Softball, Lacrosse, NAAK all suffer losses -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

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SOFTBALL SHUTOUT AGAIN BY NOLES

Tough weekend so far for the Softball Cards...falling 8-0 to Florida State yesterday in Tallahassee. 

The Cards were held scoreless with just two hits by FSU pitcher Meghan King in the run-rule, five inning affair. Coupled with Saturday's 4-0 loss, it's the first time that Louisville Softball has gone two games without a run since 2015 against Virginia Tech. 

Danielle Watson went the distance for UofL, giving up six hits and eight walks, to drop to 14-8 on the season. Maddie Newman and Sidney Melton produced the only two Cardinal hits. 

Down 4-0 after two innings, the Cards did manage to hold the Noles scoreless in the third but a two-run homer in the fourth and two more runs in the fifth gave FSU the win. 

They'll try it again tonight at 7 p.m. on ESPNU. 


LACROSSE ENDS REGULAR SEASON WITH 19-8 LOSS AT SYRACUSE. 

A familiar story line for Louisville Lacrosse yesterday in the Carrier Dome against the Orange in lacrosse. The Cards hung tough with Syracuse for 36 minutes....tied at 8-8....before the Orange put up a 11-0 run to win on Senior Day. 

With a smaller than normal roster, Louisville Lacrosse experienced a bit of late-game fatigue against the Orange in the final 24 minutes...head coach Scott Teeter's squad has basically improved each outing this season but in the ultra competitive, talented and experienced ACC...you need a squad that has experience, tons of talent and depth. All things Teeter is developing at UofL -- but the process doesn't happen overnight and, after a 5-1 start to the season, the Cards went 1-9 to end the year...mostly against the powerhouse and nationally ranked ACC gauntlet of seven foes...all who will mostly likely make the NCAA Tournament. 

Seven Cards scored in the loss, Sarah Blalock finding the net twice for Louisville (6-10, 0-7). 

The Cards draw undefeated Boston College in the ACC Tournament, which begins Thursday in Durham, NC on the Duke campus.


N.A.A.K. ELIMINATED IN SEMIS OF USA 3X3 TOURNEY

Asia Durr's USA 3x3 experience comes to an end with a 21-19 semifinal loss to the Bye Felicia foursome in the Colorado Springs Tournament. 

Her squad (with Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale and Kristen Angiwe) won the play-in games to the final four convincingly with 21-8 consecutive victories to face the veteran Bye Felicia squad, which had (3) players aged 28 and (1) aged 27. Danika Dale (Liberty), Kristen McCarthy, Shaqweda Wallace (both from Temple) and Vershaundra Young (Martin Methodist) engaged N.A.A.K. in a thriller that came down to the final play of the contest. 

The Championship went to the Oregon Ducks in a 21-5 blowout of Bye Felicia. Hodgenville, KY standout Erin Boley teamed with Sabrina Ionescu, Ruthy Hebard and Otiona Gildon for the win. 

Boley was impressive, getting all eight of her points from beyond the arc. The scoring is a bit different in 3x3...with free throws and shots inside the arc counting for one point...while "trey" makes count for two points. Ionescu, who was named MVP of the tournament, had six points in the final game...where the Ducks jumped out to a 7-0 lead en route to the 16-point victory. 

Good experience for Durr...who has plenty of basketball ahead for her this spring and summer. Jeff Walz was in attendance for the shootout weekend (like he needs an excuse to go to Colorado).

Durr's N.A.A.K. sqaud went into the semifinals with a 4-1 record in preliminary action, losing only to the eventual champions 21-17 on opening day.

There was good representation from players around the local area and state with Lakin Roland (Princeton) from Jeffersonville, IN and Alexis Robinson (Colorado) out of Ashland, KY also participating for two of the 12 teams in the tournament. 

Alexis is Cardinal signee Mykasa Robinson's older sister and averaged 12.1 points for the Buffs as a junior, despite sitting out the entire summer of conditioning recovering from an ACL injury and surgery. 

Have a great Monday, I'll either be back on these pages tomorrow or we may get some commentary from our buddy David Watson...you never really know around the topsy-turvy, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants protocol and lineup here at the C.C.  

(Softball photo courtesy of Jared Anderson) 


paulie
xxxxx

Sunday Cardinal Couple - South for Softball, North for Lacrosse, East for Golf, Mellwood for Radio

South for Softball

The Softball squad was in action yesterday in Tallahassee, with our own Jared Anderson in attendance.  The squad wasn't able to get the win yesterday after a disastrous 5th inning that saw FSU hitting back to back doubles, followed by back to back homeruns to put 4 on the scoreboard.

Megan Hensley was in the circle and kept the 'Noles from crossing the plate for more than 4 innings, but things fell apart in the 5th.  Kyra Snyder entered the game in relief and finished off the rest of the game, but the damage had been done.  With 4 on the board for FSU, and UofL wasn't able to get any runs plated, the Seminoles took the first game of the series.

The Cards will be looking to get the win today started at 11am (time adjusted for expected weather).

The inimitable Mr. Anderson will be in attendance again today with his lovely girlfriend Katy.  You can check out his twitter account for some in-game tweets at

 https://twitter.com/MrAndersonJared.

The series will conclude tomorrow with a 7pm first pitch.  The Cards will then return home for the last homestand of the season, welcoming Boston College in to Ulmer Stadium.  I haven't heard specific word, but it's likely that the Cards will celebrate Senior Day for the noon start against BC on the 29th.  There is one more home game after that, a mid-week tilt vs Marshall, but the program likes to do Senior Day celebrations during the weekend as more families are able to make the trip.

