Cardinals Close YUM regular season with a win!

THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Cards sink Pirates on Senior Night 72-62.

(Staff columnist Jenny O'Bryan brings us the game report of Louisville's 72-62 win over Seton Hall. For tearful fairwells, Mo-On-The-Go, Vails threats and Nita knowledge...read all about it below!)

Louisville Women’s Basketball took to the court for the final regular season home game, also Senior Night, in front of a very appreciative crowd. 

Bret Trager-Kusman, student manager, Monique Reid and Shelby Harper were escorted onto the court by loved ones in a pregame celebration of the years of contributions they have given to Louisville Women’s Basketball. 

Monique Reid took that momentum straight to the court and scored the Cardinals first 5 points, with the first points for the Cards being a 3-pointer.  Reid hit just her 8^th3-point shot of her career, and started the scoring for the Cardinals.   Antonita Slaughter also started the game hot and led all scorers at the half with 15 points, and led all scorers for the night with 17.

The Cards won the game, though I would not exactly call it a good night of basketball.  It was not a bad night of basketball either.  Interestingly, though, there were a lot of things a variety of Cards did that stood out to me. 

One of the things I love most about this team is that any number of players can step up on a given night and help carry the team.  Tonight, Bria Smith and Sara Hammond looked a little off their game that we as fans are use to, but Slaughter and Shoni Schimmel stepped up and carried the offensive load.  That being said, there was a great spread of points amongst the players.  Only two ended up in double figures, but 8 of the 10 who played scored, and 5 players scored 7 or more points.  While Slaughter stood out in the first half for her offensive scoring, it was a well-distributed spread of points on the night. 

Referee Thurman Leggs, Jr. makes a cameo in a Paulie picture

The defense of the Cards has been known to keep them in games against tough competition.  This was not the best defensive game of the season by any means, but several players really stood out.  Jude Schimmel led an offensive spark by three consecutive defensive possessions when she had a block, poked a ball out of bounds and then stole the ball.  It was a huge spark for the Cards. 

Sherronne Vails had what I think was one of the best games I have seen her play probably since her freshman year.  In one possession she had two blocks, and totaled 5 on the night.  She was moving offensively with and without the ball and got a couple buckets in transition.  It was a great effort for the “handsy” junior.   Vails has long gotten the short end of my attention due to missed and dropped passes.  While there were a couple of those tonight, she moved with and without the ball better than I have seen her move. 

I was really, really impressed with the effort of Cortnee Walton in the second half.  Her stats are not quite indicative of how well and hard she played in the second half.  On the night she had 7 points, 3 boards and 1 assist.  Most important, though, is she was moving hard and aggressive in the paint and had only 1 turnover.  I am so excited to watch this young woman develop and grow as a player.  She is going to be a big part of the future of this program.  The growth this season alone is only scratching the surface, I believe, of what Walton will bring to Louisville Basketball.  I don’t want to wish these kids lives and careers away, but I can already hardly wait to see the growth she has from off-season workouts.  I expect her to be a workhorse and think we will see huge growth from her these next few years.

Overall, on the night, the most impressive stat for me is ball movement and sharing the ball.  Of the 10 players on the floor for the night, only two did not log at least one assist.  For so long, years even, Cardinal Faithful has been hearing Coach Walz talk about ball movement and making the pass to set up the assist to the bucket.  With the spread of assists on the night, I would say this team is buying in to that philosophy.  It was nice to see and I hope we continue to see more of it.  Way to share the ball and assist the bucket, ladies. 

I would be remiss to not mention Shoni’s effort on the night.  It appears the dust has settled and I would say a good lesson must have been learned.  It was deep in the first half before Shoni even took a shot, shot selection was better (until she had to throw up something due to the expiring shot clock) and there was evidence on the court of defensive effort.  Shoni is not going to win any defensive player of the year awards, but I did witness effort that has been lacking in the past.  I also like her assists on the nights.  When Shoni plays a balanced game, and is not forcing things offensively, this team can compete with most teams in the country.  Keep it up, Shoni. 

