The University Heights Academy Lady Blazers knew its All A Classic state tournament opener with Martin County would likely be a defensive battle. The Lady Blazers had given up just 10 goals in 12 games and held 10 of its 12 opponents to one goal or less including seven shutouts.
Martin County, champions of the 15th/16th sectional, had 10 clean sheets in 16 starts and had only allowed more than two goals twice — both Lady Cardinal losses.
It turned out, one goal was all the Lady Blazers needed to advance to Saturday night’s semifinal. Kendall Hancock scored off of an Audrey Perry cross four minutes into the second half and the UHA defense did the rest in the 1 -0 win in Louisville.
The All A state tournament win is the first for the Lady Blazers, who were making their third appearance in the event. Their reward is a semifinal match with three-time defending All A state champion Bethlehem who edged Owensboro Catholic 2-0.
The Lady Blazers appeared to have trouble adjusting to the turf surface at the Assumption Sports Complex in Louisville and struggled to connect passes in the first half. The same could be said for Martin County (14-3) which was making its first-ever All A state tournament appearance.
The Lady Blazers appeared more comfortable in the second half and outshot the Lady Cardinals 17-6 for the match and 9-1 in the second half.
Freshman Maddie Williams made four saves in goal for the Lady Blazers.