North for Lacrosse

Scott Teeter and his Lacrosse squad heads north Syracuse to finish off their regular season.  Both Louisville and Syracuse are looking to pick up a conference win before the season closes out, and one will get their wish.

Don't let an 0-6 standing in the ACC fool you, though, this Syracuse Lacrosse team is no joke.  They are 8-8 overall on the season, and even with that, they're sitting at 23rd in the RPI.  Winless in conference play and they're still a bubble NCAA team, you've got to give them credit for having a strong schedule across the board.  The only non-conference teams to hand SU an L were Maryland, an perennial powerhouse in Lacrosse...think on-par with UConn in Women's Basketball, and Northwestern, another very fine Lacrosse team.

UofL Lacrosse will go to the ACC championship tournament in Durham, NC, but they would have to make a very deep run, or perhaps improbably win the whole tournament, to have a real shot of making the 26 team NCAA tournament field.

East for Golf

OK, maybe a bit southeast...

Women's Golf is at the ACC Championship in Greensboro.  Stop me if you've heard this one
before...Olivia Cason is pretty good at golf.

Cason stands in 12th place overall in the tournament, leading the Cardinals contingent.  The Grandover Resort and Conference Center East Course seems to be playing pretty hard, with only 11 players at or below par in the first round.

The Cardinals squad is making a good showing for itself, with Molly Skapik and Delaney Shah in a tie for 30th at 4 over par and Lauren Hartlage in a tie for 39th with a 5 over.

Play continues through tomorrow.

Mellwood for Radio

 You can check out the replay of the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour on Facebook streaming at https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/2009500282406578/.  We were sparse in the studio with only Paulie and I in attendance physically, though we did get a report from Jared (Katy could be heard in the background) on the war paint preparations for the FSU vs UofL Softball game.

Check out the stream and help us figure out a name for Touchdown Squirrel.  I believe my entry is going to be "Floyd", since he gained his fame at Papa Johns Cardinal Stadium on Floyd Street.

(Softball photos courtesy of Jared Anderson today) 

--
JMcA

Softball, Lacrosse Face Big Tests -- SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

SOFTBALL SQUARES OFF VS. SEMINOLES

The University of Louisville Softball squad will miss Thunder over Louisville festivities today on the Ohio River but they hope to make a little noise on their own when they start the three game series against FSU down in Tallahassee this afternoon. 

The Seminoles are ranked either 8th (ESPN) or 10th (USA Today) in the nation, according to which poll you follow and will host Louisville for a 1 p.m. game today. FSU is 36-8 on the season and have won the last five meetings with Louisville. 

The Cards come into the contest with a 11-7 win over Indiana on Wednesday in Bloomington. The recent rejuvenated Louisville bats will be put to the test against a FSU pitching staff that held Boston College to just four runs in a three game set last time out. 

The festivities will be available on the ACC Network Extra today and tomorrow, ESPNU carries the contest Monday.  As always, game times are always subject to change depending on any impending weather in the area. 

Our Jared Anderson is in Tallahassee and will attend the first two contests. We'll catch up with him today via phone on the CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR for his thoughts on Noles vs. Cards. 


LACROSSE TRAVELS TO SYRACUSE

If Floyd Street, on the UofL campus, seems a little less crowded today...it's because the Lacrosse team is also out of town and will miss Thunder Live to face Syracuse in the final regular season game of the year. 

The Orange are in a similar predicament as Scott Teeter's squad.  They haven't won a contest in ACC play either this season, so it'll be a battle for the basement...so to speak in the Carrier Dome.

It's homecoming for Otto the Orange's bunch, so they'll have a bit of momentum in that regard.  The 'Cuse dropped a 13-12 contest against Boston College last time out in Chestnut Hill. They've managed a 8-8 record on the season but are on a three game losing streak. Surprisingly, they are ranked #19 in the nation...a testament to just how strong ACC women's lacrosse is. 

For the Cards, it's a matter of just sealing the deal and finishing strong. Louisville was tied with Virginia 8-8 last week in the L.L.S. early in the second half before watching the Wakoos go on a 6-0 run and eventually taking the match 18-10. Thhe Cards are 6-9 on the season. 

Louisville did down the Orange last year out at the "Ellis" 9-8. It was their first win ever against Syracuse...failing the previous seven times. 

Cardinal Freshman Caroline Blalock (one of the Blalock sistahs) was recently named IL Women's Lacrosse National Rookie of the Week, based in part on her four goal effort against UVA. 

Both teams will open ACC Tournament play on Thursday at Duke...one of them hoping to have the momentum of a one game winning streak.


THE CARDINAL COUPLE RADIO HOUR

It'll be like a return to the early days of the broadcast history today as Jeff and I will be the two lone hosts for the 11 a.m. broadcast. We've gotten spoiled, maybe with three or four voices each week to pontificate and predict. 

With Case studying for Engineering exams and Jared down in the Sunshine State  -- plus three guests I invited to sit in either out-of-town or with prior commitments -- you'll get the "stripped down" version of the "A" team on Facebook Live. Two knuckleheads with the promise of a third via phone. 

"The knuckleheads make me laugh!"

(Don't worry..."stripped down is just a descriptive metaphor...we promise we'll have our clothes on and they'll remain on..) 