The biggest deficit on the night was rebounding.  It has been an Achilles heel all season, and tonight was no different.  The Cards were -6 for the night on the boards.  Given our post presence has taken the hit this year with injuries, this continual problem is to be expected.  I know Coach Walz and Company are working on it.   I know this season is not over yet, but this team has a lot of big bodies, has the big presence of Emmonnie Henderson coming in next year.  Healthy, I expect this to be a big and physical inside game inside next year. 

In the meantime, there is still work to be done.  The Cardinals head to Syracuse to close the regular season on Monday and right now, the team controls their own destiny regarding the Big East Tournament.  Win on Monday, and the team secures a double-bye.  That is two less games that will be played heading in to the Big Dance.  It is an exciting wind down to the season. 

Finally, we cannot state enough the importance of getting your tickets to the first and second rounds of the NCAA tournament.  While I firmly believe we have a great fan base, we can and should do better.  We have dropped in attendance this year, and have not only fallen out of second place in the country but we have also dropped to second within our own conference.  If we want to host tournaments, we have to show up.   It is that simple.  Get your tickets.  Show up.  Fill the seats.  Fill the arena.  Support your team and get a couple more opportunities to see your favorite seniors doing the state of Kentucky proud. 

Photo by Austin Lassell. Austinlassell.com

( Editor's Note. Attending these first and second round games makes a big statement in terms of Louisville getting to host future NCAA 1st and 2nd round games and Regionals. Maybe even an ACC Tournament down the road. It's imperative to show up. Buying tickets isn't enough. Get in the seats and cheer. See you there!)


POST GAME PRESS INTERVIEW ROOM LINK BELOW:



WALZ, NITA, MO and SHELBY POST GAME QUOTES

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Recruiting round up

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WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Jenny catches us up on the recruit scenario.

-Despite losing Russell, Cards have done well with 2013 class.

-Cards exhibition game against Eckerd tonight.

Alexis Montgomery, a guard out of Beaverton, OR who was on campus this past weekend, has given her verbal pledge to the Louisville program.  Montgomery is the second 2013 prospect to do so within the last day. 
Attached is a good read, from Oregon Live reporter Jerry Ulmer. Link below: 


Montgomery Chooses Louisville

Montgomery chose Louisville over Seattle University, Hawaii and Virginia Tech.  Montgomery is ranked as the #57 guard in the class and joins #21 Emmonnie Henderson and JUCO stand out Janelle Cannon so far in the class of 2013.

Coach Walz and company are not done yet, either.  Louisville is still in the running for top prospects Imani Wright (Texas) and Jordan Reynolds (Oregon).   Keep it tuned here Cardinal faithful, for all the latest recruiting round up. 

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It is hard not to be a bit disappointed when you come this close to landing the #1 recruit in the nation...to be the final cut on her list.  You have to respect Russell’s decision, though.  She is an incredible player and we look for her to have much success in her collegiate career. 

That being said, Card Nation has much to look forward to!  The Cardinals are preseason ranked #9 in the country; play at an amazing facility known as The KFC YUM! Center, and have a great coaching staff that was in it until the end with the #1 recruit in the nation.   I expect more of these epic recruiting battles in the future.  The Louisville program has proven that it is relevant and can go toe to toe with the top programs in the country.  You win some recruiting battles and you lose some.  When going against the best in the nation, one is bound to lose a few battles. 

Our Cards are loaded with talent and are poised to take the program back to the Final Four as soon as this year.  The coaching staff continues to work to bring in top prospects.  Attendance is growing, and no doubt will continue to grow, and we look to break attendance records this year!

The Cardinal Spirit is alive and well.

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The future remains bright in Louisville!  Card Fans, stand up and support our team!  Your first opportunity to do so happens tonight, at The YUM! Center.  The Cardinals play their one and only exhibition game against Eckerd College at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is free!  Get your trick or treating done early and head down to the YUM Center for more treats!! 

It is always a great day to be a Cardinal!  L1C4, baby!

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( Editor's note. HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all our readers! Stay with CARDINAL COUPLE for Louisville womens sports treats all year long. We won't trick you on the facts and you'll have a spooky good time reading our unmasked reports on the Cards gobblin' up their opponents!)

We leave you today with a great song by the Byrds from 1970 which covers desire, pursuit, defeat and determination to try again. It parallels the pursuit of Ms. Russell.

