By Sammie Hill–
Continuing their most successful season in school history, the University of Louisville women’s basketball team defeated Villanova University, 62-58, Saturday, Jan. 28. Junior forward Asia Taylor recorded a season high 14 points while sophomore guard Shoni Schimmel delivered yet again, adding 18 points to the scoreboard for the Cards. This victory brings the team’s record to 17-4, the best in program history.
The offensive ability of the Villanova Wildcats threatened the Cardinals, who trailed 38-32 with a little over 11 minutes left in the game. However, displaying determination and resiliency, Louisville responded with intensity, making their last eight free throws to solidify a win.
“On a team like that that hits 3’s a lot, every point we make matters,” explains Asia Taylor. Adding 12 points to the Cardinal’s total score in the second half, this junior forward’s outstanding performance played a critical part in the team’s success over Villanova.
“She did it all,” teammate Shoni Schimmel said. “She rebounded. She shot her free throws good and she played defense.” The versatility described here contributed to the team significantly, helping to seal the win.
“I just came out trying to be aggressive,” Taylor said. “I’ve been working extra, as much as I can, just working on my game.”
Despite losing two of the team’s top scorers, junior guard Tia Gibbs and senior center Monique Reid, to season-ending injuries, the Cardinals have captured the fourth place spot in the Big East with the win over Villanova.
“It’s a big win, there’s no question about that,” head coach Jeff Walz said, “especially with Tia and Mo out now.”
After traveling to DePaul and West Virginia in the following weeks, the women’s basketball team will return home where they remain undefeated, on Feb. 7 to face No. 3 Connecticut.
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Photo: Cody Hibbard/The Louisville Cardinal