Jared Anderson, as mentioned above, will call in to brag about the Florida weather, probably take a picture of himself while talking to us and maybe even reveal the highly secret and clandestine motive behind his travels to Jazmine Jones' hometown. 

We'll have plenty of items to discuss and give you Worldwide's infamous scheduling and Twitter segment...which has gotten quite a bit of national recognition and commentary from people who despise the term "um..." in spoken language. Hey, we all do it. Some are better at it than others. 

Join us, won't you?     www.wchqfm.com


paulie
xxxxx

Hooping it up in Louisville this weekend -- FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

THE CLASSIC One Of The Major Showcase Events This Weekend 

The Classic, sponsored by National Exposure Basketball, comes to the Kentucky Expo Center (formerly known as the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center) starting today and almost 400 teams of U12 through U17 high school girls basketball prospects will be in town for three days of hoops. 

28 courts. A four-game guarantee. Over 300 college coaches. Organized mayhem form three days, driven by the steady beat of balls bouncing, shoes slapping the court and the yells and comments of the players and coaches. A symphony of sound. 

On the first "live" weekend of recruiting this spring, high school basketball comes to Louisville's door. And the Cardinals coaching staff will be in attendance for many of the contests. 

On Thunder Weekend in Louisville, expect a bunch of "thunder" as well out on Phillips Lane by the airport on the hardwood -- instead of the River. 

Here are a few of the participants the Cards will be watching: 

Rickea Jackson --  A 6'2" wing in the Class of 2019 from Detroit, MI...she plays for the Sports City U squad. She's very explosive on the perimeter, attacks the hoop well, active on the glass and can attack in transition. She's the #2 ranked wing by Prospects Nation and Hoop Gurlz has her at #9 overall. She has not come up with a college declaration yet. 

Jordan Horston -- This 6'1" guard out of Columbus, OH is also in the Class of 2019...she also plays for Sports City U.  Athleticism, quick leaper, plays outside or around the rim and impressive mid-range shot. She's #3 ranked by Prospects Nation and Hoop Gurlz has her at #6 overall. Undeclared at last glance, plenty of school have an interest. 

Zia Cooke -- She's a 5'9" point guard out of Toledo and is the #1 ranked point guard current at Hoop Gurlz and #7 overall inn the class of 2019. She has a scorer's mentality, fast off-the-dribble, can take defenders to the hoop easily or beat them from mid-range or deep. Has great body control and finishes plays in traffic. Also undeclared at this writing. Another Sports City U baller. 

Kierstan Bell -- This 6'1" guard can manufacture, deliver off-the-dribble, a defensive nightmare for opponents, passes well and can play excellent defense. From Canton, OH. She comes in at #2 by Prospects Nation at her guard spot and Hoop Gurlz lists her as the #4 prospect overall for the 2019 class. In Ohio, they call her "SheBron" and the Canton faithful ring bells at home games whenever she scores. 
She does her club ball for 77 South Elite All-Stars. Remember the name. 

LINK: A nice read on Bell:  QUEEN KIERSTAN

Gabby Hutcherson --  Out of the 2020 class, this 6'2" "stretch 4" can create inside or out and plays solid defense. From Columbus, OH...Hoop Gurlz has her at #7 in her position and #24 overall. She is undeclared as well and Ohio State and Maryland have been listed as possibles. 

So, plenty of top flight talent in town for a major test. We haven't seen a whole lot about posts yet in the Cardinals radar and, admittedly, I'm not the greatest on recruiting news...but based on this partial list, Louisville has some major talent in town and ready to roll. 

It's a Treasure Hunt! Wouldn't it be great if'
she wore a parrot on her shoulder?  Arrgghh! 

I also read that a prospect from the class of 2021...Tatiana Pope...who will be in attendance, might be worth watching. She's already 6'5" and can shoot the three with accuracy. Hoop Gurlz doesn't list her in their top 25 yet and Prospects Nation doesn't list a top 25 for 2021...but there's plenty of time to evaluate this young women. 

My favorite (name wise) has to be Treasure Hunt, a 2020 prospect and 6'1" wing out of Chattanooga, TN. She's the #2 wing in the class according to Prospect's Nation. 

An early spring chance to make a name for yourself or catch a coach's attention this weekend out at the KEC. Hundreds of athletics in the venue, all a bit nervous...hoping to do well and catch a few eyes, in addition to helping their squad win. All looking at the men and women in the polo shirts and seeing if there is a logo or school name up in the left or right corner of the shirt. 

Club ball. A totally different creature than high school ball. Kentucky Premier, one of the most recognized and successful club programs, will have 11 teams at the three-day event. Score More Athletic Club, the second largest of the hoops clubs with representation in four different cities in the Midwest and East, brings in 15 squad. 

For some of the girls...the  "veteran performer" status applies, having played in tournaments like this for the past 4-5 years. We're not sure where Nyah Green is playing this weekend, but we'll assume that that there will be a Cardinals coach in the venue wherever it is to watch the 2019 Louisville signee and best of the class. We're also unsure where Ramani Parker, a 6'4" paint dweller from the 2019 Class and headed to Louisville out of California will be showcasing her skills this weekend. Fill us in if you know? 

