Saturday Cardinal Couple -- Getting it done on the field and in the classroom

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SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE


-Knight, Turner excel in and out of the classroom


-Karel plans on a summer of hard work


-Baseball survives a "scorcher" in Tucson


We refer to college kids who participate in sports as student-athletes. Sometimes, we stress the athlete part of this term much more than the academic accomplishments, but the two go hand-in-hand for the thousands of young men and women who combine the rigors of the classroom along with the training and conditioning involved in their chosen sports. 


Today we bring you three examples of success inside and out of the classroom. 

Holly Knight ended up at Louisville as a graduate student after attending Auburn University and compiling a 3.96 GPA. Her year with the Cards has been a successful one...setting school records in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter runs and qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Her latest accolade is being named a Capital One Academic All-District Track and Field Team honoree. 


She'll compete at Drake Stadium with five other teammates at the NCAA Championships from June 6-9. In the classroom, she's working toward her doctorate in psychology and has a 3.93 GPA and Dean's List achievements.

Hayley Turner was the 2011 BIG EAST Co-Offensive Player of the Year for the Field Hockey Cards and led Louisville in scoring this season. 


Off the field, she has been selected to the Capital One CoSIDA Academic 
All-District II at-large team and is eligible for Academic All-American squad consideration. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Education and Community Health after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in public health education. She is also a four-time National Field Hockey Coaches Association Academic Squad selection. 

You won't see his name in any of the Centre College record books for soccer and he'll probably never grab the headlines on the sports page, but Andrew "Andy" Karel is a shining example of the student-athletes who toil in and out of the classroom in virtual anonymity. They put in the same long hours as the starters, study just as hard and buy in to the team concept on the field and the quest for academic excellence off it.  


Karel was an All-State Academic selection his senior year at North Oldham High School and the team's leading scorer his junior and senior years. When he got to Centre, his role changed a bit...becoming a mid-fielder and defender. His work ethic has remained the same, however. 

He plans on spending this summer before his senior year in a co-op program with Creative Alliance. The knowledge and training he'll receive will be valuable in his pursuit of a degree in Finance at Centre. He'll also train and condition for his senior season as one of the Colonels soccer team members. 


Here's a great philosophy on the life of the college student-athlete:


"The hard work I put in as a student-athlete will help prepare me for the years after college. I look at my parents and the hard work that they have performed since I was born and the successes they have had. It's a motivator and a lesson -- that if you pursue your goals with dedication and effort, good things will come to you." 


Wise words and philosophy. Holly, Hayley and Andy. Three examples of the student-athlete. Three good ones...


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Hot enough for ya? That had to be the guide words last night in Tucson, AZ. where the Louisville Cardinal baseball team downed New Mexico State 3-2 in 100 degree plus weather. 


The "beisbal" Cards take on the host Arizona Wildcats tonight at 11 p.m. in the winner's bracket of the Tucson Regional. Get 'em guys! 


Here's a link to a pretty amazing catch to end a baseball game. Guy has some hops! 


Up, up and away!


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Exeter, Ferguson Dayes and Yenney receive soccer honors...Turner gets field hockey award...Cheerleaders now to WVU?

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FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Soccer picks up four BIG EAST awards

-Field Hockey gathers five awards

-Should they stay or should they go?

Christine Exeter, a sophomore forward for the University of Louisville women's soccer team, has been named the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year. She was one of four on the UofL women's soccer team to receive awards at the Thursday night awards banquet in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Karen Ferguson-Dayes was selected as the league's Coach of the Year.

Yenney is just a freshman

Also getting recognition...freshman mid-fielder Erin Yenney...named to the BIG EAST All-Rookie Team and Jennifer Jones, who made the Third Team All BIG EAST.

"I've said this since day one and I'll keep on saying it. she (Exeter) is special. Most, if not all her goals have come in key games and are very significant for us. I'm thrilled for her, but she's so focused and humble that she won't let this honor define her. She will continue to do what she's good at and that's being a great teammate and being a great goal scorer." -Ferguson-Dayes commenting of Exeter's selection.

The Cards face Notre Dame Friday 3 p.m. in Morgantown in the BIG EAST Women's Soccer Tournament semifinals. If victorious, the Cards will play the winner of the Georgetown vs. West Virginia game for the title Sunday.

