Softball prepares for UK after Providence sweep

Hard hitting Cardinal catcher Melissa Roth helped lead the Cards to a three game sweep over Big East foe Providence to improve the Cards record to 24-12. Roth was also named player of the week in the Big East for the second time this season.

The Cards got the broom out on the Friars softball squad over the weekend, winning 9-2, 10-1 and 3-0 over the weekend in Rhode Island. Louisville is 4-2 in Big East play so far this season. Roth leads the leads in batting percentage and has sent a dozen taters into the sandlot (my term for home runs) this year for Louisville.

The Cards face in state rival Kentucky on Wednesday, 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for the game ($2 for team sales). Berm viewing is free. The Afternoon Underdogs...a local afternoon sports talk show that can be heard on CARDS RADIO 790 AM will do a live broadcast from Ulmer Stadium from 3-5 p.m. Make that Afternoon Underdog, unless they've hired Adam Neft's replacment by then.

Louisville is encouraging fans to wear red and participate in the "red out" for the event. (Like we'd be dressed in orange jumpsuits and silver toboggans?) The Cards defeated UK 3-0 back on March, 10th. in Lexington in the previous meeting between the two schools this year. CARDINAL COUPLE will be there, as we have been for most of the Lady Cards home softball action this year and we'll have a full report on the activities.

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Tuesday features the baseball in-state rivalry in Lexington between UK and UofL. If you can't make the trip, it will be televised locally on WMYO-TV and also on Cards radio.

Sean Moth does a great job on the Louisville baseball radio broadcasts...isn't it time we started getting the deserving Lady Cards softball team a little air time as well? I do a pretty passable Harry Carey imitation and will take the broadcast duties if no one else will.

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Tonight brings the end to the college women's basketball season when Connecticut plays Stanford in the championship game. It is the matchup most expected to see in the title decider and UConn won the regular season matchup between the two teams earlier this year, giving Stanford their only loss of the season.

The dynamic duo of Maya Moore and Tina Charles will get a strong test from Stanford's talented front line of Appel, Pederson and Oguandide but few expect the Huskies to lose. After last night's very exciting NCAA Men's Championship, this will bring to an end college hoops until October. Congrats to Duke for the title. Love or hate him, Coach K. had the hot team at the end of the year and they did an excellent defensive job on the Butler Bulldogs last night.

Recruiting still wages on, though and several top names are out there still uncommitted. Louisville is still competing for the services of Portland, Oregon standout duo guard Shoni Schimmel...rated #3 of the combo guards in this senior class.

Schimmel is a game changer, this year's version of college basketball's John Wall on the women's side and unlike Wall...she'll be around to help one lucky team for four years. She'll be an instant starter if she heads to the Ville to join a backcourt with Dez Byrd, Tia Gibbs, Rachel Story, Shelby Harper, Charmaine Tay, Polly Harrington and Becky Burke...it could give the Cards one of the deepest and skilled guard contingents in the nation.

Oregon, Stanford, Rutgers, UCLA, Colorado and Baylor are also rumored to be vying for her commit. She did attend a Lady Cards hoops game earlier this year while visiting the campus and reportedly was impressed with the Cardinal fan attendance the prospects of playing in the new SONJA downtown arena. (Hey, it isn't named yet so I'm naming it after my wife until I hear differently.)

Schimmel in the SONJA scorching the strings...I like the sound of that...

Written by Paul
4/6/10

Louisville lacrosse chops down Longwood

Liz Lovejoy netted five goals and Bergan Foley added six scores to lead the Cards over Longwood on the road. The Cards end the eight game road trip with a 17-10 win and have won their last three games.

Louisville used the scoring skills of Foley and Lovejoy in the second half to break away from a close first half that ended with the Cards leading 8-6. Credit the transition game for the big finish...the Cards scored four unanswered goals to end the game and will host Loyola on Friday 1 p.m. at the Louisville lacrosse field on Floyd Street next to the Yum Center.

If you haven't seen the lacrosse team in action, why not take this spring break opportunity to take the kids out for a fun afternoon of this fast paced, exciting game. It beats waiting for the census bureau to send you another reminder to fill out your form and send it back in.

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Then there were two. Stanford and Connecticut will face off Tuesday night for the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship in the Alamodome in San Antonio. Both teams got a stiff challenge from the competition last night before advancing to the final.