Yes, the coaches will be watching and evaluating. A coach, who requested anonymity, told me this about events like this: 

"You need to go in with a game plan. You make sure your staff knows who to watch, you, as head coach will be keying in on your main recruits, and some of the court-sides can get pretty crowded with coaches. You're thinking of your future needs for the program and trying to watch the players in that kind of situation. Who passes well? Who had good mid-range skills? Is she a talker? Does she go to the hoop or hang around the perimeter?  You fraternize a lot, too. With other coaches, club coaches, parents and talent scouts." 

I won't be attending any of the KEC events, unfortunately...Cardinal Couple coverage on other things and (what appears to be) the bare minimum in the studio Saturday -- so far -- with just me and Jeff for The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour, plus a phone call from the travelling Jared will have me quite busy, plus writing for Case on Saturday as well...as he goes into the serious testing part of trying to become an engineer. 

(We hope he gets a nice, new shiny train!) 

I've also got Handicapping Heroes in full swing now and the horse racing venue also keeps me hopping. So much for that "slow season" I used to experience at the end of women's college basketball.  

We'll get a little more into the weekend's events tomorrow and it's a busy one for softball, lacrosse and the other spring UofL women's sports.  

Paulie
xxxxx

Softball's Seventh Inning Spark -- Individual Awards -- THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

I may not be Paulie, but today is still Thursday.  Due to some traveling I was unable to write Friday's article so the boss man and I changed days.  In fact, I am writing this article Wednesday night with it set to publish Thursday morning.  By the time this article appears on our wonderful Cardinal Couple site I should be on a plane bound for Tallahassee.

Softball Ignites in Seventh Inning to Defeat Indiana

Louisville softball posted their fourth double-digit run total in six games as they took down Indiana 11-7.  Led by Sidney Melton's three RBIs the Cards capitalized on 14 hits and a whopping five errors by the Hoosiers.

Louisville got on top in the third when Nicole Pufahl's bases loaded sac fly drove in Sidney Melton.  They loaded the bases again the next inning and found more success, adding a trio of runs.  A passed ball scored Riley Schindler.  Melton's single drove in Blaire Bass and Celene Funke.

Indiana answered in the fifth when Maddie Westmoreland's two-run single cut the lead in half.  An RBI bunt added a run in the sixth for the Hoosiers.

The flood gates opened up in the seventh and the runs came pouring in for the Cards.  Nine hits and two errors resulted in a seven-run inning and a lead that extended to eight.  Because the eight-run mercy rule does not take effect until after a complete inning Indiana had one last chance.

A pair of walks and three hits helped Indiana put up four runs in the seventh, but their rally fell short as Louisville walked out of Andy Mohr Field with a victory.

Danielle Watson, back in the lineup after a mid-season injury, took the win to improve to 14-7.  Megan Hensley closed out the game for her third save this season.  Melton added another successful steal to her name while Funke did not register a stolen base attempt.

The Cards travel to Florida State for a Saturday-Sunday-Monday series.  You can catch my beautiful girlfriend and I in the crowd for the first two games.

Caroline Blalock Earns National Rookie of the Week Honors

After a solid outing against Virginia last weekend Caroline Blalock received forty percent of the votes on route to claim ILWomen National Rookie of the Week.  The freshman leads the Cards with 41 goals and nine hat tricks, as well as leading in seven other categories.

Blalock is one of "the sisters" on the UofL Campus for Louisville Lacrosse. Sarah, also a freshman, plays for the Cards and also starts.

Katie Walsh and Erin McCrudden Travel to Chile

Two of field hockey's biggest stars, junior Katie Walsh and recent alumna Erin McCrudden, were named to the USA Field Hockey National Development Squad.  They will compete in four games in Santiago, Chile in late May.

Louisville is near the end of their spring Field Hockey exhibitions and participated Saturday in the Michigan Hockeypalooza with matches against the UofM and Northwestern.

Asia Durr in the 3x3 Championships

As if she could ever get tired of basketball Asia Durr has found a way to stay busy this off-season. Louisville's leading scorer will be competing in the 2018 USA Basketball Women's 3x3 National Championships.

Some of the event's other participants are Kristine Anigwe (California), Napheesa Collier (Connecticut), and Arike Ogunbowale (Notre Dame).  They will compete April 21-22 at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado....they're a part of 18 college atudent-athletes that will look to represent the USA .

Cardinal fans may remember a few years back when Sara Hammond did the same for the USA 3x3 squad.

Good luck "Nite-nite" and if you get teamed up with Arike, be sure to introduce yourself to her.

Happy National Humor Day! I got hit with a can of Coke the other day, but don't worry, it was a soft drink.

Enjoy your Thursday and Go Cards!

- Jared -

Softball Visits Indiana -- Cards Beats Cats -- High Five -- WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Softball Travels to Bloomington

Nearly one month after the original scheduled date, Louisville and Indiana will square off for an out of conference game.  March 20 saw a downpour that resulted in a postponement.  The game is set for 5:00 p.m.

The Hoosiers are 18-24 on the year, but surprisingly post a 10-2 mark in conference play.  Season highlights and low-lights include starting the year with seven straight losses, 1-3 record against ACC teams Boston College and Georgia Tech, and a three-game sweep against then-#18 Ohio State.

Indiana has struggled on offense, often lucky to put up more than one or two runs.  Rebecca Blitz bats .331 and has scored 22 runs.  The speedster has 23 stolen bases this season.  Maddie Westmoreland leads Indiana with 36 RBIs and seven home runs.