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Hayley Turner was one of five Cardinals to pick up awards at the BIG EAST Conference Field Hockey Banquet last night in Syracuse, NY. The honors:

Turner leads the
Cards in scoring

-Hayley Turner - senior midfielder - BIG EAST Co-Offensive Player of the Year and All-BIG EAST FIRST TEAM.



Collins is First Team BIG EAST
Way to go Caitlin



-Caitlin Collins - senior midfielder - ALL-BIG EAST FIRST TEAM



-Erin Conrad - junior goalkeeper - ALL-BIG EAST SECOND TEAM

-Dominique Pasqualichio -freshman defender -ALL-BIG EAST SECOND TEAM

-Alyssa Voelmle - freshman defender- ALL-BIG EAST SECOND TEAM

The Cards are in the BIG EAST semifinals and will face top-seeded and #4 Connecticut Friday at 12:30 p.m.

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Something about the BIG EAST just seems to create controversy and wild speculation. We reported, as many other news outlets and internet blogs did, that UofL was leaving their Cheer and Dance squads behind when the football and women's soccer teams travelled to Morgantown this weekend to play.

Looks like the rumor now is that the Cheerleaders might be making the trip. 

Stay tuned, or as we might also suggest, tune in the noon kickoff and see if they are on the sidelines.  

WE love the UofL Cheerleaders. Along with the Dance Squad, they manage to block our view at UofL women's basketball games. Could be worse...

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In case you missed it, the CARDINAL COUPLE Friday Breeders Cup Picks were posted last night. Should be good for a few laughs...

nochoiceisachoice

Volleyball vs. Tennessee tonight in KFC YUM!...Collins, Turner in Senior All-Star game...Two Cards teams travel to West Virginia this weekend

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WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Tennessee first of three in YUM! Center for Volleyball

-Collins, Turner selected for NFHCA Senior All-Star game

-I-64 East this weekend for football and women's soccer

The University of Louisville Volleyball team begins a three match home stand
this evening with a 7 p.m. match against Tennessee in the KFC YUM! Center.

Emily Juhl will be
killing it this weekend

The Volley Cards (17-9, 9-1) look to get back on the winning track at home after losing to Pittsburgh in the KFC YUM! back on Oct. 23rd. Tennessee won't be an easy match for Anne Kordes' crew...the #16 Vols are 20-3 on the season and 13-1 in the SEC. The game tonight is a "red out" game...so don the Cardinal Red if you venture downtown tonight.

Lola leads the Cards in
kills this season.

The Cards will return to BIG EAST action on Saturday and Sunday. Syracuse (17-9, 6-4) visits Saturday and the promotion is Youth Day. Sunday brings Marquette to town...the Golden Eagles are a perfect 10-0 in BIG EAST games this year and 20-6 overall. The Sunday game is a Girl Scout Day promotion. Wear a Girl Scout to the game and....never mind.

Can't make the matches? You should check out CardsTV. For a small monthly fee you can follow the action on your computer. For more details, go to http://www.uoflsports.com/ and click on the Multimedia banner.


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Field Hockey's Caitlin Collins and Hayley Turner have been picked for the 2011 NFHCA Division I Senior game which will be held Saturday, Nov 19th. at 3 p.m. at Trager Stadium.  

Caitlin Collins is one of the
dynamic duo at midfield

Collins is a four year starter for the Cards at mid-field and a team co-captain. She was selected for the 2009 All-BIG EAST team and has a career-high three goals this year.



 Turner, also a midfielder, is the Cards leading scorer with 10 goals this year. She's also a four year starter at Louisville and has been selected twice for the All-BIG EAST team. She's in the top five at UofL for career goals (38), career assists (32) and points (108).


Turner leads the Cards in goals.



Louisville (10-8, 3-3) has earned a #4 seed in the upcoming BIG EAST Tournament and will face top seeded and #4 in the nation Connecticut in semifinal action Friday, Nov. 4th. at 12:30 p.m. at Syracuse.

Syracuse and Connecticut have dominated BIG EAST field hockey over the past few years and played for the title in 2010. Connecticut went 6-0 in BIG EAST play this
year and 16-1 overall. The Orange finished 5-1 in the
BIG EAST and have a 16-3 record. Louisville was the only other team to post an above .500 record.

