With several things appearing to favor them, the University Heights Academy Lady Blazers are cautiously optimistic about making a pair of long postseason runs in 2018.
First, veteran coach Faye Hendricks has five starters returning from last year’s team that finished 14-20 but advanced to the Second Region Tournament. All-District performers Lily Hendricks and Anna Moore are among the group returning along with setter Beth Peebles and hitters Evelyn Morales and Aisha Paniterre.
Second, UHA is able to replace their gradated starter with junior transfer Meghan Adams who played on McCracken County’s team that advanced to the state semifinals last year.
Third, the Lady Blazers will have an easier path in the All-A Classic region tourney with defending champion Caldwell County too large to compete this year. UHA would be looking for their first trip to the state tournament for small schools since 2014.
However, there are also three factors the Lady Blazers will have to overcome in the season. One is the school’s annual outdoor school that sees the high school class at UHA travel to complete their learning session and community service projects. The Lady Blazers struggled with the week off during the first week of September last year.
Second, the Eighth District is improved this year. Defending champion Hopkinsville has a new coach and several returning starters. Both Christian County and Fort Campbell also return over half their starters from last year.
The Lady Blazers have the pieces in place to make a long run in the All-A Classic and challenge region heavyweights Henderson and Caldwell for a region title. If they can stay healthy and bring along their younger players throughout the season, the Lady Blazers could have a season to remember.