For Louisville, Megan Hensley leads the team with five home runs.  Besides her recently hot bat she is climbing her way through the record books at UofL including: 5th in career saves, 8th in wins, 8th in starts in the circle, 8th in appearances, and 9th in strikeouts.  Sidney Melton and Celene Funke are a combined 26-for-26 in stolen bases.  Caitlin Ferguson's 37 RBis are a team-high.

Indiana is on the rise while Louisville is slumping.  In terms of RPI and resume-building wins this game does nothing.  However, a loss sets Louisville back further, hurting their chances of reaching the NCAA Tournament.

Baseball Tops Kentucky

One day past a minor snowstorm in town, the weather cleared up for a nice evening Tuesday night.  Louisville hosted Kentucky at Jim Patterson Stadium on the UofL campus and hoped to bounce back from an 8-5 loss in Lexington earlier this season.  Led by a mid-game offensive spark the Cards walked away with an 8-2 win.

The Wildcats jumped on top in the third on a solo home run before Louisville scored all eight of their runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings.  Jake Snider hit a two-run home run in a 3-for-5 outing.  Danny Oriente extended his hitting streak to 10 games after recording a pair of hits.

Things got chippy in the sixth inning following Snider's home run.  The next pitch was a beam that sent Devin Mann's helmet flying towards the third base dugout.  Coaches raced out of the dugout to settle raising tensions.  Two batters later Josh Stowers pulled an acrobatic move to avoid an inside pitch.

Kentucky added a run in the eighth, but their rally fell short.  Louisville improves to 25-11 and improves their win streak to five games.


Cardinal Couple Radio Hour

When I first appeared as a guest on the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour in the spring of 2016 we aired from a small studio in the basement of a former house, now-store on Frankfort Ave.  The floorboards from the main floor squeaked and we were fortunate for it not to interfere with the broadcast.  Since then our host radio WCHQ has relocated to their own location on Melwood Ave, including a much-needed expansion.

The Magnificent/Majestic/Magical Media Mansion on Melwood has elbow room plus more!  Besides a full showroom there is also a broadcast room, a kitchen, a lounge, and an upstairs.  WCHQ has grown into tens of thousands of active listeners and followers.

Paulie brought the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour along several months after WCHQ was founded and they have been generous to us since, continuing to air the show live every Saturday. For years, a Soundcloud rebrodcast recording follow the day after.  Recently, a Facebook Live feed has been added, given listeners a different option to tune in.  The Facebook Live also gives a live look into the studio and allows viewers to interact with us in the comments section. Those faces made for radio now can be seen. The replays are also available at the station website

www.wchqfm.com

We also post the Facebook Live replays here on the site and provide sevveral places where you can "click" on them to see the carnage.

We are pleased that the "monk" and the "punkin" continue to host the Cardinal Couple Radio Hour.  Besides the 11-12 Saturday tune-in from most of you, I highly encourage everyone to check out the local music they have to offer around the clock seven days per week.  You can tune in on the radio at 100.9 FM, or listen online.

We give a "high five" to the hard-working people at WCHQ and to you, our listeners. Speaking of "high fives"...


High Five Day


Happy National High Five Day!  The "high five" was said to have been invented here in the great city
of Louisville.   During the 1978-79 basketball season teammates Wiley Brown and Derek Smith converted the popular "low five" into a gesture done above their heads, resulting in one of the biggest forms of celebration today.

It's also interesting to remember that Wiley had an artificial thumb on  his right hand that was removable.

On the day of the 1980 National Championship game, he left it on the breakfast table and the team had to send a trainer back to the hotel to retrieve it. Eventually the digit was found in the dumpster outside the hotel. Wiley was dubious, it seems, about wearing the strap-on thumb regularly so, on occasion, Wiley would exchange a "high four" instead of the "high five".

Enjoy your Wednesday and Go Cards!

- Jared -

Becky Burke named head WBB coach at University of Charleston -- TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

FORMER CARDINAL STAR GETS NEW GIG


University of Charleston has hired Becky Burke as its next head women's basketball coach to lead the Golden Eagles into the 2018-19 season.

"Double B's" spent the last two seasons as head coach of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she led the new Eagles program to a remarkable record of success in just two seasons of competition. In the second season of play, Burke led ERAU to a 21-6 overall record and a second-place finish in the regular season in the California - Pacific Conference (Cal-Pac) where the Eagles posted an 11-3 mark and qualified for their first Cal-Pac Tournament appearance. Embry-Riddle also recorded another program first in 2017-18, appearing in the top-25 national rankings as high as No. 24 during the season.

Burke's impact was immediate. In
her first season with ERAU she led the team to a winning record, with the Eagles finishing 14-12 in their inaugural season. She basically built the program from scratch.

Prior to taking on the job of building the Embry-Riddle program, Burke was a member of the staff at Saint Joseph's College (Ind.) where she was the first assistant coach for the 2014-15 campaign. She was primarily responsible for individual development at the guard position, along with implementing defensive schemes, as well as serving as the Puma's recruiting coordinator and strength and conditioning coach.

During the 2013-14 season, Burke was the director of basketball operations at California State – Fullerton where she helped the Titans record an 8-8 record in Big West Conference play.

We all remember, hopefully, her time as a Cardinal.  A 2012 graduate of the University of Louisville with a degree in sports management, She was the three-point threat on Walz teams and a part of three NCAA Tournament teams, including helping the Cardinals to the NCAA championship game in 2009 and to the Sweet 16 in 2011. Burke led the team in scoring as a sophomore and was second as a senior, averaging 13.8 and 11.9 points per game respectively. As a senior she tied the school record for three-pointers in a game, draining eight against Syracuse.

