University Heights got balanced scoring and got some key defensive stops down the stretch to beat Ballard Memorial 40-31 in the consolation round of the CCA Lady Warrior Classic in Paducah.
The Lady Blazers were playing short-handed for a second straight day and dressed only seven players. However, they got off to a quick start and were able to fend off the Lady Bombers throughout the contest.
UHA got out to an 11-2 lead before Ballard answered with seven straight points to end the quarter.
UHA led 20-15 at halftime and kept their lead at four late in the third quarter when Breanna Daniel knocked down consecutive 3-pointers to give the Lady Blazers a 32-22 lead.
Ballard Memorial got as close as five points in the fourth quarter, but Lily Hendricks hit some key free throws for the final nine-point margin.
Daniel hit four 3-pointers in the game and finished with 12 points. Hendricks added 11 points, and Mallory Rager added nine points and 11 rebounds.
Maddy Calvin and Autumn Dowdy each scored 12 points for Ballard Memorial (5-6).
UHA (4-5) will play Pope County, Ill. Saturday in the consolation final.
University Heights 11 9 12 8—40
Ballard Memorial 9 6 7 9—31
University Heights (4-5) – Daniel 12, Hendricks 11, Dailey 9, Rager 5, Bass 3
Ballard Memorial (5-6) – Calvin 12, Dowdy 12, Holdman 4, Adams 3