Enjoy Chestnut Mare. Link below. Keep chasing, Jeff. You're gonna catch more than a few.


Chestnut Mare
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MERCEDES RUSSELL SAYS...

TENNESSEE

The #1 recruit in the 2013 class has spoken...and she said Tennessee.

You win some, you lose some. Louisville got great news yesterday and earlier today about Emmonnie Henderson and Alexis Montgomery committing.  

We kept our hopes high and wish Mercedes the very best in her academic and collegiate basketball career. Not gonna kid you, this one hurts...but the Cardinal Spirit is strong, united and loyal. We'll cheer our hearts out for who is on the court.

A heartfelt thanks to the Louisville players, staff, coaches and fans who did their best to try and make Mercedes a Cardinal.

We go on. Cardinal WBB in the KFC YUM! Center tomorrow night to see a very good UofL WBB team that will be fun to watch and so very talented.

L1C4.

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Emmonnie Henderson is a Cardinal!

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MONDAY CARDINAL COUPLE SPECIAL EDITION

- CARDINAL COUPLE COLUMNIST JENNY O'BRYAN BRINGS US THE RECRUITING NEWS...HENDERSON VERBALS TO LOUISVILLE!

- What is your question?


Emmonnie Henderson is a 6-2 forward from Edwardsville HS Illinois.  She is also a dual sport athlete in shot put and discus, and as of this early evening, a future Louisville Cardinal. 

The now defunct Hoopgurlz rated Henderson at #40 and All Star Girls Report ranks her at #21 in her class.    Henderson was on campus this past weekend, and chose Louisville over her other finalist, powerhouse Tennessee. 

For Cardinal Couple faithful readers, you may remember I wrote about her this past summer after seeing an AAU game.  Henderson will be a huge asset in brutal Big East play.  She is said to be “strong as an ox” and has a sturdy frame.  Her attacking around the basket was powerful and consistent and scouts have been noting her extending her game away from the basket.   Henderson is capable of playing multiple positions on the court and will be a matchup nightmare for opponents. 

Henderson was one of four recruits on campus this weekend, and one of five still considering Louisville.   Alexis Montgomery and Mercedes Russell, both from Oregon, will be announcing their college choice tomorrow.  Jordan Reynolds, also from Oregon, was on campus this weekend.  No timetable has been made available about when she will decide.  Imani Wright, out of Texas, was on campus about a month ago, and is said to be very high on Louisville and deciding between Louisville and Baylor. 

CardNation, it is time to stand up!  Coach Walz is doing great things with this program; top recruits are coming, and choosing Louisville over perennial powerhouses.  As a burgeoning fan base we are on the brink of overtaking the number one spot in fan attendance. 

The future of Louisville Basketball just got a little brighter tonight!  CardNation welcomes Emmonnie Henderson to the best Athletic Department in the country!

( Editor's note...A huge congratulations to Jeff Walz, the University of Louisville basketball staff and players and Cardinal fans for letting it be known that we wanted Emmonnie at Louisville. And a sincere "THANK YOU" and "WELCOME ABOARD!!" to the "Edwardsville Electrifier" -- Emmonnie Henderson! One down and more to come? Stay tuned to CARDINAL COUPLE for the latest and GO CARDS!)

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TUESDAY is Media Day for the WBB team at the KFC YUM! Center. Got a specific question that you'd like asked for one of the players and coaches? Paulie or Timmy the Intern will be glad to pose it!

Please send the question via e-mail to:

cardinalcouple@insightbb.com

It can be anonymous if you want. I need the questions submitted by 10:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

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Visits the middle part of the recruitment process

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THURSDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

- In recruiting, a visit means your halfway there

Normally, we tend to leave all things bright and beautiful about recruiting to our ace columnist Jenny O'Bryan. She knows it, she follows it and she understands it. And that works well for us. If you've got Eric Clapton available to play the guitar, you hand it to him instead of the guy tending bar.

Today, though. I will talk recruiting. Bear with me.

I had a former college basketball coach give me his take on recruiting once. He broke it down so a sixth-grader could understand it, which worked well for me. I don't think he ever recruited any sixth-graders...but sometimes, you just never know. Anyway, here is the process, according to him.

