No air left in the basketball.

Not a pleasant return to the Northwest for Shoni Schimmel with her one-for-whatever in the first half, as bad a half as she’s probably ever had, made more crushing with an early injury to Monique Reid.

Before bowing out of the NCAA tournament Saturday, however, the University of Louisville women’s basketball team would provide a glimpse into the future, which looks to be a bright one.

That would happen only after almost getting run out of the gym by a decent Gonzaga team. The Lady Cards looked like they were going to give up 100 points, trailing 53-33 with 14 minutes to go.

From that point on, however, Louisville would outscore the Zags 36-23, cutting the margin to three points with 2:36 remaining, with Schimmel, Tia Gibbs, Asia Taylor and Keisha Hines leading the way. Alas, an untimely fifth foul on Hines and a lazy pass by Asia Taylor would close the door on any miracle comeback,

The frenetic comeback was one more indication in recent games that this talented group of players is catching on to just how much work and effort is going to be required to survive and thrive at this level of women’s college basketball.

The Lady Cards are going to be special next year. Promise.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

4 thoughts on “Season ends abruptly for Lady Cards”
  1. Reid’s injury critcal to the Cards’ chances. She actually was hobbled 30 prior to game time, tried to go but couldn’t. She, Schimmel, Gibbs and the cast all return next year…minus Hines…and adding three (or more, possibly) quality players to the fold. Watch Cierra Warren…a warrior in the paint.

  2. Who would’ve thought that the lady cards would make it farther than the guys did after their respective seasons? Not me.

    Great job ladies and coach!

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