The University Heights Academy Lady Blazers kicked off the second half of their 8th District schedule with a big win Monday evening. The Lady Blazers got a big night from freshman Taylor Cantrell as they rolled to a straight set win over the Hopkinsville Lady Tigers in Blazer Gym.
The win gives UHA a third win in district play, while Hopkinsville remains winless against district competition.
The Lady Blazers started the night quickly and kept rolling from there. Led by a hot start from senior Olivia Oakley, UHA jumped out to a 10-2 lead in the opening set. The Lady Blazers also finished the set strong, closing with an 11 to 1 run to take the set 25-7 and go up one set to none in the match.
The second set was more of the same. The Lady Blazers scored the first six points of the set. Again, UHA also finished strong, this time scoring the final 11 points of the set to win 25-7 and go up two sets to none. It was a big set for Taylor Cantrell, both at the net and at the service line.
To give the Lady Tigers credit, they did not pack it up down two sets. Hopkinsville, led by Saralynn Major and Madysen Taggart, took an early 6-4 lead in the third. After seeing UHA come back to take the lead, Hopkinsville again battled back and got to a 14-11 lead midway through the third set. Taggart had three service aces during the run.
University Heights fought back and the set was tied late in the third at 19-19 before the Lady Blazers again closed with a flourish, scoring the final six points of the set to take the win 25-19 and complete the sweep, three sets to none.
For the Lady Blazers, Taylor Cantrell had 8 kills and 3 service aces. Senior Olivia Oakley had 4 kills from the outside, served 7 aces, dug 5 balls, and had 2 block assists. Sophomore middle hitter Niyati Patel had 5 blocks, 2 kills, and an ace. Gretchen Durham had 13 assists, 3 digs and an ace.
University Heights is back in district play Tuesday night as the Lady Blazers make the journey across North Drive for a big match against Christian County.
Hopkinsville hits the road Tuesday night to take on the Union County Bravettes.
