Tuesday Cardinal Couple -- Running, Running, Running!

TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

(Staff columnist Sandy Walker brings us her weekly jaunt through Cardinal womens' athletics and more! Adjust your seatbelt, put your tray in the upright position and prepare for take off!)

This week Sandy will spend her time exchanging dirty laundry for clean clothes during brief stops home between attending matches and games.

Fans will need to put their running shoes on as

Wednesday

is basketball with Eastern KY,

Thursday and Friday are the opening rounds of the NCAA Volleyball Championship

and Sunday is the UK basketball game.

BASKETBALL – TENNESSEE MARTIN GAME

The now 7-0 Louisville women again did not trail during the course of their game and for 25 minutes looked to be unbeatable by anyone but then they also again managed to spend some time with a lost focus, while becoming sloppy and allowing too many unforced turnovers which opened the door for Tennessee Martin to reduce a Louisville 26 point lead to 11 with only 4:56 left.  They managed to keep it together for a 79-61 win but went for a period of time where the broadcaster said they appeared at times to be brain dead.                                          

In his post game interview Coach Walz said that they just were not mentally tough and it seemed Coach Walz was extremely upset at everyone including UofL play-by-play announcer Matt Andrews but did praise the team for a good job of guarding. 

(Editor's Note): The thing about Coach is that he can parody and feign anger, indifference and rage with the skill of a Shakesperian actor. It made for the best 10 minutes of radio of the evening...including Walz staying on to read the post-game UofL stats over the air and delivering a flawless recap of them...including a brief synopsis of each player's acheivements. The bottom line is that Coach was probably as upset over the Cards losing a 26 point lead with 15:16 to go as we were at home...listening to the game. And, he has a lot more vested in the outcome than we the fans do.

               

Fortunately the women were able to come away with the win with Bria Smith (16), Sara Hammond (14), Megan Deines (15) , Shoni Schimmel (16) and Monique Reid (10) all shooting double figures.  Deines appears to improve with each outing.  Her 3 pointer will soon not only match but exceed Becky’s Big Shot threat.  Tonight was a break out game of sorts for Bria Smith who added a game high 7 rebounds to her status.  It appears that over the summer Bria has added an outside shot to her lay-up arsenal and it is paying off.  Also note that this was Sara’s 4^th game of the season with double shooting figures while last year she only had 4 games which showed double figures.   Shows what an intensive and dedicated summer can do.  In addition, Louisville out rebounded UTM 40-22.

Looking forward to a solid 40 minutes of play this Wednesday against Eastern Kentucky as a primer for UK on Sunday.

Again I want to give a shout-out to the OVC network which allowed Louisville fans to watch the game while listening to Matt and A.J.’s radio broadcast.

Louisville outrebounded the SkyHawks 40-22 and shot a sizzling 55.4% for the game (31-56). They also sank 6-20 from 3-point range. Shoni had four of them and Megan Deines two. 19 turnovers for the Lady Cards, compared to 17 for UTM. Hats off for the free throw shooting! 11-13, which is the best outing of the year at the charity stripe.

We mentioned Monday that Newsome and Butler would be ones to watch and they were, indeed. They made 14 of the 25 baskets UTM scored and had 33 of the 61 points.

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

VOLLEYBALL

The Louisville YUM! CENTER and our 10^th ranked Volleycards have been awarded the first and second rounds of the 64 team Division I national championship tournament.   

This is the 15^th consecutive year for the Volleycards to gain an NCAA bid and is a testament to the strength of the program.  Louisville’s match on Thursday is with OVC winner Belmont.  Wins on both nights will send them to Berkley for regionals before a return to the championships.  The marketing department has been promoting that the road to the championship begins and ends in Louisville.

Tickets for both the first and second opening rounds and the Championship can be obtained by contacting the Louisville Ticket Office during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.) by phone (502-852-5863) or e-mail (ticketoffice@louisville.edu).  Opening rounds are scheduled for this Thursday and Friday and both nights can be seen for a total of $20 by adults and $10  for students and children.   The Championships are set for December 13th and 15^th   with ticket prices subject to age and arena location.

VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT BRACKETS

 

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

BASKETBALL SCHEDULE CHANGES

Wednesday’s game against Eastern KY has been changed to 7:30 from 7:00.

Sunday’s game against UK has been changed to 6:00.

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

“NELL ON WHEELS” WITH NELL FORTNER COMING TO LOUISVILLE

Nell Fortner will be in Louisville for the UK game with her road show.  Information about the new show can be found at  http://www.fullcourt.com/ncaa/22157/nell-fortner-takes-road-game-day-show but more importantly everyone on Sunday needs to be at the YUM! CENTER a full one hour early before the start of the UK game.  Nell’s RV road show will move indoors to the lobby where her show will be taped for later distribution.  UK fans are arriving by bus and plan to arrive in time for her show which will feature open discussion with fans of both teams and perhaps featured guests which she will later select.  Those present should feel free to be a part of the video – otherwise the UK folks will appear to out-number us at our own arena.   Remember: SUNDAY -- BE AT THE ARENA LOBBY ONE HOUR BEFORE TIP OFF AND JOIN IN THE PRODUCTION.