 

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With both Louisville women's soccer and football travelling to Morgantown, WVa. this weekend for games, it's an opportunity for Cardinal sports fans to see Cardinal athletics back to back on the road. Many people we have talked to, though, have serious concerns and doubts about going to West Virginia to watch sporting events Louisville is involved in because of safety issues. We talked to Dan Turner, a long-time Cardinal fan, who we usually run into at away Cardinal athletic events. He is going to watch both the events (soccer Friday and football Saturday)..but with proper caution.

Mountaineers host UofL this weekend.

"I don't wear my red gear in any public venues, like restaurants or gas stations. I'll pack a red shirt in my seat cushion and put it on once I get into the football stadium. I'll remove it before I leave the stadium. I'm 64 years old, got a bad leg and I don't think I could handle myself very well if a few West Virginia fans wanted to pick a fight with me. Never been to a women's soccer game on the road...so I don't know how rowdy West Virginia women's soccer fans get. I've travelled to see the Cards in football and basketball since the early 70's. Some of the Memphis games were pretty rowdy back in the early days and UK fans can get a little loud and critical if they see you in red, but neither school can match the Mountaineers in insults, nastiness and rude behavior. My wife hasn't attended a football game in Morgantown since 2005...that post-game mob scene was enough to scare her off for good. I'll make the drive with a couple of guys that sit near me at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. One is a ex-Marine and the other has a brown belt in karate. And, they're younger than me. Still, I just want to see two good sporting events this weekend and no pre or post game drama or fights. I hope I get my wish."

I would feel safe travelling to Morgantown
with these guys. Fagettaboutit...

The University of Louisville has concerns...electing not to take the Cheer or Dance teams to Morgantown this weekend.

Check out Charlie Springer's UofL Card Game for an excellent article and some wild comments by Mountaineer fans about the two schools and the dislike for each other. www.uoflcardgame.com

We know there are plenty of hospitable and friendly fans that support and cheer for the Mountaineers. We have met them when they come to Louisville and tailgate at the Parrish House. Unfortunately, the West Virginia "bad apples" really stick out and we are amazed at the lack of effort by the administration and police at WVU to curtail their bad behavior.

God forbid Louisville actually "sweep" this weekend and win both the football and women's soccer games. The Cardinal casualty count could reach the 100's...
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nochoiceisachoice

Football Cards pull the upset in Lexington

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UL Cheerleaders entertain at the Red Mile

SUNDAY WITH THE COUPLE:

-Photo gallery from UofL tailgating in Lexington

-Cards hang on to win 24-17 in football

-Field Hockey blanks Georgetown 5-0

-Softball Cards sweep Bellarmine doubleheader

-Volleyball falls to Illini.

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A great time yesterday in Lexington for the UofL vs. UK football game. Some fan shots below from the Red Mile and game.

Gary 'the real red bird' Budd with friends Brandon Lefler and Courtney Korte

Sonja with CARDINAL COUPLE readers Bill Lacy (middle) "get me out of Lexington,
get me out of Lexington" Joey Strader (left) and the masked Red Rage.

                                              It was a crazy night for football in Lexington last night. Beginning with arriving on campus several hours before game time to find that the place we have parked since 1994 was already filled up. Plan 2...the Red Mile was enacted though and it was a big time.

Thank you, Stephan Robinson for choosing Louisville. His timely strip of the ball last night from DeMarco Robinson (no relation) saved this one for the Cards. They don't call us the 'Cardiac Cards' without good reason.



Rod Rine and Garrett Shadowen tailgate before kickoff



WE love the Red Mile as a tailgating venue. Found a nice shade tree to park under and had a great, relaxing few hours before climbing on the bus to go to Commonwealth. Even the Cat fans driving down Nelms Ave. past the Red Mile parking lot...screaming obscenities and profanities... didn't ruin the day. The buses, however, back to the Red Mile were few and far between after the game. Paul snuck on one...Sonja chose to hoof the mile back to the Red Mile. WE arrived about the same time...