In the early contest, I was impressed with Oklahoma's late rally against the Cardinal before bowing out. Sherri Coale eventually gets the most she can out of a Sooner team that as of lately seemed to dig themselves into a early deep hole before racing to the wire. They almost pulled the late rally and upset last night and got within three points before finally losing to Jane Appel's #2 ranked Stanford Cardinal. Appel isn't full strength with a bum ankle but had plenty of help from her teammates to land a spot in the final game.

In the nightcap, Baylor got within three points of the mighty UConn Huskies with 14:00 to go before running out of gas against the never relenting Geno Auriemna kids. The usual suspects, Maya Moore and Tina Charles led the Huskies to the final chance to dance.

Losing by 20 to UConn is no disgrace and look for Baylor to be a powerhouse for several years to come with the 6'8" crane in the post in Ms. Griner. The final game is Tuesday night and Stanford has already lost once this year to UConn. Don't expect the Cardinal to turn the tables on them in the rematch. UConn is too talented, too experienced and about to become two time champions over the last two years.

Brittany Griner left off the All-American women's college basketball team? She's only set the NCAA Women's record for blocks as a freshman and had changed the way opponents design their offensive strategies against the Bears. Gotta think that she was penalized for the fight she was involved in late in the year on court. She paid her price, sat out the suspension and shouldn't have been further penalized in the voting process.

Written by Paul
4/5/10

Happy Easter to you!

Happy Easter to all of our readers. We all enjoy the fun of the little ones searching for eggs during the Easter Egg Hunts and the delight and joy in their faces when they find their Easter baskets on Sunday morning but please keep the true meaning and reason in mind why we have an Easter Sunday. He has risen and lives within all of us.

My favorite Easter story goes back quite a few years ago when I was a college student. Members of our fraternity volunteered each year to assist at a large Easter egg hunt at one of the local parks. Our primary duties were to help the youngsters find the hidden eggs, especially if they hadn't found any... and make sure no one got hurt during the mad scramble at the start. As I remember it, the Saturday I will tell you about was a bit chilly and we were dressed in coats and jackets. I noticed two small boys, walking a bit slower than most of the kids in the mad pursuit and I went over to them to help them in their search. As we hunted, we talked. One of the boys asked me if there really was an Easter Bunny and I told him that there was. He then asked why the Easter Bunny had skipped their house the previous year and why his mom said that he would be skipping their house tomorrow. The young boys were brothers and they both looked at me...waiting for my answer.

I told them that they could count on the Easter Bunny making a stop at their house on Sunday. That seemed to cheer them and they eventually found several eggs. I walked them back to where their mother was waiting. She was underdressed for the chilly weather and looked a lot older than you would expect for having two young sons that were preschool age. As we went back to their car, I asked for her address. She looked at me suspiciously and I assured her that all I wanted to do was make sure that these boys got an Easter basket. Tears welled up in her eyes and she explained that she could barely make ends meet each month and they were the victims of a deserted father and she was unable to find full time, steady employment.

"What I could really use, mister..." she mournfully answered, "is $50 to make sure they've got food next week." She did give me the address, though, and thanked me for caring.

I went to work when we arrived back at the frat house. Several hours later, a couple of us were headed to the drugstore down the street from us, armed with cash.

That next morning, I awoke early and drove to their house. I tapped on the door and she answered. I handed her two Easter baskets and an envelope.

"This is a gift from my fraternity brothers and me." I told her. "I hope it helps and that your boys enjoy the baskets. I'd also like you to call the phone number in the envelope. The man (an alumni fraternity brother of ours) you'll be talking to might be able to help you in finding a job that pays a little more."

She invited me in for coffee, explaining that the boys were still asleep, but I told her that I was running late for Easter church services and would have to decline. She insisted, though and I sat in the small, dilapidated house with her for a few moments sipping coffee and talking about how the boys were so excited that I had told them that the Easter Bunny would be coming. I left before they awoke and before she opened the envelope.

Several weeks later, I received a letter from her. She thanked the fraternity for the Easter baskets, the $150 in cash and the job lead. She had been hired, enjoyed her job and the extra money it brought in. She had also met a "nice, caring man" who worked at the factory and she had begun to date him.

I never heard anymore about her or the boys until many years later. A young man came up to me at an alumni/student fraternity gathering. He introduced himself and then related that he was the younger of the two boys I had met that Saturday years ago. He had enrolled in college and was pledging the fraternity that had helped him, his brother and mother that day. He caught me up on the years that had passed since then. His mother eventually married the "nice, caring man" she had been dating but she died several years ago of cancer. The step father raised the two boys, never remarrying and eventually became a vice president at the company. The older brother received an academic scholarship to attend Alabama and was majoring in biology, hoping to become a doctor.

