The University Heights Academy Lady Blazers have reached the championship game of the 2nd Region volleyball tournament each of the last two seasons. Each time, it has been the Henderson County Lady Colonels who kept UHA from reaching the state tournament, including a heartbreaking five set loss last year, a match which the Lady Blazers led two sets to one at one point.
At UHA, the expectations of contending for the regional title have become the norm, and for the Lady Blazers to keep that trend alive, they will need to fill some big shoes that are missing from last season, however, there is some young talent on the way that may keep this from being just a rebuilding season for University Heights.
Coach Faye Hendricks has a solid core trio to build the 2020 Lady Blazers around as they prepare for a possible run deep into the volleyball postseason. The trio is comprised of seniors Beth Peebles and Evelyn Morales, and Beth’s younger sister Sarah, who despite being just a freshman, brings significant experience to this year’s team.
Beth Peebles returns for her final year of eligibility after establishing herself as one of the premiere setters in the region. She finished the 2019 season with 808 assists, for an average of nearly 8 assists per match. Peebles, who was one of three players to play in every set during the 2019 season, was number two on the team in service aces last season with 65.
Senior Eveyln Morales is the “high flyer” for the Lady Blazers, elevating off the court when attacking at the net. She finished 2019 with a total of 171 kills. Morales was also solid at the service line, finishing third on the team in aces with 55.
Sarah Peebles saw action in every match for the Lady Blazers during the 2019 season. In a reserve role, she finished with 20 assists, 46 digs, and 12 service aces. Expect her contributions to rise significantly for UHA during the 2020 season.
Another freshman to keep your eye on for the 2020 season will be Julia Thomas. Thomas will give the Lady Blazers both size and a presence at the net. Thomas saw varsity action in 30 matches last year. Thomas averaged .44 blocks per match during her time on the court last season.
Junior Jaila Batey is also expected to be a significant contributor in 2020. Batey saw action in 34 matches last season.
Even with the loss of five seniors from the 2019 roster, the Lady Blazers figure to be one of the teams to reckon with in the 2nd Region. UHA and Caldwell County are expected to battle it out for the All A Region title. Henderson County, Madisonville, Hopkinsville, and Christian County could join the fray in the battle for the 2nd Region title.
The Lady Blazers are scheduled to open the shortened 2020 season September 8 at home against 8th District rival Hopkinsville.
Coach Faye Hendricks talks about the upcoming season:
