Jeff Walz speaks to Sportsmen's Supper Club

FRIDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Jeff Walz excited about upcoming Lady Cards season

University of Louisville head women's basketball coach Jeff Walz spoke to a capacity
crowd at the Sportsmen's Supper Club monthly meeting at Audubon Country Club
Thursday evening. The mere fact he was able to appear at all is a testament to Jeff's
dedication and devotion to the UofL fan base...he drove non-stop from Charleston, SC
this morning to address the club...and then was heading to a 7:30 p.m. Lady Cards 
practice at the KFC YUM! Center. 

Walz began his talk by mentioning that this upcoming season may be the most exciting that has come upon him in his five years as head coach at UofL. 

"This is, by far, the most talented basketball team we've had. We may not have one particular player the caliber of Angel...but we have a full roster of players that are very talented and will be competing for playing time."

On the incoming freshman:

"They have exceeded what I expected of them so far. Three of them that will be competing for starting jobs...and I have four starters back from last year. If you're going to be good, you need your freshmen to step in and challenge the returning players for starting jobs...and that's exactly what we have going on right now." 

Walz also spoke of the August trip to Canada and Oregon. 

"Just to see the excitement out of the people during our visit to Hermiston...where Jude and Shoni grew up. We had people there who told me it was the biggest event they've had on the reservation in ten years...since they brought back in the reunion for the Portland Trail Blazers team that won the NBA Championship back in the late seventies."

On the games in Canada:

"I was very, very pleased with the way our team played."

On practice so far...after six days:

The team is practicing hard...which pleases Coach Walz

"We're getting through an hour and forty five minutes of practice in what used to take us between two and a half to three hours. It's taken five years of recruiting to get a full roster of kids in here that want to play the game. And, when you've done that...that's half the battle. If I don't have to spend half the practice trying to get them to go hard...now I can spend that time teaching and coaching. I can get a lot more accomplished. The effort I'm getting is fantastic."

Can the Cards compete against UConn?

"Yes, we sure can. They've graduated Maya Moore, which is fantastic for all of us (laughter) so,  yes...I'm really excited about this. The UConn game is a Tuesday night game. We need fans to show up for that one. Fans that may not normally come out to a week-night game...we need them out there for that one."

Who's showing the most promise right now?

Jude Schimmel impressing the
coaches

"Actually...the biggest surprise..maybe really not a surprise... but someone who has really exceeded my expectations is Jude Schimmel. Right now, she's competing for a starting spot at point guard."

Who will be your "5" (center) this year?

"Sherrone Vails, a freshman from last year and Cierra Warren, a transfer from North Carolina who sat out last year. Two 6'4" kids..the first time in my five years here I've had
two 6'4" kids on the roster."

On Shelby Harper:

"Shelby is a go-getter. She gives us a lot of heart. Our fans love her.She plays with so much passion that it's hard to keep her off the floor."

On Sara Hammond:

"She works so hard. She knows the game and she's dedicated to being a better player every day."

Coach Walz concluded his remarks by expressing optimism that future, highly sought-after recruits would find the University of Louisville the place to go. He vowed to work hard, along with his assistants and staff, to bring the best possible talent to Louisville in the future.

Then, it was off to conduct a practice with the current talent. When you're Jeff Walz this time of year...the clock is always ticking...the opportunities there to be made the most of...and the passion and intensity for the game the driving force. 

The ship is in good hands, Cardinal fans...with the expert guidance of a coach who defines the terms "hard work" and "dedication to excellence." Smooth sailing ahead.

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Are they Lady Cards a top 10 team?

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THURSDAY @ THE COUPLE:

-Are the Lady Cards a top ten team?


OK. First, we'll admit it's a slow women's sports day. Plenty of action this weekend...so, today...let's take a look at the University of Louisville women's basketball team. They're in their second week of practice and we hope to get some words from Jeff Walz in the Friday CARDINAL COUPLE about how that's going. Today, we look at what might be there. 

Paul ran a column yesterday with his top ten in WBB. You responded. About half of you disagree with his preseason eighth place ranking. The rest of you think it's about right. One respondent (anonymous, of course) doesn't think they're a top twenty team. One of you out there have them #3...behind Baylor and Tennessee. Different strokes, different folks. 

We're thinking Monique gets a starting role this year.

The Cards are deep at all five spots. There is talent returning at all five spots. There is incoming freshman talent at several of these spots. So, how does coach Walz juggle and utilize it all?

Gotta believe that Shoni's spot is safe as a starter. Same for Monique. After that, the race is on.

Point guard will be an interesting battle. Charmaine Tay returns. Shelby Harper is still there. Add Bria Smith and Jude Schimmel to the competition mix and you have a very interesting scenario.

The paint looks to be a major fight as well. Pick two out of Asia Taylor, Cierra Warren, Shawnta Dyer, Sara Hammond and Sherrone Vails. Tough, huh? And if Walz goes small and puts Mo at the "4"...well, you get the idea.

So, how does all this talent compare to the other teams vying to reach the "Great Eight" this spring?

Can't bump either Baylor or Texas A&M from the BIG 12 out of the upper echelons. Both are packed and experienced. Same for Tennessee and Kentucky out of the SEC. Take Stanford out of the PAC 12 and Duke and Maryland from the ACC as contenders for the top ten spots. Add Louisville, Connecticut, Notre Dame and Georgetown from the BIG EAST. Don't forget Rutgers and DePaul. We're also hearing that Florida State and Miami are going to be strong. Toss in always tough Texas and Oklahoma. North Carolina. Who do you eliminate?

The key to Louisville getting a top ten ranking and holding onto it is going to be determined on how well this group can play defense and rebound. Both, at times, were less than spectacular for Walz's bunch. They're going to face some excellent rebounding teams before they get to conference play in Texas A&M, Kentucky, Florida State and their opening exhibition game against Lindsey Wilson might find them facing a front line that is 6'2" or better.

Our final answers:

Paul:

"Top ten definitely. I put them at #8 and I'm sticking with it. The BIG EAST is going to be a war, though and the LADY CARDS will take some losses there. Defense, defense, defense. It's the key. 

Sonja:

"I've got them higher. #6. This potential scoring ability won't be easy to stop. You try to shut down Shoni and the other four on the court are easily capable of putting up double digits on you. Defense will be fine. The transition game Walz loves to run will create plenty of steals, turnovers and opponent fouls. 

David:

"Naturally, I'm going against the grain. I've got them at #12 in the preseason. Too many questions right now about the paint play. Keisha Hines was a very un-heralded, hard-working anchor for last year's team. Can Warren, Dyer or Vails equal that? Asia Taylor needs to sleep with a backboard...because if she can become familiar with the concept of rebounding and put-back shots...the Lady Cards will be OK and advance up the polls. Show me, Cards. 

Got a take? Leave us a comment or send it to cardinalcouple@insightbb.com
We'll take a few comments and post them in a few days. 
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Some preseason thoughts on college Womens Hoops....Friday is Kick Out Cancer night.

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WEDNESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE:

-Paul picks his top ten in NCAAW College Hoops

-Soccer to host Kick Out Cancer night

As the various publications come out with top ten predictions for NCAA Women's College
Basketball, so do we with Paul's picks. Without further ado...

1) BAYLOR. They return the most dominating player in the college game with Brittany Griner. Odyssey Sims is a top five point guard and Kim Mulkey a top five coach.

2) CONNECTICUT. Geno has three Wooden Award candidates on this team, more depth than last year and despite the loss of Maya Moore...Hartley, Dolson and the rest are tough.

3) TENNESSEE.  Pat has a wealth of talent from last year returning, a great recruiting class on campus and they play before rabid fans. Add in the factor of Pat's illness and emotions.

4) NOTRE DAME.  Skylar Diggins is the probable BIG EAST MVP. Muffett also has Peters, Novosel and other contributors back. They'll be in the hunt for the Final Four again.

5) STANFORD. Nnemkadi Oguwmike is destined for a huge season in the weak Pac-12 and having Tara as a head coach doesn't exactly stink...

6) DUKE. The Blue Devils look maybe the best of the ACC and despite being rocked by graduation,  still has returning talent in the Cameron...Elizabeth Williams will be a freshman star.

