The UHA Lady Blazers are headed to the 2nd Region volleyball championship game for the first time since the 2014 season. The Lady Blazers advanced with a straight set win over Hopkins Central in the first regional semifinal Wednesday night at Union County High School.
It was Hopkins Central that got the quick start of the gate, scoring the first three points of the match. UHA responded by ripping off a 14-3 run to go up 14-6. Central battled back cutting the lead to 14-11, and getting within 2 at 24-22. The Lady Blazers were able to close out the first set on a kill by Averie Turner. UHA got a big set from Meghan Adams, with five kills and two aces.
UHA was the team taking control early in the second set, as the Lady Blazer jumped out to a 6-0 lead. UHA would extend the lead to as many as 10 points at 18-8 and 23-13. Hopkins Central tried to rally, cutting the lead to 23-16, however UHA was able to close out the set to win 25-18. Another big set for Meghan Adams with four kills and an ace. Aisha Pantiere added three kills, including the last two UHA points.
Hopkins Central did their best to try and get back in the match at the beginning of the 3rd set, jumping out to a 9-3 lead. Behind the play of Meghan Adams, Aisha Pantiere, and Eveyln Morales, the Lady Blazers fought their way back into the set, tying the set at 11-11 and 12-12. The set stayed close the rest of the way, with the Lady Blazers scoring the final five points of the set to complete the sweet 25-21. Aisha Pantiere was big down the stretch with four aces and two kills. Evelyn Morales and Meghan Adams added three kills apiece for the Lady Blazers.
UHA improves to 25-14 on the season, while Hopkins Central ends their season at 19-15. The Lady Blazers advance to Thursday’s regional championship game. It is their first championship appearance since 2014, when they lost to Christian County in the final.
