No All-Americans or prolific scorers on this University of Louisville women’s basketball team. Just a collection of players committed to the program and each other. One player will stand out in one game and disappear in the next, scoring more than 30 points in one outing and as few as four points the next time out. They takes turns being great, being humble, or just being supportive.
Same story in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at the KFC Yum! Center on Monday. The Louisville women clinched their 29th win against seven losses in a heart-thumping 69-68 win over Alabama. And they’re to their 13th appearance in the Sweet 16 under Coach Jeff Walz. A team that began the season with low expectations is within four wins of the unimaginable. Entering the land of the giants from here on out, putting their bodies on the line. Literally.
Laura Ziegler personifying this team’s love for the program, kneeling down to kiss the Cardinal logo after the victory. She transferred from St. Joseph’s to compete in an NCAA tournament and is enjoying every minute of her participation. Tears of joy after the win, donning an NCAA flag for lap around the court and still more tears in the post-game press conference. She love her teammates and considers Louisville a second home. One of the most popular one-year players in UofL history.
The Cardinals had three players scoring in double figures — Elif Istanbullluoglu and Tajianna Roberts had a team-high 18 points on the afternoon. Istanbulluoglu had 11 rebounds for her second career double-double. She shot 7-for-11 from the field and had three assists with zero turnovers in 38 minutes played. Roberts tied a season high with four three-pointers and added four assists and two rebounds. Laura Ziegler added 12 points and had eight rebounds and two blocks.
Mackenly Randolph was one point shy of a double-double with her nine points and a career high 13 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end.
Up Next for the Cardinals is Michigan in Fort Worth, Texas on Saturday. The game will be aired nationally on ABC TV.