Two of our tailgating neighbors at the Red Mile. They know
the words to BOTH Cardinal fight songs...impressive

Top five things we liked about yesterday:

1. Cards hold on to win.

2. Weather was perfect.

3. The look on the Cat fan faces after the game

4. Teddy Bridgewater getting the job done...no fear

5. The Louisville fans outshouting the UK fans for most of the game

Our view from Sec. 113 Row 37.

Thanks to the 53 participants who took part in the Name the Winner and Score Contest. We had some really close guesses. Keith Danbury nailed it right on the head, though and wins the PANERA Card. UofL 24-UK 17.

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Turner's two scores lead Cards to
a 5-0 Field Hockey win

Hayley Turner scored twice and UofL Field Hockey shut out Georgetown yesterday in Washington, D.C. Taylor started the scoring for UofL, taking an assist from Caitlin Collins and finding the net. Minutes later, Turner returned the favor...feeding Erin Schneidtmiller with a pass and a score to make it 2-0 Cards. The Cards put two more scores on the board before the first half was through...Becca Maddock taking an Elizabeth Vance pass to the net and Turner getting her second goal of the half. The Cards out-shot the Hoyas 11-0. The Cards would add an insurance goal in the final half when Elizabeth Vance scored on an unassisted goal  

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Tori the Terminator

Softball swept two scrimmage games at Ulmer Stadium against Bellarmine yesterday...winning the Battle of Eastern Parkway 2-0 and 12-1. How about Tori Collins with 17 strikeouts in the opening game...pitching a one-hitter! The Cards got 14 hits in the closer...freshman Whitney Arion belting a grand slam homer. Caralisa Connell got the win, striking out 10 Knights and allowing only two hits. Good to see several freshmen contributing right off the bat also. Besides Arion...Carly Atkinson, Kayla Soles, and Kirsten Stanley all contributed to the second-game win. Also good to see Jordan Trimble back from last year's season ending injury...she pounded a double in the first game -  scoring Kristin Austin -  and then scoring on sophomore Taner Fowler's single.

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Volleyball took Illinois to five games yesterday to close out the BIG EAST vs. BIG 10 Challenge...but lost 25-20, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25 and 15-9. Lola Arslanbekova with another big effort - 30 kills - but the #3 Illini took control in the final game 11-4 and the Cards could not recover. Looks like the Gwen Rucker injury couldn't have come at a worse time. Get well, Gwen!

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Arslanbekova, Turner get BIG EAST Player of the Week recognition...Dealing with the grief at FAMU

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TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Lola Arslanbekova named BIG EAST Volleyball Player of the Week

-Hayley Turner named BIG EAST Field Hockey Player of the Week

-FAMU grieves the murder of Shannon Washington

-Another 2012 commit in the works for WBB?

Junior Lola Arslanbekova racked up a couple of honors over the weekend for the University of Louisville Volleyball team...being named MVP of the Crowne Plaza Cardinal Classic and BIG EAST Player of the Week. The Cards went 3-0 in the tournament...downing Wichita State, Mississippi and Eastern Illinois.

Arslanbekova was dominating in the matches...recording 63 kills...and she also set a new, single game personal best with 26 against Wichita State. She is the quickest player to ever reach 1000 career kills in Cardinal history.

The pre-season BIG EAST Player of the Year, Lola has received the prestigious Player of the Week honor three times in her career at UofL. Louisville travels to Lexington Wednesday night to face rival UK in Memorial Coliseum.

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Senior Hayley Turner has been selected as BIG EAST Field Hockey Player of the Week for her weekend efforts for the Cards. Turner scored four goals in two games while in North Carolina...as Louisville defeated Davidson 5-3 and lost to Wake Forest in overtime 3-2.

Turner is a midfielder from Sydney, Australia and currently tied for fifth for Louisville's career goals (38) and points (89) record.

In field hockey, a player gets two points in the statistics line if they score a goal and one point for an assist. Goals are the only points that count in the official scoring of the match, though. Turner has nine points this season...on four goals (8 points) and one assist.

The 16th. ranked Field Hockey Cards return to the friendly confines of Trager Stadium for two matches this week. They'll square off against Missouri State on Friday, Sept. 9th. at 3 p.m. and entertain Appalachian State Sunday, Sept 11th at 2 p.m.