1) Recognition. You find out about a kid who rarely misses behind the three-point arc. Or is 6'7" in the ninth grade and starting for their high school team. You do your research and, if the prospect looks like one that might fit the needs of your team, you move onto step two, which is...
2) Contact. You let the kid know you're interested. You try and find out if the kid is interested in you. If so, you keep up the contact. You establish contact with the high school coach, the AAU coach, the parents, old Uncle Ben. You watch, you observe. You do more checking, broader-based and comprehensive. Eventually you get to step three which is...

3) Visits. You go see the kid. You invite the kid to see the campus. The NCAA has all kinds of rules and regulations about this. You follow them. Hopefully, you get to step four, which is...
4) Verbal. The kid comes out and says your school is their top choice. It's not official yet, but you're in the driver's seat for step five...
5) Signing. That's when the kid officially signs the letter of intent. A LOI isn't always 100% fool-proof...but it means the kid intends on playing for you.

This weekend, on the University of Louisville campus, step three comes to fruition. In a huge way. Four outstanding girls' high school basketball stars hit the Belknap Campus on recruiting visits. Remember the names. Nothing would please Cardinal WBB fans and Jeff Walz more than to see them move on to step four. For two of them, it's the first visit. For Louisville, it's huge.

This weekend has been talked about on fan boards, in e-mails, general discussions and on multiple web sites for weeks. This weekend is here.

MERCEDES RUSSELL
EMMONNIE HENDERSON
JORDAN REYNOLDS
ALEXIS MONTGOMERY

They're four of the half-dozen or so that Louisville desires. Imani Wright, too. Janelle Cannon already on-board with step four completed.

I have no idea what consists of a recruiting visit in women's college basketball. My best guess is they'll hit the football game versus Cincinnati Friday night. Maybe tailgate with Derty Bird, A-Tayy, Sho and Mo. Probably go see the men's scrimmage Saturday and the women's preliminary warm-ups before that in the KFC YUM! Center.

I'm sure there is "an app" for that amongst the Cardinal coaches, players, staff and impresarios that'll ensure they have a big time. They probably don't need to see me sing "Gimme Three Steps" with Robbie Bartlett's band over at the Parrish House.

Mercedes, Emmonnie, and Jordan did Tennessee last weekend. I didn't hear any verbals. Saving the best for last? We certainly hope so!

Get on the bus!

If I could sit down and talk with each girl, I'd tell them this. Get on the bus and be Cardinal Strong. That Louisville women's basketball fans are not an old, stodgy or antique breed. They're a phenomena that is young and old, fiercely proud of the program, energetic and constantly cheering for players they idolize in the hallmark of college basketball arenas.

They're alive, rapidly growing and sometimes just downright crazy, fanatical, cool, deafening and impassioned....these Cardinal fans. They're amazing. 

I'd tell them that they'd being playing for a coach that cares about them as students as well as athletes and they'd be learning from assistants, staff and trainers that are deeply committed to the concept of Cardinal hoops, personal development, character and success.

I'd tell them about the little girl in Section 114, screaming "Shoni!" at the top of her lungs, the guy up in the stands behind the media table who goes into hysterics every time a foul is called on Bria or Shawnta. I'd tell them about the three little old ladies who never miss a home game and are in their seats the minute after the doors are opened.

I'd tell them about the current Lt. Governor and former mayor who rarely misses a contest and is one of the best referee-baiters in college basketball. 

I'd tell them about the dozens of people who stop me and want to talk Cardinal women's basketball when I attend football games, charitable events, trips to WalMart or even when I'm waiting to order my Big Mac and fries. I'd tell them about the little girl, wide-eyed and grinning from ear-to-ear because Mo knelt down to talk to her, signed her poster and hugged her in the KFC YUM! Center lobby after a game.

I'd tell them about the commitment to excellence that Tom Jurich lives for in the athletic programs each and every day. About the caring professors and academic aides that want to see them succeed. About how Julie Hermann, Louisville's executive, senior, associate athletic director, never misses a home Cardinal women's event and works the crowd with the polished skill of a dignitary or politician.

I'd tell them about the Cardinal Spirit. 