Burke's Louisville career ended as a member of the school's 1,000-point club and became just the second Cardinal ever to participate in the State Farm College Three-Point Championship her senior year, placing second.

Burke's playing experience at NCAA Division I and immediate success as an up-and-coming coach will be huge in rebuilding the Golden Eagle women's basketball tradition of success. "It's exciting to hear Coach Burke's enthusiasm for coaching the Golden Eagles" said University of Charleston President, Dr. Ed Welch. "She has played on championship teams and knows every detail about how to run a championship program. She is clearly committed to winning championships for Charleston."

University of Charleston decided on Burke following a national search for a new WBB head coach to replace Adam Collins, who was below .500 the past two seasons.

The Golden Eagles had (18) players create stats in the 2017-18 season and just two were seniors, so Burke will have plenty of student-athletes to evaluate. Three double-digit performers return and nine of the athletes on last year's roster were from Ohio....zero from Kentucky.

"Becky emerged as a talented leader that is most prepared to coach the Golden Eagles in this era of highly competitive college basketball" said Director of Athletics, Dr. Bren Stevens. "Coach Burke will be able to develop our student-athletes and prepare them for productive lives both on and off the court which aligns perfectly with our mission."

Don't get the program and University confused with the College of Charleston, which is located in South Carolina. It's not quite that huge and dramatic step up...but a significant one at the very least. They participate in the MEC (Mountain East Conference) with these West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio schools:

Glenville State, Notre Dame College (no, not the South Bend Irish), WVU State, West Liberty,  Fairmont State, Wheeling Jesuit, Urbana, Shepherd, Concord, WVU Wesleyan and UVA-Wise.

It's an NCAA Division II Conference., too...a step up from the NAIA. The Golden Eagles went 13-17 in 2017-18 season...8-14 in-conference.

If you are on I-77  headed to the West Virginia Turnpike and going south to ACC Country...you can see their football stadium right next to the Interstate.

 We're not sure whether B.B. could ever get Coach Walz to put University of Charleston on the schedule or not. They traveled out-of-state a mere (4) times last season.

We wish the best of luck to "the Burkes-ster" as she continues the pursuit and passions of a life-long dream of continuing in basketball after graduation. We'll be watching and...hey, Becky...if you find you're looking for a great three-point shooting guard...we know of one that recently left Louisville...

Another branch from the Walz coaching tree that is in bloom and one that basically started as a small twig and continued to grow and sprout. A long way from the Pennsylvania 4A Player of the Year days in high school. A long way from the heart-to-heart, let's sit down and talk and figure it out days with Stephanie Norman and Jeff Walz.

Becky Burke, CARDINAL COUPLE salutes you and....go "Coach 'em up!" From Eagles to Golden Eagles and originally a Cardinal...Burke continues to soar high and keeps climbing.


(Parts of today's article from the University of Charleston sports information department) 


paulie
xxxxx

The "New WCHQ" grand re-opening celebration -- MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

MUSIC, BEER AND FOOD MAKE FOR A PRETTY GOOD DAY

(I step away from...UofL women's sports today to discuss the events surrounding the radio station where The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour gang does their stuff on Saturdays.)

When the basketballs finally stop bouncing on campus, Softball swings out of town and Volleyball gets two of our esteemed staff in attendance for out-of-season action, it brings one to the dilemma on a Monday morning..."What shall I write about?" 

Half the Cardinal Couple staff, beloved Sonya and Mr. Mike Gilpatrick of River City Cards did attend an event of sorts on Sunday...the radio station where we apply our weekly nonsense was having a "grand opening" of sorts to celebrate "The New WCHQ". The weather decided to cooperate around 1 p.m. on the sabbath and the event went off as planned. Unfortunately, the temperature dropped after the rain went away and by 4 p.m....the thermometer was registering a chilly 42 degrees. Not the best of settings for an outdoor event. 

Nevertheless, a good time was had by most, it seemed. The live music at Apocalypse Brew Works (right across from the station and the event site) was fantastic with Jo Ann and the Dakota, Yon, and Cut Family Foundation.  These were the three bands we caught in our time there while working the "greeters booth"....which basically consisted of saying "Hi and Welcome!" to people, pointing out we had bumper stickers, information sheets and posters and answering various queries like "Where's the beer? Where's the bathroom? How much is the food? and Do you know if (fill in the blank) is here yet"? 

Apocalypse offers (usually) a dozen or so craft beers on tap during their Fri-Sun hours of operation. They had run out of several by the time Sunday evening rolled around. I don't presume to be the beer expert that our Worldwide is, but I tried a couple and liked hwat I hd. So did Sonya. The "porter" was a favorite...and by that I don't mean the guy who checks in your luggage at the airlines or train station.  

Mr "Anderson Jared" and "the Gilpatrick" arrived shortly before five...and we spent a very enjoyable two hours plus talking with them, listening to the sounds and commenting on what was going on around us.  I also got the chance to introduce Mike to K.C. Skull, the inaugural stadium manager of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Mike will, in all probability, do a story on "Colonel KC"...he is now retired and likes to hit Apocalypse o the weekends with his wife for a "beverage" and a bit of social interaction. I've known K.C. since the late nineties and could probably never do an article on him...based on all the wacky and clandestine things we pulled off as friends, members of the Parrish House and Sportsmen's Supper Club...without possible recriminations and possible investigations 

K.C. got things done. We'll leave it at that.