Cardinal fans have a great opportunity to take in a sports double-header on Friday...since the football game against FIU starts at 7 p.m.

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Shock, disbelief and mourning on the Florida A&M campus as the Rattlers and students come to grips with the stabbing and death of Florida A&M women's basketball player Shannon Washington on Sunday morning.

Washington was a shooting guard expected
to start for FAMU.

According to police reports, Starquineshia Palmer has been charged with first degree murder. The two were involved in a domestic relationship and got into an argument early Sunday morning. Palmer stabbed Washington several times in the neck and back around 2 a.m. Washington was rushed to a Tallahassee hospital but died several hours later.

Washington had transferred to FAMU after a highly successful two years at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, Illinois. While there, she earned National Junior College All-American honors and was expected to become the Rattlers shooting guard this fall.

A memorial service was held Monday for Washington with students and coaches from the school attending. FAMU head coach LeDawn Gibson spoke of Washington's impressive pre-season practice and conditioning drill earlier in the day and that despite just arriving on campus this fall...she had achieved a leadership status among the players and was well-liked.

The University of Louisville women's basketball team will travel to Tallahassee to play FAMU on November 26th....after playing Florida State on the 25th.

OUR hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the Rattlers over this senseless and tragic murder of an up and coming star and WE hope that a swift death penalty will be metered out to this cold-hearted killer.

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No official word...but we're getting indicators here at Cardinal Couple that Jeff Walz may have landed another verbal for 2012. Seems a certain 6'1" combo guard/forward may have caught his eye. We'll do some legwork and let you know. If it's true, he's gotten a verbal out of a highly talented and sought after player who was all All-State her junior year and averaged 20 points a game. More as we get it...

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Can Zenyatta go 20 for 20?

SATURDAY AT C.C. :

-The "Big Girl" goes for No. 20

-Youman named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year.

-Swimming downs WVU

-Football faces Syracuse

Zenyatta, pictured here, faces the boys today in the Breeders Cup Classic. She's going for her 20th. win in 20 starts. WE think she'll get it today. More on the 'Cup at the end of today's articles. Photo copyrighted by Charles Pravata and a beauty of the "Big Girl"

Nicole Youman has been selected as the BIG EAST Field Hockey Offensive Player of the Year. The senior forward has 17 goals and 19 assists so far this season. that's good for top honors in the BIG EAST and sixth in the nation. Nicole was also selected to the all-conference first team, along with Cardinal teammates Hayley Turner and Rachel Hollenbach. Goalie Erin Conrad got second team honors.

The Cards begin BIG EAST play today...facing #3 UConn. Game is at 1:30 p.m. and can be seen on BIG EAST TV.

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The UofL swimming teams splashed past visitor West Virginia in a dual meet yesterday. For the ladies, the Cards swept the 200-medley relay and 100 yard backstroke early en route to a 186-105 victory over the 'Eers. Therese Bergstrom won the 100 breaststroke, Aileen Cole took the 50 and 100 free and Eszter Povazsay took the 200 backstroke. Louisville dives back into the Ralph Wright Natatorium again today against Pitt.

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Charlie Strong's 4-4 football Cards head to Syracuse without leading rusher Bilal Powell or starting QB Adam Froman in the lineup because of injuries. The 6-2 Orange have won their last two...over WVU and Cincy. Game time is noon.

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Yesterday's Breeders Cup was just plain cold and brutal yesterday if you happened to be outside. If you put $2 across the board on all our picks yesterday, you basically broke even. We did a little better than that, hitting a couple of exactas and a huge late Daily Double that paid $371.00 for a $1 wager. We spent considerably more that that to hit it...but the "all" with 1,4,5,10,11,12 $66 wager gave us a $305 profit and ended the day in a very nice way. Today's picks follow:

BREEDERS CUP JUVENILE TURF

MASTER OF HOUNDS looked great in 5 European races and gets Lasix for the first time today. AIR SUPPORT took to the turf quite well in the Grade 3 Pilgrim and Rajiv Maragh returns to ride for Shug McGaughey. MADMAN DIARIES will set the early pace and if Jeffrey Sanchez gets her too far ahead, they'll have a hard time catching the gelding. BANNED has two straight wins and will appreciate the early pace. He could sweep them all in the stretch.