I have a feeling they'll get all that and more this weekend, though. I have a feeling that they're here because they know...and they want to be a part of it.

Enjoy your visit, Mercedes, Emmonnie, Jordan and Alexis. Choose wisely. Choose thoughtfully. 

Choose Louisville. The best college sports town in the nation.

-Paulie
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Basketball season is here!

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WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

( Staff columnist Jenny O'Bryan drains one from long range today in her article on Cardinal WBB. Like all of us at CARDINAL COUPLE, her excitement, anticipation and enthusiasm for the 2012-13 Lady Cards season can't be contained by the press, referees or turnovers. She shoots, she scores with the Wednesday edition of "Da Couple"! )

- Hoops is almost here...are u ready?

- Central Cardinal Couple Holiday boutique a blast!

Basketball Fans!

We are less than a week away from the Women’s Basketball Tip-Off Luncheon.  Limited tickets are available for the event.   If you are a procrastinator, pick up your phone and call the ticketing office now @ 502-852-5151 before time runs out. 

In an email from the Louisville Athletic Ticketing Office I learned that season tickets are going in the mail this week!  Look for your tickets to be showing up in your mailbox shortly.  Parking passes, for those who have purchased them, will be arriving separately. 

A few words from the ticket office:

The exhibition game being held on Wednesday, October 31 @ 7:00 p.m. is FREE!   There will not be a ticket in your season package, it is free and a ticket is not needed to attend.  For all the families out there, take your kiddo out trick or treating early, then head down to the YUM! Center for another treat, the start of Louisville Women’s Basketball!! 

The last announcement from the ticketing office is that there is a time change for the EKU game at YUM! on November 28^th.   The actual time of the game is 7:30 p.m.  Your season tickets are going to say a different time on them.  7:30 p.m. is the changed, correct time of the game.

It was reported here in August that 2014 wing/forward Sydney Brackemyre was on an unofficial visit to the Louisville campus August 26.  It was brought to my attention that she was back on campus (presumably for another unofficial visit) this past weekend.  (Official visits can only happen during one's senior year, are paid for by the college being visited and a prospective student athlete (psa) can only take 5 official visits.  Unofficial visits are on the student/families dime and can be made at any time, and as often as wanted). 

This makes a second visit to Louisville for this rising star in the junior class, in less than two months!   We already know that Louisville is among her final 3 schools of choice (included are Dayton and Michigan) but with a second visit in less than two months WE think bodes well for our beloved Cardinals.    

Perhaps Ms. Brackemyre might just be our first commitment from the class of 2014?   It is a bit premature to speculate, but from where I'm sitting, I like our chances with this young lady.  I believe I attached the following link before, but, it bears another airing to our Cardinal faithful. 

Sydney B.

We are on the cusp of the season!  Next week I will bring you a report from the Tip Off Luncheon.  The week after that I will give you my thoughts/predictions for the out of conference (OOC) slate of the schedule.   

In the meantime we will keep you abreast of any recruiting news as it becomes available. 

A historic weekend for women’s basketball is fast upon us as the #1 recruit in the nation, Mercedes Russell, and #40 recruit Emmonnie Henderson will be on campus for their official visit October 26-28.   The early signing period begins November 14.  Keep it here, Card fans, to learn who will be suiting up as a Cardinal next season!  


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Carol Kidd and Chuck Horell were in attendance

A wonderful time had by all attending the Central Cardinal Club Holiday Boutique and Style Show held yesterday at the PNC Club in Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Tons of silent auction items, many booths, delicious food and a great afternoon and evening of speakers and enertainment.

Louisville Athletic Director Tom Jurich spoke to the dinner crowd and was excellent as always. Swimming and Diving Coach Arthur Albiero also took the stage to speak to the attendees and Mickey Clark provided the musical entertainment.

Charlie Springer and his lovely wife Barbara

The style and fashion show was great as well, with several coaches, coaches wives and the incomprable Valerie Owens Combs, displaying some great outfits to the delight of the crowd.

Mickey Clark entertained attendees!