7) TEXAS A&M. Gary Blair loses Danielle Adams but returns a very talented back court with Tyra White and Sydney Carter. Last year's champs will reach the Elite Eight.

8) LOUISVILLE. The Sho and Mo show...with 12 other players that could go anywhere else in the country and probably start. Defense the key. Walz the best young coach in WBB.

9) KENTUCKY. The Cats have Adia Mathies back to run the show, key players return, they've recruited well and Matthew Mitchell maybe an under-rated coach.

10) GEORGETOWN. Sugar Rodgers leads a team that plays excellent defense and is rough, rugged and deep in talent. Terri-Williams Flournay another young and top coach in WBB.

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Louisville women's soccer will host KICK OUT CANCER Friday night at Cardinal Park. The 7 p.m. game against Rutgers will see the Cards in special white uniforms with pink letters and numbers. Fans are encouraged to wear pink also. Balloons will be available for a $5 purchase and you can write a special message on them and hang them on the "survivor" fence at Cardinal Park.

There will also be a cancer survivor walk around the track at Cardinal Park during halftime.

Get out and support a worthy cause and cheer your women's soccer Cards onto a win!
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WNBA Finals: The atomic bond of Angel McCoughtry

Angel and Lindsey Harding enjoy a light moment while practicing for the WNBA Finals against
Minnesota. Even though the Dream lost in three games to the Lynx, they reached the finals for
the second straight year in a row and look to be just as strong for next year. Enjoy!

(Thanks to Mark S. for the find!)

TUESDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Lola named BIG EAST Player of the week in Volleyball

-Christine Exeter named BIG EAST Player of the week in Soccer

-Shoni nominated for Wooden Award.


For the fourth time this season and three straight week in a row, Lola Arslanbekova has received the BIG EAST Player of the Week award. The

Cards went 2-0 last week to improve to 14-4 and 6-0 in the BIG EAST.

Lola averaged 20 kills per game in the contests and did it without either Gwen Rucker or Emily Juhl...who are injured and did not play. The Cards volley back into action Friday with a match against conference powerhouse
Cincinnati at Cardinal Arena.

Louisville head coach Anne Kordes has done a remarkable job with a razor thin complement of players available and we only hope she can keep the remaining eight players that can play healthy as the Cards continue down the path to the BIG EAST Tournament.

Almost reminds us of the old Boston Braves war cry from 1948 in baseball...when a depleted pitching staff had the team down to two effective hurlers. Maybe "Spahn and Sain and pray for rain." can be altered in this case to read "Lola and Caitlin and a few days off then."

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Louisville women's Soccer also took honors when sophomore forward Christine Exeter took BIG EAST Player of the Week honors.

She had four goals in the Cards two wins last week and has nine goals on this season...tying her for the most in a Cardinal season. The soccer Cards are "on the pitch" (thanks Garret Wall for the descriptive metaphor) this weekend against Rutgers on Friday and Seton Hall Sunday at Cardinal Park.

Louisville leads the National Division of the BIG EAST with a 5-1-2 conference
record....good for 17 points and a two point lead in the National. Scoring scenario is that you get three points for a win (15 for Louisville) and a point for a tie (2 for Louisville) in conference match ups. Georgetown in second with 15. Seton Hall has 12 points and Rutgers 8.

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Louisville women's basketball star Shoni Schimmel has been nominated
for hoops' Wooden Award. She's one of nine BIG EAST players on the list.
No mention of Monique Reid, Louisville' leading scorer from last year. UConn

Only 1/2 of the Sho and Mo show
nominated for Wooden Award.
Fire the judges!!!

and Notre Dame have three players each on the list. A little lack of love for the Lady Cards?

NOTRE DAME

Skylar Diggins
Natalie Novosel
Deveraux Peters

UCONN

Stefanie Dolson
Bria Hartley
Tiffany Hayes

DEPAUL

Keisha Hampton

GEORGETOWN

Sugar Rodgers

The Cards will face two other nominees on their schedule as well...Florida State's Cierra Bravard and Texas A&M's Tyra White.

This list will be chock-full of Cardinals in the upcoming years...
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Women's Soccer, Volleyball get Sunday wins.

