University Heights Academy has been one of the top girls’ soccer programs in the Second Region for the past decade. It will be up to a young group of Lady Blazers to keep them there in the coming seasons.
UHA has lost two of the best players to ever wear the green and gold over the past two seasons to graduation. Alli Cundiff is at Rhodes College, and Lilly Strader begins her first season at Murray State this fall. Both players were All-Region players with Strader the all-time leading scorer in Eighth District history.
The Lady Blazers suffered another blow in the off-season when Kate Cansler, who scored 18 goals as a sophomore, suffered a knee injury playing travel soccer and will miss her junior season.
UHA does have some offensive weapons returning this fall. Junior Grace Pape scored 16 goals and assisted on seven others last year. Her ability to score from just about anywhere this side of midfield makes her the top offensive threat for the Lady Blazers.
Senior Ashlyn Parker is a versatile player for Coach Michael Parker, who can use her on the wing or in midfield. Juniors Molly Bennett and Sarah Covington and sophomore Emma Perry will also have chances to score in the UHA scheme. Newcomers Sloan Hampton and Rheagan Lindsey give the Lady Blazers much needed depth up front.
Sophomore Piper Hancock leads a defense that will benefit from newcomers Trinity Luke and Mallory Rager. Emily Hancock, who missed most of 2018 with a knee injury, will also be in the defensive mix.
Lainey Burman returns for her fourth season in goal and will be a leader on the defensive side.
The Blazers aren’t as deep as they have been in past years, but they return experience in key positions. That will be enough for them to again make a run at the All-A region title. However, they will need to gel quickly as all three of their district opponents are improved from last year.
UHA opens their season Monday as they host Calloway County.