Thanks to all who stopped by the CARDINAL COUPLE table and purchased bracelets for the St. Martha Girls Volleyball team! We raised $110.00 for their worthy cause. Also, thanks for registering for the commemorative 1980 UofL Men's Basketball National Championship plaque and talking sports with us! We hope you enjoyed talking Cardinal Sports with Jeff McAdams, Donny Yaste, Sonja and Paulie and encourage you to make CARDINAL COUPLE a part of your daily Internet routine.

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The winning ticket number: 702211
Winner was: Al Parrish
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Thanks to Bill and Barbara Hancock, Chuck Horell, Debbie Zipperle and all the Central Cardinal Club members who made our participation an absolute joy and delight!
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Wednesday Cardinal Couple -- Recruiting roundup

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WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

(Basketball recruiting is one of the favorite topics and a big source of e-mails from our readers here at the ol' CARDINAL COUPLE and who else better to handle it than our esteemed recruting columnist Jenny O'Bryan? Today, she catches us up on the latest news.) 

- Meet four impact players with Louisville on their short lists


I keep getting questions as to what is going on in the recruiting world, specifically with the students who have already made their official visit. 

As was reported Monday, by Paul, Brianna Ruiz has committed to University of Washington.  Ruiz, a guard, stated that she “feels like it is better for me on the West Coast, kind of”.  Whatever her reason, Cardinal Couple wishes her well in her collegiate career.  Kevin McGuff, formerly of Xavier, coaches U. OF  WASHINGTON and he is assembling talent on his roster.  I look forward to seeing him impact the PAC-12.

Imani Wright is a 6-0 guard out of Hooks, Texas.   She was on campus several weeks ago alongside Brianna Ruiz.  She has her final official visit scheduled for this weekend at Kentucky.  Jody Demling, at Cardinal Authority, has a really nice write-up about Wright.  Check it out, here:

The Wright choice coming soon?

Saniya Chong is a 5-9 guard out of Ossining, NY.  She visited the Louisville campus a few weeks back and visited the campus of Ohio State this past weekend.  She still has an official visit with UCONN scheduled for this upcoming weekend (10/12).  To my knowledge, those are the final 3 schools on her list.  Maryland was previously in her top 4 but appears to have been cut from her list.  I have seen no timeline in regards to when she will make her decision.

Emmonnie Henderson is a post player out of Edwardsville, IL.  Her final four includes Louisville, Tennessee, Miami and Purdue.  She took an official visit to Miami in late September.  I am uncertain of her official visit to Purdue.  Her official visit to Tennessee is scheduled for the weekend of 10/19-21 and with Louisville the weekend of 10/26-28.  As recently as two weeks ago she was quoted as saying that Louisville is currently in the lead for her services.  Like the aforementioned recruits, I have not heard a timeline for her decision. 

Mercedes Russell is the #1 player in the country and is down to 2 schools, Louisville and Tennessee.  Her official visits to Tennessee and Louisville are the same weekends as Henderson’s.  Russell has stated that she intends to make her decision before high school ball starts, and most recently has stated that she hopes to make her decision a few days after returning from the Louisville visit. 

While Russell is the only Louisville recruit on record, that I can find, as having said she will make her decision shortly after her last visit, it is reasonable to think all of these recruits will be making decisions in the very near future.  They are all winding down their visits, and all have been visited at home by coaching staffs.  While the regular signing period is not until April of one’s senior year, many student athletes opt to sign in the early signing period, which is mid-November.   

Regardless of what happens with each of these recruits, it is crucial to remember the regular signing period is not until April.   Both Shoni Schimmel and Bria Smith were signed after the regular signing period.  November is not a deadline for recruiting the class of 2013.    

Another point to keep in mind regarding these recruits, each of them has Louisville in their very short lists.  Coach Walz and his staff are up against perennial programs (Baylor, Tennessee, UCONN) for these highly sought after recruits.    Louisville may land all of them, some of them, or none of them.  Regardless of what happens, Coach Walz has elevated this program to a consistent top 20 program.  Louisville is relevant, in the conversation and rising. 

I look forward to the next few weeks as decisions are made.  The season is around the corner, Louisville is ranked preseason as a top 10 team and the program is on the cusp of landing the #1 player in the country. 

Can I get an ‘L yeah? 

( Any or all of these four excellent student-athletes would compliment a very good Cardinal WBB team in the 2013-14 season and go on to be valuable and productive players in the Cardinal system. Keep it here at CARDINAL COUPLE for any late-breaking or relevant news concerning recruiting and ALL Cardinal womens' sports! )
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It's Tuesday so it must be laundry day at Sandy's!

TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Our illustrious staff columnist Sandy Walker grabs the Tide and harumphs in acknowledgement as she heads to the multiplex CARDINAL COUPLE laundry room/ orchestrial chamber/ late income tax filing center and stromboli bistro. It is Tuesday. Here's Sandy: 

Volleyball falls in five sets to #11 Texas

Despite Lola Arslanbekova's season high 29 kills, Louisville Volleyball fell in five games to Texas last night in the KFC YUM! Center. The Cards played their hearts out in the 21-25, 25-18, 21-25, 26-24, 15-10 loss. We expect CARDINAL COUPLE correspondents Jeff McAdams and/or Jenny O'Bryan will have more on the loss in a future article. The VolleyCards go to 16-3 with the loss. About 5,000 attended the match. Timmy the Intern was ejected for handing out whoopie cushions to the season-ticket holders and telling them that they were "thunder sticks"...

  

It's Raining Top 25 Cardinal Rankings   

KFC YUM! CENTER & WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

As a follow to Jenny’s article about the YUM! Center I wanted to share a discovery I made this last week concerning the playing facility of Stanford University.  A couple of other UL fans and I are fortunate to be able to attend the University of Conn.  @ Stanford game scheduled for Maples Pavilion, which is their women’s and men’s regular home court.  At first I was concerned that the best seats available to the general public were closer to the top of the arena than to the playing floor.  That is until I was shocked to learn that the entire arena seats less than 7500 fans.      

                                               

I had no idea that a historical premiere NCAA women’s basketball team plays in such a small arena with a fan base that does not average an attendance greater than 4,250 attendees which ranks as 22^nd in the nation.  I point this out for the purpose of making sure that Louisville fans never find that we are envious of a far away or well respected team’s situation.  We absolutely are so very fortunate to have such an exciting team to watch that we drew the 2^nd highest numbers of fans per game but that as fans we are also are able to enjoy our 60,000 sq. ft. arena and a place that many indicate as the best facility in the nation.  Let’s take advantage of it again this year – and also remember to bring an extra fan to every game.

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GOLF

September’s Big East Women’s Golf Player is Louisville’s Louisville’s sophomore Emily Haas.  Emily is a Nicholasville, Ky native.                 

                                                                 

Emily Haas

Last Tuesday the women’s golf team finished in ninth at the Johnie Imes Invitational.  Update:  Former University of Louisville women's golfer Sara-Maude Juneau has recently earned her LPGA Tour card. She finished No. 10 on the season-ending money list in the 2012 Volvik Race for the Card which gives her an exempt status for the 2013 LPGA Tour season.  Juneau describes herself as a simple girl from a small town in Canada and says "I'm playing golf for a living, how can it get better?"

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SOCCER

Women’s Soccer student-athlete of the week is Angelika Uremovich.



Angelika Uremovich


Also, for those of you who have signed up for Cards TV and watched Head Coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes weekly show...  since last week, the Soccer team took away a 1-0 win (goal by Charlyn Corral) over Villanova and played to a 1-1 draw against 11^th ranked Georgetown.  Check out

http://twitter.com/ULFlyingCard/status/254354869853491200/photo/1 to see a photo of the women’s soccer team wearing their special uniforms for the Villanova October 5 PINK game.  (Nick Stover (@ULFlyingCard) is responsible for  the information and pictures)             

                                                                                  

The team does not play at home again until October 19.  In the meantime they play Rutgers then Seton Hall on the 12^th and 14^th.