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CARDINAL COUPLE MONDAY

-Cards win 2-1 over Georgetown women's soccer

-Volleyball sweeps Rutgers

-Watson on re-alignment (again)

The University of Louisville women's soccer team with an impressive win over the Georgetown Hoyas yesterday in our nation's capital. Christine Exeter with both Cardinal goals in the double overtime 2-1 victory. The win improved Louisville to 7-5-3 overall and also put them in first place in the National Division of the BIG EAST Conference with a 5-1-2 record.

The Hoyas hit the scoreboard first in the match...getting a header goal from Camille Trujillo twenty minutes into the game. That advantage held up through the first half and well into the second...before Exeter took a pass from Angelika Uremovich and found he back of the net in the 79th. minute of play.

Kiefer's goal-tending has sparked
the Cards lately.

It would be 23 minutes later until Exeter nailed the game-winner...taking a throw-in pass from Jennifer Jones and guiding the ball past Georgetown goalie Elizabeth Hanna early in the second overtime to end it. For Exeter, it was her ninth goal of the season - tops for the Cardinals - and her eight goal in the last nine games.

With the win, Louisville edged ahead of the Hoyas (11-5-0, 5-3) in the National division. Chloe Kiefer did another great job defending the net for Karen Ferguson-Dayes team, with four saves. Georgetown out shot the Cards 13-6 in the contest and held a 5-3 advantage in shots on goal...but the Cards led in the most important stat...goals scored.

Louisville returns to Cardinal Park for two this weekend...hosting Rutgers Friday, Oct. 14th. at 7 p.m. and Seton Hall Sunday, Oct 16th. at noon.

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Volleyball also found success on Sunday with a 3-0 sweep of Rutgers in Piscataway, NJ. The Cards took advantage of 19 Lola kills for the 25-19, 25-13, 25-16 sacking of the Scarlet Knights.

"I'm proud of this East Coast swing to get two road league wins and in a sweep says a lot about our team dealing with adversity and injury. I thought Caitlin Welch did a great job passing and serving. We got two big blocks from Gosia Lech and Lola continues to lead our offense." -UofL head coach Anne Kordes.

Emily Juhl and Gwen Rucker are both inactive because of injuries. The Cards played only eight players in the Sunday match.

The Cards battled against Rutgers evenly to start game one - tied at 11-11 - before a 7-3 run gave them a 18-14 advantage. They closed out the first game with three straight Lola kills to take the six point victory. 

Taylor Brauneis had 34 assists in
the win over Rutgers.

Rutgers stayed close in game two, trailing 14-10, until a 7-2 Louisville run put it out of reach at 21-12. Taylor Brauneis served the final three points to close out the Scarlet Knights - including a game ending ace. 

In the final, Louisville jumped out early and had the Piscataway girls down 19-10 before coasting in with the nine point victory. 

The Cards are on a five game winning streak. They return home to prepare for a Friday night contest against arch-rival Cincinnati in Cardinal Arena.

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(The weekend added more mystery and intrigue to conference re-alignment and expansion with the hiatus on Missouri getting a SEC invite and TCU expected to announce Monday they're joining the BIG 12. Our David Watson sounds off.)

Monday morning, you sure look fine.

That line from a classic Fleetwood Mac song would be an apt description of the viewpoint from the Horned Frog campus down in the Dallas-Ft.Worth area. They're expected to announce sometime today that they're accepting the BIG 12 offer to join the band.

This move made sense all along. There was the flirtation with the BIG EAST. Did anyone ever really think that they'd go through with the ridiculous-from-a-geographical-standpoint action of having to travel to Providence to play women's basketball or take their football team to Piscataway to plow through the Scarlet Knights? 

So the BIG EAST takes another right cross to the chin and wobbles back to the corner  behind in points and staggering like a UK fan after a Saturday of Keeneland and Cats football. Syracuse and Pitt gone. Louisville and WVU waiting to hear the word. Connecticut and Rutgers wishing they were on someone's short list.

Missouri appears to hold the key to Louisville's possible inclusion in the BIG 12. Whether the haughty SEC will include the Mizzou Tigers or not remains to be seen, but I don't see the BIG 12 sending out any more party invitations if the Show Me state gets spurned by this non-committal suitor and stays in the BIG 12. 

Watson has an affinity
for lemonade shake-ups,
corn dogs and carnies.

Louisville makes no sense in the previously mentioned from-a-geographical-standpoint scenario inclusion in the BIG 12. Neither does WVU. But, the most I look at the conference re-alignment facade that has shook up college sports like the guy in the lemonade shakeup booth at the state fair midway, I can identify with another 70's rock music line - this one from legendary Jimmy Buffett.

I'm just trying to make a little sense of it all.

Those Louisville fans expecting to be on buses down the road for fall football clashes in Norman, Stillwater and College Station may have to put off those calls to their travel agents for awhile. The conference that no one wants to stay in is still standing. The ring referee, however, is watching closely. 

(David Watson is a special correspondent for CARDINAL COUPLE. His oldest daughter will attend Notre Dame next fall unless Ball State ponies up a field hockey scholarship.)
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Field Hockey wins...Football loses...Sandy Walker reviews...

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SUNDAY CARDINAL COUPLE

-Strong second half leads Field Hockey to win.

-Football falls to NC.

-Sandy Walker on the Dream



The University of Louisville finished strong on the road at Piscataway yesterday and defeated Rutgers in Field Hockey 4-2. Four different Cardinals scored in the win.

"This was a really great win for our program. The last couple of weeks have been really tough, but we've fought through it and this game was no exception. We played a quality opponent who gave it everything they had. I was happy we stuck with the game plan. We kept fighting and working hard for each other." -Head coach Justine Sowry.

The Cards scored first, five minutes into the contest when Amber Thomas knocked one in from short range. Rutgers responded halfway through the half to tie it and took the lead shortly before the half ended.

The second stanza belonged to Louisville. Hayley Turner struck first on a Caitlin Collins feed to tie it. Then, Kelsey Rosenmeier converted an Erin Schneidtmiller pass to put Louisville up 3-2. Heather Stevens tacked on an insurance goal with ten minutes remaining to make it 4-2 Cards.

Louisville out shot the Scarlet Knights 12-8 and Erin Conrad had four saves as Louisville improves to 8-5 and 2-2 in BIG EAST play. 

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Great defensive effort from the football Cards yesterday but they were on the wrong end of a 14-7 final against North Carolina. The Cards recorded four sacks and gave UNC quarterback Bryn Renner fits all day...but couldn't score until 42 seconds remaining in the game. Louisville missed two first half field goal attempts.

UC next week, who will probably have 14 points in the first 14 minutes against Louisville. The Bearcats know how to score. The Cards need lessons.

Victories come with offensive production. The Cards have been rocked with injuries and coaching controversies in this area and the free-wheeling scoring juggernaut we saw in Lexington versus UK is just a fading, fond memory now. Points on the board creates "W"'s. Defensive plays are great and always welcome...but if the offense can't create and capitalize from them..."L"'s are the end result.

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(Sandy Walker on the Atlanta Dream...second best in the WNBA again)

Being up close and personal at Friday night's Atlanta Dream vs. Minnesota Lynx WNBA Championship finals game did not make the outcome any easier to take. The atmosphere was electric in a sold out Philips Arena...where the fans were primed to motivate their team.

Once again, for three quarters...there was hope for a Dream win. But, as it was all series long, the fourth quarter saw the wheels fall off the Dreamobile. Forced offensive choices and a tenacious Lynx defense created the 73-67 loss for Atlanta. 

For the second straight year, the Dream have fought their way to the finals and then been swept out the door. Look for a return in season four if the Dream can maintain their current roster. And, hopefully a crown.


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Soccer wins in double overtime vs Villanova...Volleyball sweeps Seton Hall...Dream lose...Jenny's wish list



Bon-nay with her "redneck" wine glass...compliments
of Tillie the Tour Guide and Flo...



SATURDAY CARDINAL COUPLE...WHO'S WATCHING THE PARRISH HOUSE?

-Women's Soccer over Villanova

-Volleyball sweeps Seton Hall

-Jenny's Wish List

Exeter scores twice in Cards win

Freshman Kim Sharo connected with the game winner in the second overtime yesterday in Philadelphia as the UofL women's soccer team defeated Villanova 3-2. Villanova opened the scoring but the Cards rallied to tie in the second half and led 2-1 before Nova scored late in

regulation to send it to overtime.