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

LOUISVILLE CARDS MOBILE APP

Today I learned that the Louisville Cards Mobile App also has available a live game day audio and video premium option.  My excitement is that I now have the ability to listen to the live game broadcast while at the game.  Readers who know of other options to do the same please share it with our readers through the comment section.

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

WOMEN’S GAMES ON TV THIS WEEK

There are a large number of games being publically broadcast this week.

Note: The schedule above lists the Louisville/KEntucky game at 2 p.m. Just a reminder...it is at 6 p.m.

 

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

BASKETBALL WOMEN WINS HARDWOOD TOURNMENT

The women beat Oregon on Thursday to win the Hardwood Tournament which was played at Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  High scorers were Shoni Schimmel with 15 and Sara Hammond with 17.  The team ended the tournament at 6-0 for the season.

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

TOP 100 PROGRAMS

SBN has the full list of Top 100 programs in women's NCAA Division I basketball.  It can be found at http://www.swishappeal.com/2012/11/3/3596590/top-100-programs-womens-ncaa-division-i-basketball-full-list with Louisville coming in at # 10.

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

ATTENDANCE

 SBN also has compiled a great article which came from the study of NCAA Division I attendance figures for men’s and women’s basketball.   One of the revelations for me is that due to our above average attendance at Louisville for both the men and women’s teams that we are unaware of most of the rest of the team situations. The average men's college basketball attendance for home games in NCAA Division I is 4,994. The average women's basketball attendance for home games is 1,583.   Not 14,000 vs  1500 but 4,994 vs 1,583.  This averages to 3 fans attending men’s team games per 1 fan attending a women’s game.  My second revelation is that there are actually schools where the women’s teams outdraw those attending the men’s game.   Baylor and Notre Dame are among those schools with higher attendance at the women’s basketball games than those who attend the men’s game.   Surprised/shocked -- yea  -- me too!  My remaining question is how much longer is it going to be before Louisville is added to this list as their team play is organized and exciting to watch?

Just for the record

                                     MEN              WOMEN                   RATIO

           

Louisville	21,503	10,670	2.02
Kentucky	23,721	6,282	3.78

The complete article can be found at http://www.swishappeal.com/2012/11/21/3659730/ncaa-womens-basketball-attendance-mens .

Sandy W.
 

Today laundry features mixed loads needing special attention!

TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

Staff columnist Sandy Walker offers a downpour of valuable information on this rainy Tuesday in Louisville. Grab the raincoat, umbrella and skip the sandals today! 


Tournaments, tournaments and more tournaments – All here on U of L campus facilities.   Recruits, tournament tickets, kitties, L – Club Brick problems and more history.

BASKETBALL

Last week before full practices!!!!

See Tournament Championship ticket information below.

·         Calendar reminder for the women’s basketball tip-off luncheon.  Mark Tuesday October 23, 2012 beginning at noon and held at the KFC YUM! Center. 

Jeff Walz will be the featured speaker.  Check for details at http://www.uoflsports.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/091312aaa.html .

Emmonnie Henderson

·        

On campus visits still in process.   Emmonnie Henderson

(@E_BallSoHard_32) and

Mercedes Russell (@MerSladezz)



Mercedes Russell



 are scheduled for campus visits of October 26 with additional home visits by our coaches to be scheduled.

·        

Linnae Harper (@OhH_NaeNae) appears to be a favorite of Mercedes Russell as she indicated as a choice of who she would like to play with.



Linnae Harper



 

Saniya Chong

·  Saniya Chong reportedly is still interested in Louisville. 

       

• 

  

  Brianna Ruiz

     Despite a summer knee injury, 5’ 10” Del Oro senior guard Brianna Ruiz
• is still heavily recruited and is reported to have 20 scholarship offers.  Louisville is to have visited September 20.

·         Imani Wright keeps appearing in multiple web forum rumors and discussions.

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

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Due to the work of the Tom Jurich and the University we are fortunate to have the facilities and the personnel to attract the attention of the NCAA and their decision to bring multiple post season games/matches to Louisville.   I know it may seem a bit early but time has a way of sneaking up on us so get your calendars out and set these times and dates to print.

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

CROSS COUNTRY

We are fortunate to have the NCAA Cross Country Championships being held at Louisville’s Tom Sawyer State Park on November 17, 2012.  Tickets are available at the park upon arrival and collected as you park.  Entry fee is $10.00 per person.

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

VOLLEYBALL

On December 13 and 15 Louisville will host the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship.  The events will be held at the best volleyball facilities in the nation, our KFC YUM! Center.  Tickets can be purchased through the NCAA.com website. All-session tickets are $62, and special rates are available for groups and teams wishing to attend.  You can also buy tickets for the event through the Louisville Athletic Ticket Office by calling (502) 852-5151.

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

FIELD HOCKEY

The Big East Field Hockey Championship is being held at Trager Stadium on November 2 & 4.  Tickets are available for each days individual sessions at $5.00 for Adults, Seniors and Youths both get in for $3.00 for each session and college students gain entry for free with a valid student ID.

