The UHA Blazers made an early season statement in the 8th District volleyball race Thursday night. UHA opened quick and never looked back on the way to a straight set win over the defending 8th District champion Hopkinsville Lady Tigers in Blazer Gym.
UHA took the match by the scores of 25-14, 25-22, and 25-21.
The Lady Blazers delivered a quick punch right out of the gate that set the Lady Tigers on their heels early, and they never quite recovered. With Lily Hendricks at the serve, UHA took a 6-0 lead and then cruised through the rest of the set, leading by as many as 13 points.
The second and third sets were much tighter and hard fought. UHA opened the second set taking a 7-2 lead, only to see Hopkinsville roar back to take a 19-18 lead late in the set. However, the Lady Blazers finished out the set 7-3 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.
The third set began as if the Hopkinsville Lady Tigers were ready to make their run to get back into the match. The Lady Tigers jumped out to an 11-5 lead. The Lady Blazers got right back in the set, scoring six points in a row, five of those coming during serves from Anna Moore. Trailing 15-14, UHA scored 3 straight to take the lead at 17-15. It was a lead that the Lady Blazers would not give up as they closed out the match in the 3rd set.
For UHA, the Blazers had 21 team kills led by junior outside hitter Meghan Adams with 8, and libero Lily Hendricks with 5.
For Hopkinsville, Karalyn Beymer had 11 kills. Sarah Cavanah had 11 assists, 6 kills, and 1 ace. Savannah Peck chipped in with 7 assists, 1 kill, and 1 ace.
UHA improves to 10-2 on the season. Hopkinsville falls to 1-2.
In the JV contest, Hopkinsville came away with the win 21-17 and 21-18.
UHA took the freshman contest in straight sets 21-4 and 21-4.