For the musical reviews...the first band we saw -- Jo Ann and the Dakota -- does original music that has heavy influence from the Beatles' John Lennon, her father and other 60's alternative bands and features her strong voice and song-writing, She named the band after the apartment that John Lennon lived in (THE DAKOTA) until he was tragically shot. 

She brings a non-stop energy to her performances that transcended out into the crowd and got a lot of attendees dancing in front of the stage. She plays an acoustic guitar and trats it almost as a dancing partner at times and the backing band expertly leads her through original ballads about life, relationships and society.

This is thinking music, not head-banging or political anthems stuff. The musicians are quite talented and they put on a great show despite the chilly stage.  Below is a link to one of their recent releases, a song called The White Rabbit (not to be confused with the old Jefferson Airplane song). 

LINK:

Joann and the Dakota

Performing next was YONS, an eight-piece local outfit that does rap stylings, hip-hop and featured three singers performing their crafts and words. I got involved with a few things going on at the booth and was involved in a discussion with a couple of the station DJ's at WCHQFM during their performance, so I didn't get to watch them as closely as I would have liked. All seemed to be intrigued by their performance, though.

I wasn't quite sure what "YONS" was or is, definition wise and no one around me knew. The only think that came to mind is the Shakesperian lines alluding to: 

Romeo: But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she..

The band was selling hats that were black and had the lettering [SPACE] on the front. That really didn't give me a clue either, so I went to the Urban Dictionary for a clue and knowledge about YONS and here's what I found:

Yons

YONS- formed from the Greek language meaning sexyness.

One sexy gorgeous brilliant cook and AMAZING IN BED. A kind-hearted, loving man who makes one happy with his attentiveness and desire to please. Wonderfully handsome and incredibly sexy, he oozes sex appeal. Fancied by all women that set eyes on him. VERY easily led astray but quick to realise his mistakes and try to make amends. Very intelligent. Sometimes pompous but not overly so. Sensitive. Funny. Brave. Strong. Gorgeous. Loves lists. A brilliant father and someone any lady would be proud to call their husband.

Yons is always right. 

In any event, they were well-received. I can't attest about the sexy-ness part. Below a link to one of the recordings that they performed live Sunday.

LINK:

YONS -- the-campaign


THE CUT FAMILY FOUNDATION 

They were my favorite performers out of the three we saw. They put out a "wall of funk" -- 80's style - in their performances and thoughts of Parliament, Funkadelics, Sly and the Family Stone, Bootsy's Rubber Band and George Clinton raced through my mind as I watched the five-member group lay down the grooves. Only thing missing were the "Horny Horns." 

They refer to themselves as "a musical think tank focused on good get down and hip dip inducing tunes". I'll agree. They even had ol' Paulie here up and off the bench and displaying a few moves and grooves while they played. They go so much farther that the description R&B or Soul.

Thanks to Kevin Cox and Bryce Gill of WCHQ for originally turning me on to them during the now-extinct MORNING JAM days! They were also instrumental, along with several other volunteer staffers,  in organizing and planning the celebration event. A "big" thanks to them. 

I've included a "T.C.F.F." set they did back in their early formations days at the link below: 

THE CUT FAMILY FOUNDATION

So, after the non-stop hustle of UofL women's sports over the last nine months, it's getting close to the time where we slow down a bit, look to do more interviews instead of straight-out coverage and explore some of many things that are involved in the "UofL women's athletics" genre. 

Yesterday, though, was a chance to do just a little bit of unwind for Paulie. A celebration our radio station's new facility, new directive and my own beginning transition into what we'll later refer to the "summer doldrums".  Worry not, there is still softball, lacrosse, rowing, tennis and several other sports to fill these pages this springs and the "knuckleheads" and I will keep you up on them. 

We gratefully acknowledge and appreciate our chance to bring you radio and Facebook Live once a week about the joy and excitement of UofL women's sports on the non-profit, community-oriented WCHQFM 100.9. All the hard work and volunteer hours that go in to programming and production, not just hours...obviously...but all the different shows, music and talk that make WCHQ truly unique. I humbly ask you give the station a try, via app, car radio, laptop streaming or any way you care to access it. 

Thanks for bearing with Paulie today on something that didn't involved balls, bats, nets, courts, fields, fouls or referees. You'll get plenty of that here just about every other day of the year. 

Hey, even Jeff Walz takes a break from hoops and goes skiing. 

I've linked up the home page to WCHQ  below. Give a listen.

www.wchqfm.com




Paulie
xxxxx

Saturday Action recap and The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour -- Sunday Cardinal Couple

Lacrosse

The Lacrosse season is winding to a close, and unfortunately, the rebuilding Teeter squad is still looking for its first conference win.

The Laxers tangled with UVA for their final home game of the season, but went down to defeat 18-10.  The first half went swimmingly (if you'll pardon the word play on the generally rainy conditions for the day), with the lead being exchanged several times on the way to a 6-6 halftime tie.  UVA went on a 6-0 scoring run in the second half to achieve the solid win over UofL and sink the Cards' chances for a winning season.  Cardinal goals came from both Blalock twins, Caroline had 4, Sarah had 1, Madison Hoover with a pair, and Tessa Chad, Jillian Balog, and Ally Hall each finding the back of the net once.

