Conrad selelcted for USA Field Hockey squad

CONRAD MAKES NATIONAL TEAM. THE RETURN OF RACHEL. WHO WANTS $10?

University of Louisville sophomore goalkeeper Erin Conrad

has been selected for the USA Under 21 Field Hockey team. Conrad received an invitation to try out for the squad after her outstanding

goal keeping duties during the national championships with the USA Field Hockey High Performance Midwest team.

The USA team will compete in tournaments in Asia next year. For Conrad, it is just another jewel in the crown of success she has worn since her high school days.

Pam Bustin speaks very highly of her goalkeeper:

"I am so proud of her. She was persistent and diligent throughout her journey to make the squad. Not an easy journey for her...but she never gave up and achieved this great opportunity to train and play for the national program."

Conrad was the only player from UofL to be selected for the team, out of four Cardinals who received tryout invitations. She arrived on the UofL campus in 2008 and took a redshirt year.

In, 2009...she assumed the goalkeeping duties and will be a key component in the Cardinal's defense for 2010.

Field hockey is a family thing for the Wilkes-Barre, PA native. Her sister Lindsey played for Syracuse. She is one of three Cardinals to ever make the USA team...joining Janelle Avila (2006-07) and Jessica Javelet (2004-05).

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RACHEL ALEXANDRA returns to the track Saturday in the $400,000 Lady's Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. Last seen, she was romping the field in the Churchill Downs Fleur de Lis...winning impressively by 10 1/2 lengths.

She's been training well for Saturday's race and busted 4 furlongs in 49.60 in a Monday workout at Saratoga. She'll face 6 rivals in the 1 mile race...including FABULOUS BABE and STAGE TRICK. If she handles the field as expected, she could be headed to the 1 1/4 mile Personal Ensign or the Woodward Stakes...both at Saratoga later this summer. RACHEL was the first filly

to win the Woodard last year. Steve Asmussen trains and regular rider Calvin Borel invades the Jersey Shore to take the mount.

Look out for LE MI GEAUX as a prime contender for 2 yr old fillies. She romped thru the slop at Saratoga yesterday to win the Schuylerville Stakes by 2 lengths. She rallied from far back to win the 6 furlong race and looked like she could have gone another 4 furlongs quite easily. Apprentice jockey Freddie Lenclud rode for Richard Dutrow. She pleased a lot of backers, including me, by paying $20.20 for a 2 dollar win ticket. In case you're not up on your Cajun...it's pronounced "Lemme Go!"

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Who wants $10 bucks? You have today and tomorrow to tell us why you like PANERA. Best e-mail gets the gift cards. Send those brilliant essays to cardinalcouple@insightbb.com or just toss one in the comments section here. PANERAAAA....YUMMMMM!

We'll announce the winner Monday. Don't fret if you don't win the first week...you'll have the next 4 weeks to "git er done."