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

BASKETBALL

The First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is being held at the KFC YUM! Center on Sunday March 24 and Tuesday March 26.  Other regional game locations will be held either on these dates or on Saturday March 23 and Monday March 25 so you will be able to see other action between the 64 tournament teams.

Tickets are available through the NCAA at NCAA.org, Ticketmaster, the Louisville Athletic Ticket Office at ticketoffice@louisville.eduat or by calling 502-852-5151.   The Ticket Master link opens http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/16004933F2388E3F where then clicking “On sale dates and times” on the right opens a drop down where Season Ticket holders can purchase tickets beginning today, September 25,  and general public ticket purchases begin October 1, 2012.  Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis so let’s make it our mission to show the country the support Louisville has for women’s basketball by filling the arena.  Bring your friends and make it a party.

U of L’s invite to the tournament dance will allow them to not only play their first round game but if successful on the 24^th, they will also play their second round game at their KFC YUM! Center home arena.  All-session tickets are $32 or $18 for youth, seniors or college students.

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

KITTIES

We still have 4 baby kitties who need help in their upbringing so that as adult Cats they can eventually be the best citizens possible. They cannot help being genetically programmed as baby kitties instead of baby birdies.  Please help me find good U of L foster homes for these orphan babies who have already been to the vet for their healthy baby checkups.  It would be a terrible thing to contribute to the addition of the undomesticated/feral wildcat population.

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

Prayers to Deceased Athlete's Family & Friends

By Chad Twaro, Southeast Missouri Sports Information

"CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – On Thursday afternoon, senior Meg Herndon from the Southeast Missouri soccer team passed away at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

Herndon suffered severe injuries in an automobile accident on Sept. 9 and had been hospitalized since.
***
Herndon played 55 matches in her four years with the Redhawks and started 39 times. She helped lead the Redhawks to an Ohio Valley Conference championship in 2011, starting all 19 matches on defense during that season.

A standout in the classroom as well, Herndon held a 3.83 grade point average as a nursing major. She earned a spot on the OVC Commisioner's Honor Roll three times and was a three-time Southeast Scholar-Athlete."

**************************************************
       
L FUND WALL OF HONOR LIMITED TO MEN?

I recently became aware that the L-Club has begun a fund raising campaign which involves the purchasing a $150 brick on the “Letter Winners Wall of Honor”.  The letter-winners wall will be located at the corner of Floyd and Warnock streets with the funds raised will be used to provide scholarships for student athletes.

All of the plans sounds great until and unless you were a female letter winner as the sport name and each row can contain up to 16 letters

"Please fill out the information above.

Each line can be a maximum of "16 characters"

Men's Basketball = 16 letters

Women's Basketball = 18 letters which is > what is allowed.

  

While I absolutely want this project to move forward and be successful, changes need to and can occur.   An additional look at the brick calls for the years of play to be located on the last of 3 available lines.  Perhaps instead of

Name

Sport

Years of Play

The choices could be:

Name

Years with Space then Men’s or Womens

Sport Name such as Basketball

It can be made to work as it would be sad to have a Letter Winner Wall across from facilities which include women athletes with no former women athletes names on the wall.  Contact can be made to the Cardinal Athletics, L-Club at 2100 S. Floyd St., Louisville, KY 40292.

Atlanta Dream with Angel McCaughtry to Play Indiana

in First Round of the WNBA Playoffs

The first game will be played on September 28 at the Indiana Fever’s home court.  It can be watched at 7:00 on ESPN2.

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

HOW IT WAS – ANOTHER BLAST FROM THE PAST

The women’s basketball team was to play in a tournament in Lexington on the UK campus.  We were privileged to be provided 2, Get this, 2 University of Louisville owned cars to make the trip.  I am serious when using the word privileged as it was really a big deal.  As normal, time was tight and by the time we and our jammed in luggage arrived in Lexington with very little time so our coach needed to participate in a coaches meeting on campus while we needed to get to our hotel rooms, change into our uniforms and return to the campus for our game.

All was well as we dropped off the coach –- notice no assistants existed – and headed into town to our hotel where 4 players were booked per room.  We circled and circled the streets of Lexington without being able to find the hotel name we were given.  One by one, at red lights, a player would leave the first car, ask a person on the street for information, tell the players in the first car then hop into the second car to share the new directions.   As you might figure, eventually the only person left in the first car was the driver with the remaining players literally crammed into the 2^nd car – that is all except me who had actually been successful in learning that the hotel had changed its name and was only a short distance away.  Unfortunately, the light had changed and the cars had left me behind in a pre-cell phone era with no wallet, change, ID or familiarity with the town. 

I made it to the hotel lobby by walking with a helpful downtown shopper while the cars continued to circle for a while longer.  We did make it to the game on time, barely, while making most of our uniform changes in the cars on the way to the arena as there was no time to check into the rooms.  

I am sure that I lost some of the humor in the translation but at the time it was just two car loads of inexperienced college travelers turned loose on the city of Lexington and a story being told 3 decades later.

Sandy W.
.
..
...