After graduating four in 2017, and having 10 athletes leave the program via transfer, a coaching change (prompting one of those transfers to reverse course), we knew this year was going to be a rough season for Lacrosse.  The squad did reasonably well in non-conference play, but when it came to the brutal competitiveness of ACC play, the level of play for UofL just hasn't been there.

While there will be post-season play for the Laxers, all 8 ACC Women's Lacrosse teams go to the ACC tournament in Durham, NC, the prospects for NCAA tournament play are pretty much non-existant.

Now the next bit of bad news for UofL Lacrosse competitiveness.  Yesterday's loss to UVA was
senior day, and the Cards honored 11, count them 11, seniors.  Many of these players are names that we've written amount on these pages frequently:  Jillian Balog, Lexi Cheetam, Leigh Gatons, Madison Hoover, Emily Howell, Casey Madura, Taylor Webster, Julia Wood...and several more.

Scott Teeter is a fantastic coach, but he has a real rebuilding job ahead of him, and that process will almost certainly continue next year.  If there's an upside to the large degree of turnover, it helps Teeter bring in his process, tactics, and player types faster.  That is not to suggest in the slightest that the carryover athletes from the previous coaching tenure are in any way obstacles to Teeter's success as I believe the Louisville Laxers that have remained with the team deserve nothing but the utmost respect, but it leads to a different relationship and environment when the coaching staff has had a hand in the recruitment of players rather than inheriting them from another coaching staff.

Coach is adamant that the team has continued to improve as the season has progressed. Let's remember this is the ACC...the toughest Lacrosse conference in the universe. We have no doubt that once Scott is able to hit the recruiting trail and gather more student-athletes -- plus teach his system -- "The Teeter Way" of lacrosse. there will be much success ahead and continued improvement for the "Girls of the Ellis".

The Cards will wrap up the regular season next Sunday at Syracuse with a 1pm first draw. ACC Conference play follows that.

LINK TO POST-GAME BELOW:

POST GAME VIRGINIA WITH SCOTT TEETER, MADISON HOOVER AND JILL BALOG WITH PAULIE

Softball

 Softball was supposed to be in action in Syracuse yesterday to wrap up that series after splitting a double header on Friday.  Softball in April in Syracuse is always dicey, and sure enough, the rubber match was cancelled due to cold and falling temperatures.

Pearsall's squad will continue their road trip Wednesday with a visit just up the road to IU in Bloomington.  Hopefully better weather awaits.

The road trip continues the next weekend in Tallahassee with a series against league leading Florida State.  Our own Jared Anderson will be in attendance for two of the games, I believe, presumably wearing black, red, and likely a camera.  He will be joined by his lovely girlfriend, who will almost certainly be decked out in garnet and gold.  We're skeptical of how successful this relationship will be between a Cardinal and a Seminole, but also a little bit jealous that we haven't gotten a chance to meet Katy, yet.  Have a good trip and visit, Jared!

Volleyball

The ever-active Jared also was at the final UofL Volleyball Spring match with camera in hand.  The Cards welcomed Butler into Cardinal Arena.  The fans were left to their own devices, with no PA announcer on hand at all, but that didn't stop the Cards from rolling over the Bears.

The Cardinals theoretically won the match in a 3 set sweep, but with this being Spring exhibition play...a chance for teams to get extra practice and playing time under their belts, both coaches decided to go ahead and play a 4th set to 15.  The Cards won that one, too.

As with any sporting event, there are places to tune and improve, but the Cardinals looked great last night against this Butler squad.  In the extra 4th set, the Libero jersey got exchanged, with Alexis Hamilton donning the odd-man-out jersey, giving her some extra playing time.  She continues to impress your intrepid reporter.  I don't believe I've ever seen a DS fly around the floor quite like she does.  She's athletic, quick, covers an absolutely ridiculous amount of territory with accuracy and success in improving the ball that is, at times, just mind boggling.

Brianna Lester, as we reported, has returned to UofL, after a year at Pepperdine playing basketball, and a red-shirt freshman year on the UofL Volleyball squad.  She saw some significant playing time and impressed as well.  Look for her to be a 3rd middle blocker/hitter behind Jasmine Bennett and Piper Roe.  Speaking of Jasmine Bennett, maybe the highlight play of the night was Jasmine thunderously returning a Butler overpass.  I think proud papa Winston Bennett bounced as high out of his courtside seat to cheer as the ball did.

This wraps up the spring schedule for Volleyball and yours truly will certainly be ready for an exciting season that should start right at the end of August.  4 and a half months sure feels like a long time for this fan.

CCRH

The knuckleheads put on a good radio show yesterday.  The studio contingent was Paulie, myself and recurring guest Mike "the man with 4 first names" Gilpatrick.  We saw Daryl Foust pop into the Facebook live chat as well. The Cardinal Couple Radio Hour -- never a dull moment or waste of an hour. We even have podiatrists listening while they examine feet!

A good discussion ensued about Myisha Hines-Allen's prospects along with long-time Cardinal Couple favorite Asia Taylor with the Washington Mystics.  We recapped various events of the week, got a full Scheduling and Twitter segment in with only minimal interruptions, and even discussed some potential future in-studio guests.  Nothing is lined up for sure at this point, but we're hopeful.

Check out the stream at https://www.facebook.com/WCHQfm/videos/2002164653140141/.

(Photos today by Mr. Jared Anderson...the tall, smiling guy with the camera and good source of gossip!) 

--
JMcA