Cards Wrap Up 2020-21 Fall Season

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – After the 2020 season was cut short due to COVID-19, the University of Louisville softball team finally returned to action with an unconventional, yet productive fall season that featured seven intra-squad scrimmages.

"I think the fall season worked out well for us," said head coach Holly Aprile. "We have a lot of players on our roster and they were all able to get on the field, maybe more so than if we had been playing other teams. We played some really good, competitive games, and we have a lot of newcomers, so it was good to get everybody acclimated."

The 2020-21 Cardinals officially reported to Don Dobina Field at Ulmer Stadium on August 26, more than five months after the 2020 season abruptly ended due to the pandemic. After a spring and summer filled with uncertainty, the players welcomed the opportunity to return to the field.

"It felt really good to be back," said redshirt junior Taylor Roby. "It honestly felt like my first ever college practice all over again. The energy was high, I got butterflies. It just felt different and didn't want to take it for granted, because we never know when it could be our last."

Setting the stage
When the 2020 season came to a halt, the Cardinals were preparing to host Boston College in their ACC-opening series which was scheduled to start on March 13. The Cardinals had compiled a 10-13 record against a slate that featured 10 games against teams in the top 25. Louisville hoped to carry momentum of a three-game win streak into conference play. Little did they know, their season had ended.

On March 12, all activities were suspended due to concerns surrounding the widespread health risks associated with COVID-19. On March 17, the University of Louisville, in conjunction with the Atlantic Coast Conference canceled all athletic related activities for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year.

A new chapter begins
After the graduation of shortstop Caitlin Ferguson. Louisville returns 18 letterwinners, including Celene Funke, who will be utilizing the NCAA-granted option of an extra season. The addition of seven newcomers, including a pair of transfers, expands UofL's roster to 25 players and offers a balance of depth, skill and experience.

Entering the 2020-21 season, the ACC and UofL established COVID-19 safety precautions and guidelines as college sports began the process of returning to play. The fall softball season took on a different look as the Cardinals participated in individual instruction and competed in a series of seven intra-squad scrimmages. The roster was split into Red and Black teams, with some players spending time on both squads.

Head coach Holly Aprile was also pleased with her team's progress and results, especially given the parameters established surrounding COVID-19.

"We have been adapting," said Aprile. "There are no exceptions to any of the rules regarding COVID-19, so we've just been trying to adapt and go with the flow as much as we can. In certain circumstances where you're used to being really regimented and specific about things, we just have had to be flexible, because at any given time, things can be impacted – from starting times, to who is available, but it has been great to have everybody back together."

Back on the field
Once the players reported in late August, they began to participate in individual instruction for several weeks before the Red & Black scrimmages began.

"The team has been great, resilient, in working with everything," Aprile continued. "I think everybody has adjusted really well. Although we haven't been able to 'mingle' as much as we would like, I think they've done a pretty good job of meshing together given the circumstances."

The fall scrimmages were highly competitive with the Black Squad edging the Red Squad 4-3 in the seven-game series. As a whole, offensively, Louisville produced six home runs, 22 doubles, and four triples while scoring 55 runs and tallying eight stolen bases between the two squads. The seven-player pitching staff combined for 73 strikeouts in 93 innings.

"I have never been so grateful to lace my cleats up and hit some BP with my teammates," said graduate senior Celene Funke. "The abrupt end to our 2020 season was an eye-opening experience and a reminder that every day could be your last on Don Dobina Field."

Player Highlights

Redshirt senior Carmyn Greenwood led the Cardinals offensively in the fall with a .500 batting average (11-for-22) with five runs and three RBIs.
Roby drove in a team-best nine RBIs while posting a .353 batting average with three doubles and two runs. She collected a win in the circle and delivered 16 strikeouts in 20.0 innings of work.
Junior Charley Butler led the team with seven runs and three stolen bases while posting a .391 batting average with two triples.
Senior Maddy Newman registered a .364 batting average with eight hits and had a stolen base.
Junior Rebecca Chung finished the fall season with a .428 batting average (9-for-21) with a double, three runs and two RBIs.
Funke turned in a solid performance at the plate, finishing the fall season with six runs, good for second on the team, and a pair of stolen bases while registering a .316 batting average.
Senior Jordyn Wolfe also posted a .316 average and drove in four runs.
Sophomore Jenna Servi batted .308 with two runs and an RBI.
Sophomore Lexi Carver posted a .333 batting average with a double, two runs and an RBI.
Freshman Gabby Holloway had an impressive fall performance with a .389 batting average including a double, a home run and three RBIs. Additionally, she collected two wins in the circle and delivered 16 strikeouts in 21.2 innings
Rookie Vanessa Miller led the overall standings with three home runs and stood second behind Roby with eight RBIs.
Graduate senior Jennifer Leonhardt, a transfer from the University of Southern Indiana, paced the pitching staff with 30 strikeouts in 19.0 innings

Faced with the challenges of social distancing and limited team-building opportunities, Aprile's squad made the most of their time and resources to welcome the newcomers as they begin their careers at Louisville and formulate the identity of the newest Louisville softball team.

"I think the upperclassmen did a great job in showing the newcomers how important flexibility is during this time," said Funke. "We have done our best to keep our traditions alive while following all COVID-19 guidelines. We're excited for the day we can just lounge in the locker room where some of our funniest memories are made, but until then FaceTime and Snapchat will be our best friends."

Looking ahead
With the 2021 schedule still being finalized Louisville will look to build upon the foundation laid in the fall.

"Our intra-squad scrimmages this fall gave the team an opportunity to put things together in a game-like situation," said Funke. "I was impressed with our bullpen and I think they can do some pretty big things for us. We've got a great group that is ready to throw against whoever ends up on our schedule. We also have a quick team...so lookout on the base paths."

Roby echoes her teammate's outlook.

"Our team is very talented this year which makes me really excited!" said Roby. "This fall everyone came to play and compete. I felt like our defense is looking a lot stronger. Our freshmen are looking really good so far, they make a really good addition to the team along with the transfers."

For the latest on Louisville Softball, visit GoCards.com, follow the team's Twitter account at @UofLSoftball and on Facebook at facebook.com/LouisvilleSoftball.

University of Louisville Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Charley Butler

Lexi Carver

Rebecca Chung

Caitlin Ferguson

Celene Funke

Carmyn Greenwood

Maddy Newman

Taylor Roby

Jenna Servi

Jordyn Wolfe

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