PREVIEW – Lady Blazers Looking to Take Next Step in 2022

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The University Heights Academy Lady Blazers are one tough five-set loss away from being the six-time defending 8th District volleyball champs. As it is, they have won four straight and five of the last six. And, when you look at what the Lady Blazers are bringing back from last year’s district championship team, they would almost surely have to be considered the favorites in the district once again in 2022.

The Lady Blazers return nine players that saw action in at least thirty matches last season and six of those played in all 33 for UHA last season. So, while there are only a couple of seniors on the roster, experience will not be an issue for the Lady Blazers in 2022.

UHA returns one of the region’s imposing players at the net. With her size and power, junior Julia Thomas promises to pose problems for opponents all season long. Thomas finished last year with 261 kills, which was first on the team, and 86 blocks, also first on the team.

The Lady Blazers like to go on the attack. In addition to Thomas, the Lady Blazers had three other players finish with at least 100 kills, those being Susie Comperry (106), Claire Chewning (112), and Olivia Oakley (128).

Junior Sarah Peebles is among the best in the area at “setting the table” for her teammates. Peebles finished the 2021 season with 613 assists for University Heights.

There will be several players to make important contributions for the Lady Blazers in 2022, and that will have integral roles if this team is to make a run and contend for a 2nd Region championship. Keep your eyes on Susie Comperry, Evelyn Cotthoff, and Claire Chewning.

If Margaret Rinehart, Emily Noland, and Maddie Meacham continue to make strides, the Lady Blazers could make that step into the level of elite teams in the 2nd Region this season.

A new face and a young face to watch for this season is Chayse Gilliland. Gilliland showed some flashes of her potential during the Bluegrass State Games and is likely to work her way to some varsity playing time over the course of the season, providing some additional depth.

The Lady Blazers’ schedule will feature some interesting matchups over the course of the season. Matches, in addition to the district schedule, include: Heritage Christian, Madisonville, Todd Central, and Apollo.

The Lady Blazers will also play in the Apollo Summer Slam, the wRECK @ The Plex, and the Quad State Tournament. The 2nd Region All A Classic will be played August 27 at Crittenden County.

The Lady Blazers will open the season Monday night as they travel to Hopkins Central.

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