The University Heights Academy Blazers posted a 12-8-2 record in 2017, their best finish since a 14-6-4 mark in 2013. The Blazers racked up 82 goals while conceding 56, resulting in 10 shutout victories. They reached the 8th District championship game, falling 11-1 to Hopkinsville before ending their season with a 3-2 double-overtime loss to Madisonville-North Hopkins in the first round of the 2nd Region tournament.
The Blazers graduated two seniors, Taylor Daniel and Jacorie Summers. Daniel ranked fourth on the team in both goals and assists with 12 and 5, respectively. Summers appeared in every game and added 4 goals and a couple of assists. Nine starters return for the Blazers, including team goal and assist leader, senior Ian Calvert. Calvert found the net 19 times and assisted on 25, followed by junior Tanner Thomas with 14 goals and 8 assists, second in both categories. Senior Simon East scored 13 goals last season, with sophomore Will Bryan looking to improve on his 11 goals and 7 assists from his freshman year. Senior goalkeeper Dan Johnson kept 10 clean sheets in 2017, allowing 2 goals per game. Seniors Hunter Traughber and Mack Major also return to the starting lineup, along with junior Scribby Goode and sophomore Elvin Wagner.
Junior Dylan Edmonson joins the team this season, with Coach Mike Smith projecting him as a possible starter. Freshman Connor Dill is also expected to push to get into the starting lineup, with sophomores Noah Shouse, Riley Simmons and Shayan Khan being counted on to contribute. Freshman Mason Price and Ethan Alexander are a couple of new faces that may be called upon along the way.
The Blazers begin regular-season play at home on August 13 when the Christian County Colonels visit for an important early-season district tilt. UHA was victorious over the Colonels 4-0 in the first game for both teams last season.