He also told me that he had wanted to attend college and eventually join the fraternity that his mother had spoke so proudly of for years. We still talk occasionally. He now lives in Denver...married and with two young children of his own...working as an accountant. His older brother is a physician in Atlanta. He told me that he also helps organize the annual Easter egg hunt for the children of the church he attends.

Paying it forward.

Happy Easter, everyone.

Written by Paul
4/4/10

Road Cards best ODU 12-8 in lacrosse

Liz Lovejoy tossed 4 goals in the net helding the Cards win over ODU on the road.

Thge Cards started out on fire early in the contest and took a 7-1 lead over the Monarchs. Lianne Bobal accounted for three of the points and it looked like Louisvile was on the way to a romp on the road.

ODU wasn't folding, though and Louisville got great goalie play from Danielle Pawliw with 16 saves (a school record) to hold off a late ODU charge and win the game.

The Monarchs actually attempted more shots that the Cards (33-32).

"A win is a win in the record books" UofL head lacrosse Kellie Young commented after the contest. "This team seems to enjoy stressful situations."

Louisville (6-3) ends a 8 game road trip Monday in Farmville, Virginia against Longwood.

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Keeneland opened yesterday before a record crowd for opening day of 24,734. Yeah, it was real crowded up there. SPEEDY MON, ridden by Corey Lanerie, finished last in the field of 11 in the third race. Breaking from the gate at the rail, SPEEDY MON started slowly, encountered a little bumping at the break and ran wide with no real response thruout the race. Oh,well...back to the drawing board for SPEEDY and trainer Paul McGee.

The horse racing heats up today with several major stakes races for Ky. Derby and Ky. Oaks hopefuls. Nine opponents take after LOOKIN AT LUCKY today in the Santa Anita Derby. CARACORTADO could run big at a decent price for underrated jockey Paul Atkinson.

Six Derby contenders try to make a case for the first Saturday in May in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. This one is wide open despite morning line odds of 4-5 for ESKENDERYA and Julian Leparoux.

Same for the Illinois Derby, which draws 8 contenders at a 1 1/8 mile run at Hawthorne. I absolutely love DAVE IN DIXIE here. BACKTALK will probably be the post time favorite.

SHE BE WILD is the favorite in the eight horse Ky. Oaks hopefuls field that will contest the Ashland Stakes for 3 yr. old fillies at Keeneland. NEGLIGEE, BEAUTICIAN, APPLE CHARLOTTE and EVENING JEWEL won't let her have it easy in her first race in two months. NEGLIGEE did defeat SHE BE WILD last October at Kenneland in the Alcibiades Stakes.

Written by Sonja
4/3/10

Championships await Ladybirds and Cheerleaders

The University of Louisville Ladybirds go for their 4th straight national championship next week in Daytona.

We all like to cheer, right? On Monday, you have a chance to go out and support the groups that lead us in cheers and perform the top notch dance routines we get to see at Cardinal sporting events.

The UofL Cheerleaders and Ladybirds dance team will be hosting a Nationals preview on Monday, April 5th. at Manuel High School's main gym. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is only $5.

Talk about a track record of success...the UofL Spirit groups swept the competition last year in large co-ed cheer, small co-ed cheer, all girl cheer and dance divisions. They are the only Division 1-A school to ever do this in the NCA/NDA competition. They're going for a repeat this year and also competing in two additional dance events.

The large co-ed cheerleaders team is attempting to win their 8th straight national title and the Ladybirds hoping to take their 4th straight championship. Both are records. Take that UConn women's basketball Huskies! (I know, the terminology sounds weird...they aren't actually LARGE cheerleaders...it refers to the group size).

Unlike the women's sports teams at UofL, the spirit groups have to raise their own funding to take part in events. They work tirelessly to raise this money all year long...including selling calenders, face tatoos and holding preview events. Just like the scholarship athletes, they take full class loads, go thru demanding practices and make countless apperances around the community to support Cardinal Pride and Cardinal Spirit.

If you've ever watched and enjoyed one of the stunning dance routines that the Ladybirds perform at a basketball game or marvelled at the amazing backflips, running forward flips, pyramids and jumps that these students perform for your pleasure...you know what to do. Get out there and support your spirit groups Monday and spring for a face tattoo or Cardinal calender the next time one of these hard working student atheletes approaches your tailgate party or seat.

Paul still wears his black "Go Cards" rubber wristband that he purchased in Memphis from one of the cheerleaders before the final game of the Conference USA tournament in the Fed Ex Forum. We all remember that game...a certain cocky Memphis hoopster had the chance to win it at the free throw line and couldn't find the net. Must have been the wristband. Beating Calipari can be so much fun, can't it?

