By Sammie Hill–

Despite their recent loss to the University of Rutgers, the University of Louisville women’s basketball team rebounded to defeat the University of Providence 64-48 on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Sophomore guard Shoni Schimmel, the team leader in scored points and assists, played a vital role in the success of the Cardinals, who, at 15-4, currently hold the best record in school history.

From the first whistle of every game, Schimmel’s intensity motivates her teammates to perform and catalyzes their effort to secure a victory. She averages 13.4 points per game and holds the record for most consecutive games making a 3-point shot. Her phenomenal passing and unbreakable composure add consistency to the team, making her a valuable asset to the Cards. Recently, the overwhelming pressure teams have begun placing upon her has impeded her ability to score for the Cards. However, she has learned to adapt and impact the team in other ways.

“For her to play 39 minutes with the pressure they put on us and have just three turnovers and five assists, I thought was a really nice floor game for her,” head coach Jeff Walz said.

Senior guard Becky Burke elaborates on Schimmel’s versatility, saying, “she can affect the game in other ways besides scoring.”

Despite this increased pressure from opponents, the Cards remain the No. 18 team in the nation and have solidified their place in school history. The players cite team chemistry and work ethic as two important factors in their achievement this season.

“I know that my team is confident in me,” sophomore guard Antonita Slaughter said. “But we all still push each other; we’ve got to be competitive.”

This perpetual thirst for improvement fuels the players’ desire to work hard for one another; for example, Bria Smith and Antonita Slaughter stepped up and earned a combined 22 points for the Cardinals Wednesday night.

Smith’s 12-point performance came off the heels of her already having earned Big East Freshman of the Week honors earlier this month. Smith’s doubledigit scoring and assists has helped her team as the Cards continue through conference play.

This effort by players other than Shoni Schimmel exemplifies the depth of this team. Although Schimmel remains an extraordinary player, University of Louisville women’s basketball harbors a variety of talent that has transformed the team into one of the premier basketball programs in the nation.

[email protected]
Photos: