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Feb. 22, 2008

Final Stats

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The University of Louisville lacrosse program made its official debut in exciting fashion as Bergan Foley scored four goals and six total points and Sierra Smith-Hart added four more goals as the Cards earned a 21-3 win over Division II Bryant University on Friday afternoon at the UofL Lacrosse Stadium.

With a crowd of 727 braving the cold rain and wind, the Cards raced out to a 6-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of action and never looked back in their inaugural game.

"This was a great way to open Louisville Lacrosse and I'm happy with the team's performance today," said head coach Kellie Young. "I love to see the kind of balance we had on offense today and the way we got everyone involved in our attacks, which were very effective.

"I keep telling people that I just don't have the words to describe how thankful I am to be at the University of Louisville and for the support we've gotten from everyone here. Our fans were absolutely unbelievable today and I want to thank them for their wonderful support."

Leading the way for the Cards was Foley, a first year attacker from Huntingdon Valley, Pa., with four goals, including two of the Cards' first six, and two assists overall. Also scoring four goals for the Cards was first year attacker Sierra Smith-Hart, while first year attacker Tara Restly scored six points with three goals and three assists in the win.

"I was really happy with Bergan's play in the first half and the way she set the tempo on offense," Young said. "Lianne (Bobal) did a great job of transitioning the ball up the field, and there were lots of other great performances today because this really was a team win."

In the second half, it was all Cardinals as U of L outscored Bryant 10-0 with goals by nine different players, including first year defender and team co-captain Jamie Ward.

Defensively, the Cards were led by junior goalkeeper and co-captain Jen Heup with three saves, while first year midfielder Brittany Poist picked up a team-high seven ground balls as the Cards' forced 22 turnovers by the Bulldogs.

"I was pleased with our defensive pressure in the midfield, but we need to get more pressure on the ball when it's in their possession," said Young. "Defensively, we have some things to work on and we need to address those before Sunday's game against Manhattan."

Up next, the Cards will host Manhattan College on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, at the UofL Lacrosse Stadium.

"It took a lot of time and work to get to today, and I couldn't have asked for a better result," Young said. "I'm so lucky to be at the University and to have leadership like Tom Jurich and Julie Hermann, who are unbelievable with their support and commitment to women's athletics. I wish it was the norm around the nation to have the kind of support we have here, but that's just not the case.

"This is a special place and I want to thank everyone who helped make today happen because it was a team effort and a wonderful day."