Written by Sonja
4/2/10

Louisville drops NCAA, joins NAIA

(The following article is an April Fools parody. In no way does it represent the outstanding work and progress of the University of Louisville's athletic department and their leader Tom Jurich. Just a bit of lighthearted humor for a very nervous world. Enjoy.)

Tom Jurich addressed a hastily assembled group of local media writers, television stations and a few interested bystanders late Wednesday night at Mulligan's Bar and Grill to make the surprise announcement. Jurich, standing atop a pile of milk carton crates began with these remarks:

"I guess you all are wondering why I've called you here this evening when you could be at home watching SOUTH PARK. Well, it isn't for the 25 cent wings and draft beer specials...although I encourage you to take advantage of those delicious deals.

As of about 30 minutes ago, I have decided to place all University of Louisville athletic programs in the NAIA and withdraw from the NCAA. This decision has the full support of all the coaches employed by me...well, it darn well better have or they'll be out on the streets faster than you can say Calipari...and we plan to move on this puppy muy pronto, folks. They won't have Louisville to kick around anymore. No more questionable officiating, snubs by the commish or whacked out scheduling.

I have listened to our fan base, discussed our present situation with anyone who would listen and I know what the Cardinal fans want.

Wins. Big, sloppy blow out wins against directional and hyphenated schools. What we've had here in the past is a failure to communicate with our fan base. You want wins, you get wins. NAIA. NCAA. Both are four letter words. We may have to change a little stationary but in the long run...the future looks so bright, I gotta wear shades, dudes!

Gang, the NAIA is full of four and five word institutions and it's time we started raking in the pot. Along with the move, we're changing the name of the school as well. We are now The University of Kentucky-Louisville. Get used to it, buy a bunch of new shirts, sweats and jackets and get behind our new image. I need to go pee now but a few coaches here will tell you why they love this strategy."

Jurich tumbled off the milk crates and Rick Pitino hopped onto a table and continued the conference.

"We are moving to a brand new downtown arena for the 2010-11 basketball season. Ticket sales...oh hell, who gives a hoot about ticket sales? I want to win a few more games each year. It's the only thing that makes most of you happy, it sure doesn't suck...and I really think the move will allow me to spend more time pursuing my real love...(no, not Karen Sypher)...horse racing. McCarty, Willard...they can run this program. Why do you think I brought Ralph in here anyway? Comic relief? See you at the track and at Rally's, where you can get a Cardinal Collector cup with the purchase of a Cardinal Combo meal."

Pitino dove into the crowd and body surfed to the jukebox. Charlie Strong climbed atop a chair and continued.

"I am loving me some Jurich right now. Talk about taking the pressure off a new coach in a major conference with a group of underacheivers! Everyday I watch that white albetross being constructed on Floyd Street and wonder how in the heck am I going to get warm bodies in there to watch games? Going to the NAIA. That'll do it. We're a tailgate school anyway, so fans can stroll in anytime they want, see that we're up 77-0, yell a few times and head back to their parties. I've got a list right here (holding up a bar napkin) of 14 schools...mostly from the plains states and Cuba...that are dying to get on the upcoming schedule. Be strong, stay strong, party strong and make sure and save Charlie Strong a cold beverage and brat!"

Strong pointed to the northeast corner of Mulligan's, where Jeff Walz stood, dribbling two basketballs. Walz threw one wide of a patron and shot the other at a trash can...producing an airball. He crouched into a squatting position and started shouting:

"I've had it with losing to Connecticut every year. Having Rutgers wipe the floor with us in that cow barn they play in. I want to take this team on the road to places like Campbellsville, Pikeville, Brescia...and sit back...enjoy the game and not have to scream at my kids like my hair is on fire. Let's face it, once I lost Angel...any chance of ever building a winning women's basketball program here at the Ville went right down the drain. This is a chance to get some lopsided wins, practice my sarcastic and sly sense of humor during post game press gatherings and radio interviews. Now I can catch up on all those DANCING WITH THE STARS episodes I've had to miss while playing a bunch of snobbish, thug laden, aristocratic east coast colleges. I won't miss Providence, Seton Hall or St. John. And, I may just move our home games to the Masonic Home gym over on Frankfort Avenue. Half our fan base lives there, anyway."

Walz gestured to UofL baseball coach Dan McDonnell, hitting ground balls to a gathering of bewildered waitresses, but Dan just smiled and started chattering:

"Get two, get in front of the ball! Look it into your glove. Good throws to the bag!"

A stunned group of observers then watched as Jurich and the coaches formed a chorus line and started singing off-key:

"Start spreading the news...we're leaving today. Gonna be a part of it. NAIA."

The group then bowed, high fived each other and refused to take any questions. UofL SID Kenny Klein, selling 50/50 chances in the crowd, made a brief statement as the coaches piled into cabs, limos and SUV vehicles and departed...except for Strong, who started jogging down Barret Avenue back to campus:

"Let me start by reading one of my favorite poems to you. Up on the rooftop...click, click, click. Down thru the Big East with ol' Saint Rick. OK, enough of that. This commitment to excellence displayed by our athletic director and coaches is a prime example of why we are the best college sports town in America.

In the name of the Godfather, the Big Owl and Jim the holy Host...Go in peace...but make sure you purchase a few tickets for the big raffle I've got going here before you go."

(Happy April Fools day to all! We'll return to sanity Friday)

Wriiten by Sonja and Paul
4/1/10

Louisville Lacrosse wins at Cincinnati

Liz Lovejoy scored four goals for the University of Louisville women's lacrosse team Tuesday at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. Hard to imagine anything but football being played in the venerable old facility...but the Cards road trip continues on with their first Big East win.

Louisville (5-3, 1-1) prevailed over the Bearcats 13-9 in a tough, defensive battle. The Cards struck early, scoring the first five points in the game but had to weather a late Bearcat first half rally which pulled them within four at halftime 9-5.

The teams traded goals in the second half, Cincinnati striking first to pull within three...but Lovejoy returned the favor with her third score and the Cards were able to hold onto the lead the rest of the way for the win.

The road trip continues for Louisville, playing April 2nd at Old Dominion and April 4th at Longwood. Phone home, Lady Cards...phone home!

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Add Sara Hammond to the list of possible recruits for Jeff Walz's 2011 Lady Cards basketball newbies. The 6'1" junior from Rockcastle County has Louisville, along with Kentucky, Vandy and WKU on her current list of schools to consider playing for in college. Although Sara isn't ready to make a decision until going thru off season AAU ball, she did recently comment that the Louisville staff was in constant contact with her and that Walz and the Cards were "close as anybody" and that they have been "so welcoming to me."

Hammond put up impressive numbers during her junior year...averaging 15 points and 10.8 rebounds. She also blocked 120 shots. Her Rockcastle County team won the 15th region and battled to the semifinals of the girls Sweet Sixteen KHSAA tournament.

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We were wrong about UConn in yesterday's column...thinking the Huskies would beat Fla. State by 20-30 points. They put a 90-50 thumping on the Noles. Both Maya Moore and Tina Charles have been voted on the All-American team. They advance easily to the Final Four...facing 6'8" Brittany Griner and Baylor on Sunday. Maybe Geno's Huskies should have to play with a handicap...like spotting the opponents 20 points or being forced to wear scuba gear and oven mitts while playing. Probably wouldn't matter.

The season ends for Matthew Mitchell's UK Lady Cats after falling to Oklahoma last night 88-68 in Kansas City. Early on, it looked like the Cats were going to coast to a lopsided win...leading the Sooners 12-1 and 17-4. The defensive pressure was rolling for Kentucky and Victoria Dunlap and crew were scoring at will on Sherri Coale's squad.

Momentum changes sometimes, though. Oklahoma composed themselves, figured out how to beat the UK press and started doing the one thing that wins basketball games...going to the hoop and scoring. The Sooners rallied to take the lead at 28-25 on a Danielle Robinson basket plus one and carried a 43-39 halftime lead into the locker room. Oklahoma came out huge to being the second half with a 26-5 run to take control of the game in the first fifteen minutes and lead 69-50. Quick as lightning guard Nyeshia Stevenson led the Sooners with 31 points. The Cats couldn't find the hoop in the second half...shooting 18% in the final twenty minutes.

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Remember, tomorrow is April Fools Day. Don't believe everything you hear out there Thursday. One of our favorite gags still involves posting a parody several years ago on another site that had Rick Pitino and ex-UofL women's basketball coach Tom Collen deciding to swap jobs. That site is no longer in existance...we don't think we had anything to do with it shutting down...but we got a lot of comments (both good and bad) about the parody. Some people just have no sense of humor! This year, we're taking it easy on the readers. Too worried about Paul's impending decision on whether to join the priesthood and move to Alaska or go run with the bulls in Pampalona, Spain.

(pre April Fools!)

Written by Sonja
3/31/10