BREEDERS CUP SPRINT

GIROLAMO will try to go wire to wire like he did in the Vosburgh win and Alan Garcia is one of the best sprint jockeys out there. BIG DRAMA stumbled last time out or he would be 3 for 3 and will fight for the early lead. The rail helps here. SMILING TIGER is another one that will contest for the early lead and Russell Baze has won on him 3 times. ATTA BOY ROY returns to the dirt where he has 3 wins and 2 close seconds. Having Calvin Borel on top doesn't hurt this closer's chances.

BREEDERS CUP TURF SPRINT

SILVER TIMBER roared past them in the Woodford and Julian Leparoux will try to do the same today. BRIDGETOWN comes out of the strong Kenny McPeek barn and will be flying late. STRADIVINSKY will try to take them wire to wire with Johnny Velazquez in the irons and CENTRAL CITY will go to the lead with him. Robby Albarado loves the Ronny Werner trained colts chances.

BREEDERS CUP JUVENILE

UNCLE MO is our best bet of the day. Velazquez has a monster under him and they won't catch him today. BOYS AT TOSCONOVA ran second here to start her career in the Ky Juvenile Cup and will make a race of it. BIONDETTI has won all three of his English races and will draw a huge price. Beware. STAY THIRSTY tries a mile and sixteenth for the first time but should love the extra distance.

BREEDERS CUP MILE

GOLDIKOVA will try to win this race for the third year in a row and she is in great form right now. Make it so. GIO PONTI is a dangerous foe and will be flying late under Ramon Dominguez. COURT VISION will be another late flyer and the colt seems to respond well when Albarado is on board. SIDNEY'S CANDY will be on or close to the lead and could last if the closers don't respond. Also, GET STORMY will want the lead here and is another that has wire to wire speed.

BREEDERS CUP DIRT MILE

COOL COAL MAN is my longshot special here. Leparoux has this horse's attention. Look out late. MORNING LINE will vie for the lead and has new jockey Javier Castellano excited about his chances. TIZWAY will track the pace and will be the probable favorite. MINE THAT BIRD returns to the track where he won the Kentucky Derby...Borel's off but Mike Smith will provide a good ride. This one could be a "all" button to start the late Pick 3...

BREEDERS CUP TURF

WORKFORCE has dominated the European circuit and will romp these if the turf is to his liking. DANGEROUS MIDGE is another European that can get out and go. He may get the lead and refuse to surrender it. BEHKABAD chased WORKFORCE in the Arc and will do the same today. AL KHALI is dangerous at a huge price and gets turf specialist Leparoux's services today. Honestly, if WORKFORCE doesn't go..it's wide open.

BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC

ZENYATTA will make her usual huge charge from way back in the stretch and pass them all again today for Mike Smith and John Shireffs. BLAME has won five of his last six, had three wins here at Churchill and will challenge. FIRST DUDE is poised to run a huge one for Dale Romans and Robby Albarado. If anyone can keep up witn Zenyatta in the stretch, it's "the Dude".

LOOKIN AT LUCKY has three wins in a row and is getting along well with rider Martin Garcia. Another stretch flyer than ZENYATTA will have to contend with.

Good luck to all and dress warmly if you go today

Field Hockey tops UConn 3-2 in O.T.

SUNDAY @ THE COUPLE:





-Field Hockey wins!





Before a record crowd at Trager Stadium, the UofL field hockey team downed #5 UConn 3-2 in overtime.





Louisville got two goals from Hayley Turner...both on assists from Nicole Youman...the final one the decision maker.





The Cards (7-3, 2-1) opened up the scoring when Nikki Auker took a feed from Simone Attles and found the net. Auker scored a goal also back in 2008...the last time Louisville beat Connecticut. Louisville was able to take that lead to halftime.





UConn tiedthe contest midway through second half and minutes later took a 2-1 lead. Nicole Youman found Turner, though...on a feed to tie it with about a minute left. We talked to Youman Thursday and she stressed to us that she hoped that with UConn keying on her...her teammates might benefit.





That proved to be the case in overtime. Youman got the ball to Turner again and the same result transpired...giving the Cards the contest.





Louisville returns to action Sunday to face St. Louis in Trager Stadium.





