAST Volleyball action in Chicago last night.

Lola shines again for Cards

UofL (11-4, 3-0) won the first two matches with relative ease...jumping out to a 16-12 lead in game one and then going on a 9-3 to take the win. Game two saw the Cards rip out to a 11-2 advantage and lead late 21-10 before coasting in for the ten point victory. The Blue Demons made it a bit tougher in the third...grabbing a 8-2 early advantage and the Cards did not gain the lead until Kaitlynn James got a block to put Louisville up 21-20. DePaul took the game to match point with a 4-1 run...but Louisville responded with the final four points to take game, set and match.

Tanya Lukyanenko had a big night also for Anne Kordes' squad...with 10 kills and the Cards got 10 digs and two blocks out of James. 

Tough one Sunday for Louisville, at South Bend against the Irish. Notre Dame (8-4, 1-1) hosts the Cincinnati Bearcats today before the Cards invade. 

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Field Hockey looks to take one on the road today when they face off against #4 UConn in Storrs this afternoon. #19 Louisville will need a big defensive effort to shut down a Husky squad (8-1) that has scored eight goals in their last two wins. On offense, Hayley Turner will need to keep up her scoring success of late for the Cards to pull off the upset.

Don't be surprised if this one is a low scoring affair. The Cards defense has been stellar this season...allowing only 10 goals in 10 contests. The UConn defense just as good...giving up only eight scores this year.

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James Quick lives up to his last name

Trinity dominated the second half against St. Xavier in high school football last night at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium...caging the Tigers 41-6 in front of 30,666 attendees. This one was still close at halftime...the Rocks holding on to a shaky 14-6 advantage. X blew a golden opportunity to score near the end of the first quarter...fumbling on the Trinty 1 yard line. No panic or yelling in the Rocks locker room at halftime. Just a reminder from head Trinity coach Bob Beatty that they needed to go out in the second half and take care of business.

Business was good in the final half.The game turned into the James Quick show for Trinity...he had two touchdown catches on the night and threw for a score. The junior wide receiver/athlete is as good as promised. Trinity is definitely one of the top 3 teams in the nation.

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Football returns to the Oven again this afternoon when Marshall comes to visit the Cards. 3:30 p.m. kickoff and it's been announced that it's a sold out show. Another ideal day for the gridiron...temperatures in the low 60's and no rain. The Cards go on the road for two after this one...visiting North Carolina and Cincinnati before returning home to face Rutgers on Friday, October 21st.

After the Cards corral the Thundering Herd...why not head over to Cardinal Park to watch the men's soccer team (6-2) battle UConn? Game time is 7 p.m. for Ken Lolla's guys. It's an easy walk from Papa John's and better than sitting in traffic for an hour sweating out the UofL game exit snafu that occurs after each home contest.
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