By Brandon Davis

The University of Louisville lacrosse team will wrap up their home schedule Saturday against Georgetown. The Cards will honor the programs first senior graduate in goalkeeper Jen Heup, since its institution two years ago. 
Heup, a native of Davidsonville Maryland, transferred to U of L from Ohio University her sophomore season after the OU program was discontinued. Before leaving OU, she was named the American Lacrosse Conference Goalie of the Year and ranked 13th in the nation in save percentage at .511. In her first season with the Cards, Heup was named co-captain and started all 16 games.
“She’s a bit of a goof ball, but she has been so focused and excited about being in the cage,” said head coach Kellie Young. “She’s a good person and we’re going to miss her next year. But we’re not done yet.
“I’ve grown so close with this team and these girls,” Heup said. “It’s sad to think I’ve only had two years with them, but it’s been an amazing two years. I’m so happy [I came to U of L].  I wouldn’t change anything about the last two years; it’s really been the most amazing times of my life.”
After graduation, Heup said she may pursue a career in coaching. Though she is still undecided on what path she will follow, Heup has been offered a graduate assistant position at Jacksonville University.
Last week, Heup was instrumental in helping the team earn their first ever Big East victory at home over Rutgers 10-8. Heup finished with 10 saves to help the Cards hold on for the victory over the Scarlet Knights.
Six Cardinal players scored goals, led by an outstanding performance from sophomore Emily Dashiell, who finished with four goals and two assists.
“It always feels good to play well, but it was because my team played well,” Dashiell said. “We finally came together. We came out for blood (against Rutgers). Everyone was on and contributing.”
Sophomore Lillian Bobal added two goals to give here 22 on the season.
“Our team played unbelievably,” Young said. “You know we have a lot of talent on our team. What we don’t have is experience. So we’re trying to teach experience in practice. For us to come out, and I have so much respect for Rutgers as a program, for us to come out and beat a team like that is just a great step for our program.”
The Cards now prepare for one of the most difficult challenges they may face all season; the Hoyas, who are ranked in the top 10 in the nation. Though the task of defeating such a squad maybe a lot to ask of such a young team, Coach Young believes her team is up for it
“It’s going to be a good battle for us. Last year, they beat us 13-5 and we really didn’t have a good second half,” Young said. “Knowing what we did (against Rutgers) gives me a lot more confidence going into that game and I think our teams going to step up and play for Jen whose going to be our first alum of the program.”
The game will be played at the U of L Lacrosse stadium at 1 p.m. Admission is free.