For the UHA Lady Blazers, reaching at least the regional soccer semifinals has become the expectation when the season gets underway, as they have reached the regional semis for six straight seasons. Finding consistent offense could well be the key for the University Heights Academy Lady Blazers during the 2021 soccer season if they hope to fulfill those expectations once again, and make it seven in a row.
Even with the loss of five seniors after the 2020 season, the cupboard is far from bare for University Heights. The Lady Blazers return seven players who saw action in at least ten matches last season. Five of those saw action in all thirteen matches. Even with that “experience”, UHA is a young team, with only three seniors, no juniors, and a large contingent of sophomores expected to make up the roster this season.
Losing 60-percent of your scoring in any sport is tough, and soccer is no different. When Kate Cansler and Grace Pape received their diplomas at graduation, a large chunk of the Lady Blazer attack went off to college with them. Cansler and Pape combined to score 3.3 goals per match of the Lady Blazers total of 5.5 per match during the COVID-19 shortened season of 2020. The duo also combined for 2.4 assists per match, out of the team’s 3.9.
To fill those “big” shoes, the Lady Blazers will count on a mix of returning experience and youth, heavy on the youth. Senior Emma Perry, along with sophomores Addi Fourqurean and Audry Grise, are the top returning scorers for University Heights in 2021. Each of them scored five goals during the 2020 season. Grise scored her five goals in nine matches, while Perry and Fourqurean each played in all 13 matches for the Lady Blazers. Perry had five assists, while Fourqurean and Grise added three assists each. The three figure to play significant roles in the UHA attack this season.
Coach Michael Parker says he is hoping that Grise’s speed plays a big role in the offensive attack for the Lady Blazers in 2021.
Defensively, the Lady Blazers were fairly stout during the 2020 season and figure to be so again this season. If the defense can limit opponents’ opportunities until the offense comes along, it could be a very nice season for the Lady Blazers.
UHA gave up only 20 goals on the season and figures to be tough to score on again this year. That defensive effort is anchored by senior Piper Hancock, whose size and athleticism will be difficult to handle for any team the Lady Blazers face.
UHA should also be solid in goal again this year. Senior MaKenzie Young allowed only 16 goals in 2020 and should be a stabilizing fixture to the Lady Blazers again this season.
Other names to watch out for over the course of the season will be Anna Fourqurean, Michelle Salas, and Ava Colburn. If some of the other youngsters on the team find their ways into being integral parts, it could be another big season for the Lady Blazers.
The Lady Blazers will be a heavy favorite to pick up another 2nd Region All A soccer title, and will be the favorites to snag their 6th straight 8th District title.
YourSportsEdge.Com had the chance to talk with Coach Michael Parker about the 2021 season and his Lady Blazers.