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BASKETBALL

RECRUITING

Jconline reports from Purdue source 




Emmonnie Henderson

                                                                                                                                                                     
http://php.jconline.com/blogs/mike/purdue-womens-basketball-recruiting-update/ that 2013 recruit Edwardsville, Ill., standout 6’1” power forward, Emmonnie Henderson, will decide between Purdue, Louisville, Tennessee and Miami (Fla.).  Louisville is currently reported to be at the head of her list.  Emmonnie responded to questions with ”I like Louisville. I like them all. I don’t know why. It’s all based on good feelings.”  The good feelings from Louisville fans are mutual.  She has been to Miami for an official visit, will be in West Lafayette on Oct. 12 and 13, Tennessee on Oct. 19-20 and Louisville on Oct. 26-27.  She plans to be a team member of both basketball and track as she is the defending Class 3A state champion in the discus and won the shot put state title twice.  Last reports indicate a school decision will occur before the end of the year.

Coach Walz spent last week traveling coast to coast – we believe visits occurred to Mercedes Russell and Emmonnie Henderson --- possibly also to others but I don’t have specific information.  Fortunately we have the scholarships available so the more the merrier.

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TIP OFF LUNCHEON

Reminder: The basketball tip off luncheon is set for Tuesday October 23.  Be sure to call and make your reservations for the noon start time on center court of the KFC YUM! Center.   $30.00 tickets can be purchased by calling the U of L special events office at (502) 852-0706 or completing the form found at http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/lou/sports/w-baskbl/auto_pdf/2012-13/misc_non_event/2012Luncheon.pdf.  Jeff Walz is the featured speaker. Bill the Goat declined an offer to sing the National Anthem.

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NATIONAL RANKING

Lindy’s sports magazine has ranked Louisville women as number 6 in the nation with UK number 7.   The December 2 UL-UK game at the KFC YUM! Center should be a match-up of national interest. 

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ECKARD COLLEGE GAME

Halloween night (October 31) is the date our U of L women will match up with the St. Petersburg, Fl. Eckard College for its’s first exhibition game of the season. Eckard sophomore guard Kayla Bowlin will get the opportunity to be back in her home state of KY. whose hometown is Monticello.

There are some who have complained that the women’s pre-season games are too easy but I think this presents a great opportunity for Coach Walz to see all of his players in action while playing together in different combinations.  If the schedule is light then we must presume that the coaching staff created the situation for a reason and the people on the outside looking in just need to come out and watch everyone have the opportunity to show their improved skills. THe BIG EAST will be plenty tough. Sometimes, you gotta ride downhill...

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CBS SPORTS NETWORK GAME BROADCASTS

This year the CBS sports network will continue its Big East women’s Tuesday night package.   January 15 will feature U of L’s game with Connecticut.    That’s great for folks who want to have a tape of the win or for those who can’t make it to Louisville for the game but the locals will be at the game packing the arena.

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VOLLEYBALL

On Sunday the VolleyCards sweep the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 25-20, 25-13, 25-18.   Lola Arslanbekova had 20 kills and 14 digs and became the all-time kill career leader in school history. The KFC YUM! Center match was also a Pink Out Dig for the Cure day where the team sported special pink uniform tops.  The Saturday Seton Hall and Sunday’s Rutgers wins bring Louisville to a 16-2 and 5-1 in Big East record.

The Cardinals are now No. 4 in the Ratings Percentage Index which is the highest in school history.

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KAITLYNN JAMES

A Courier Journal interview of Senior Kaitlynn James, both written and video at

http://buzztap.com/link.jsp?id=15693440&cid=304&source=feed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed includes her decision to transfer back to U of L after first playing for Nebraska.  The Assumption High School graduate credits the hiring of Coach Anne Kordes for her decision to return to Louisville.

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FIELD HOCKEY

On Sunday the Field Hockey team pulled off an upset by defeating number 11 Iowa by a score of 2-1. Two freshmen team members helped pull off the win with Victoria Statton making her first career goal while Elisa Garcia scored her 5^th career goal.

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CARDINAL COUPLE CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE UofL WOMENS' ATHLETE CONTEST

It does look like Becca Shine will advance to the round of eight after soundly thumping softball's Katie Keller in first round action. Congrats, Becca!

 Our next matchup features top-seeded Shoni Schimmel against Krissie Brandenburg.

Krissie is one of the best on the UofL women's swimming and diving team. She was the 2009 Kentucky High School Girls Swimmer of the Year and has been selected All-BIG EAST three times in her days at Louisville.

Schimmel...you've probably heard of.
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Sandy W.

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