It was sophomore Christine Exeter who netted both goals in regulation for the Cards...who improved to 6-5-3 with the win.

Louisville travels to Georgetown next for a Sunday game against the Hoyas.

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Lola with 21 kills for Volleyball...who swept the Pirates yesterday in South Orange, NJ. The Cards took it 29-27, 25-18 and 25-21.

"It was a great road win." said UofL head coach Anne Kordes. "Seton Hall played scrappy defense with a lot of heart and drive. They did a great job. Brooke Mattingly and Taylor Brauneis

Lola on the loose again

had a nice offensive outing."

The Cards started slow...trailing in game one early but took a 13-12 lead and then went on a 5-1 run to secure the contest. Emily Juhl, hampered by injuries, came in and helped the Cards take the second game. Louisville never trailed in game three to go to 13-4 on the year and a perfect 5-0 in the BIG EAST.

The Cards got 35 assists from Brauneis and valuable play from reserve Gosia Lech...who was a perfect 3-3 on kills.



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(CARDINAL COUPLE WRITER JENNY O'BRYAN SHARES HER WISH LIST)

I am first and foremost a women's college basketball fan. As such, it has been a long off-season. Fortunately, we can finally say, the new season is just around the corner. The tip-off luncheon is a little less than two weeks away. The preseason exhibition game - a little less than two weeks away. That means it is time for my basketball wish list.

First, I feel it is important to tell you about last year's wish list. It was a modest wish list, not asking for anything for my team. I had two wishes...I wanted UCONN to lose a game. Just one. Before I get labeled as a "Husky Hater."...let me say I absolutely admire the athleticism of the Connecticut team. I admire the coaching staff and their recruiting skills. I wanted them to break the all-time consecutive win record..and then I wanted them to lose. They did. Twice. First wish granted. Next, I wanted two team beside Stanford and Connecticut to play for the National Championship. I got this one in SPADES! Texas A&M and Notre Dame. If I had only known my wishes would be granted, I would have dreamed even bigger.

This brings us to this year's list. I want great things for my LADY CARDS! I think it is realistic to thing they can go undefeated during the out-of-conference schedule. Texas A&M will be tough. I believe the early scheduling of this game, though, gives us the slightest edge...even though we are in enemy territory. The Kentucky game in Lexington will be tough also. Even though it is in Lexington, it is close enough to Louisville that our travelling fan base can help our Cards bring home the win.

I want to beat UConn. Last year, I wanted UConn to lose. This year, I want to beat them. Our court, our fans, our arena. I want a big turnout and a win. So bad that I can taste it.

In the past, I have not thought we could beat the Huskies...I just wanted us to play well. This year, our ladies can do it! I know our team has been working hard during the off-season. Mo and Becky remember their freshman year, when we lost to UConn 3 times.

Our time has come. Our team is ready. Get the win.

I also expect our team to make a deep run in the tournament. By deep run, I mean a trip to Denver. The Final Four. We are poised for our first National Championship. I would love for it to happen this season. Winning it all takes a lot of good health, depth in positions, drive, determination, hard work, great coaching and a bit of good luck. Things that we can control, we have. So far, the good health is there. Let's hope for the good luck.

My final wish is that Mercedes Russell (Class of 2013) ends up at UofL. She's the top ranked post player in her class. I want our first ever #1 ranked recruit to come and play for my beloved Cardinals. We are in the running. She's made an unofficial visit. The coaching staff recently visited her at her high school in Oregon. As a high school junior, there is a lot of time before she can sign a letter of intent. Between now and then, I feel certain our coaching staff is putting us in the best possible light to sign this highly talented, elite post talent.

OK, I'm dreaming big. It is an exciting time to be a Lady Card fan. Our Cards are on the cusp of greatness. Our program is on the brink of excellence. Our time is coming.

Finally, it is about time to start. Bring it on. I can hardly wait.

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Atlanta fell to the Minnesota Lynx last night. WNBA Finals over and done with. Our Sandy Walker was at the game and will weigh in later today with her recount and observations. Can't blame Angel. She is the ultimate warrior.
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