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Kim Grieshaber finished 4th and the UofL Cross Country squad 6th overall in the Louisville Cross Country meetat E.P. 'Tom' Sawyer Park.

Cardinal Field Hockey ready to tame Huskies

FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

#10 Louisville vs UConn

We devote the Friday edition of CARDINAL COUPLE to the Saturday matchup between #10 Louisville and #5 Connecticut that will take place Saturday at noon in Trager Stadium. We're fortunate enough to have three exclusive interviews with senior TEAM CARDINAL Field Hockey Players and head coach Pam Bustin. The ladies are ready to roll and if they show the determination of Nicole Youman (pictured here) they'll send the Huskies back to Storrs on the short end of the score.

JENNA AHERN

(On the Cards 2008 win over UConn at Trager Stadium)

" I did play in that win. It was the opening of the Marshall Center and a big home win for us. We're hoping to duplicate that again."

(On the rivarly with UConn)

'Definitely our arch rival in the conference. It was a heartbreaker losing to them last year. Maybe it was the theme of the season...heartbreaking, because we had so many overtime losses. WE came out strong but a couple of minutes can lose you a game, so we need to stay strong all the way."

(On scouting this year's UConn squad)

"We need to be ready. Especially on defense, they have skilled forwards..so were looking to skill them outside, delay as best we can on defense. We definitely don't want to give up a lot of corners because they've scored well on those this year."

(Her message to CARDINAL COUPLE readers)

'Come out and cheer us on. WE want your support."

NICOLE YOUMAN

(On the 2008 win over UConn)

"It was one that you don't forget, for sure. They were ranked fourth and we won."

(On getting open to score on UConn)

"It's really a team thing. It's all about all of us working together. About getting that open shot on the goal and if that happens to be me...yeah, that would be great."

(On having an advantage if the game goes to overtime)

"I think so. Because of our passion and determination right now. We've learned a lot from overtime this year and I'd be comfortable going in to it."

(On facing players from the last couple of UConn teams)

"There are a few back from the last couple of years. They have a lot of foreign players that are in and out every couple of years...so there will be a few new faces but there are a few girls that I'll remember from last year."

(A special message to the CARDINAL COUPLE readers)

"It great to have all the fans coming out. The support we've had on our Facebook page...yeah, please keep coming out and hopefully we'll put on a good game, get the win and make it worth their while."


TULI YIM

(On beating UConn in 2008)

"It was a very exciting game! It was an incredible thing...we just played so well together and it really showed. WE got the win and it was incredible.

(On what to expect out of UConn on Saturday)

"They are very skilled. They're the #5 team so it will be great competition. WE know their tendencies. WE really just want to move the ball around, I want to just get the ball to those who will score...trusting them and their abilities."

(Her message to CARDINAL COUPLE readers)

"It's going to be a phenomenal game, so come out and watch. It's going to be very exciting!"


PAM BUSTIN

( On the mood, tempo and tone of the players going in to the UConn game)

"Everyone is really excited. I think that our focus is the key to this match. Having a week to prepare and having it be Connecticut....who we always look forward to playing. It's going to be a balance of keeping the energy high and keeping them relaxed as possible. We've just been taking care of our own business here every day and getting into what we have to do to combat Connecticut."

(On Youman and scoring against the UConn defense)

"Nicole Youman is obviously a very good forward and field hockey player and I'm sure Connecticut has a plan to minimize her impact on the game...but for us we've been working on our entire attack unit, so..hopefully as Nic does what she can to open up other players and maybe distract some of the defenders...we'll be able to take advantage of some of the opportunities and score.


(Do we want to see this one go into overtime?)

"No! But if it has to, we'll do what we have to do to win. Despite what the record shows, we actually played really well in our first two overtime games this year. It's just a matter of us finishing the game. I'd rather win in regulation, but if we have to win in overtime...we'll do it."

(On her pregame talk to the team)

"I think inspiration may not be the issue here. Focus and relaxation...trying to get them ready to go. Balanced...getting them ready for what they have to do to get the result they want. We don't need to be too jacked up for this game. The desire..it's gonna be there."

(To the CARDINAL COUPLE readers)

"Come on out and support us! We've been playing some beautiful hockey this season. We're ranked tenth in the nation right now and we're not satisfied with that. We've been hitting a wall...trying to break thru that tenth ranking. Hopefully on Saturday, with good focus and good support and a good game...we'll be able to climb a little bit up that ladder there.'

What else can be said? Be there, be a part of it and come to know the excitement, dedication and drive that is TEAM CARDINAL.

It's gonna be a good one. Don't miss it. CARDINAL COUPLE will have a full report on the contest Sunday and on Saturday...Paul will have a piece on his visit to practice on Thursday.

UofL Field Hockey Preseaon Preview

As we mentioned yesterday, we are excited about the 2010 UofL field Hockey season and Pam Bustin has given CARDINAL COUPLE the lowdown on Cardinal Field Hockey. Seven words for ya...Gotta go see these girls this year!!!

Pam reports:

The UofL field hockey team for fall 2010 is already gearing up. Many of the players are participating in the USA High Performance Womens' National Championships this month. There are nine regions nationally that offer U.S. High Performance training sites and Louisville is the host of the Midwest site. UofL has players representing the Midwest, Pennsylvania and Mid Atlantic regions. Pam is the head coach for the Midwest and is looking forward to coaching this team which is comprised of the regions best collegiate and future stars. U.S. squad members are also part of the regional teams and the Midwest has four of these players...including 2008 Olympian Carrie Lingo. Representing Louisville will be Karah Hall, Tuli Lim, Rachel Hollenbach and Erin Conrad. This upcoming tournament helps select the various National teams. For more info on the championships, go to:

www.usfieldhockey.com

The 2010 UofL field hockey team welcomes back nine starters and will introduce ten freshmen to Cardinal fans. This mix of returning determination and youthful enthusiasm could lead to the best season in program history. After a self-confessed underacheiving 2009 campaign, the team has re-evaluated and looked within. With their honest assessments and taking personal responsibility for the performance of the team, the 2010 spring was extremely focused and productive.

Leading the charge this fall will be field captain Nicole Youmam (AUS) and vice-captains Jenna Ahern (PA) and Hayley Turner (AUS). The three will work together to lead by example and to guide this strong group toward a championship. Both Nicole and Hayley will be coming off play in Austrailia...and Jenna has been keeping the pace throughout her summer training here in Louisville.

Jenna will be joined in the backfield by Karah Wall (KY), Cait Collins (NY) and Natasha Leickly (OH). They'll be joined by redshirt sophomore Erin Conrad (PA), who will be in the goalcage. Erin has prepared over the last two years for this responsibility and has gained valuable experience through the team's recent matches in Argentina this March and in the USA High Performance competition.

Tull Lim (NC), Rachel Hollenbach (PA) and Turner return to midfield...which creates one of the toughest midfield threesomes in the country. The forward line features Youman, Nikki Auker (PA), Amber Thomas (CAN), Simone Attles (OH), Haley and Lacey Jurich (KY) and Heather Stevens (DE). They'll give the Cards the punch and versatility needed to be dangerous.

The 10 new Cardinals bring a wealth of talent, athleticism and a great competitive spirit to the program. Meghan Ziobro (VA) steps in to challenge Conrad for goalie. Dominique Pasqualichio (PA), Katie Flannery (PA), Sophie Engelkes (HOL) and Nikki Barry (PA) will most likely contribute and develop into key backfield players. Michelle Amon (KY) and Kelsey Rosenmeier (VA) will bolster the midfield and forward spots. Jacque Gerrick (PA), Elizabeth Vance (TX), and Erin Schneidtmiller (KY) will lend their goal scoring talents to the forward positions.

The upcoming schedule this fall is a challenging one. 10 out of the 19 opponents finished the in NCAA top 20. Princeton and Maryland were in the Final Four. The Big East is always a challenge and and Team Cardinal is looking forward to competing at a National Championship level every time they step on the turf.

We'll relay The Flock's schedule and full results in the upcoming months here at CARDINAL COUPLE. A special thanks to Pam for her comprehensive preseason report and amazing accomplishments as the head coach of the UofL Field Hockey program!

If you've never witnesses a field hockey match, you need to go watch the Cards play at state of the art Trager Field on campus. You'll be hooked.