University Heights Academy sophomore Kendall Hancock showed why she is considered by many as one of the top players in western Kentucky Wednesday night and led the host Lady Blazers to their third straight Girls’ District 8 Soccer Tournament championship.
Hancock scored six goals and provided two assists as UHA defeated Hopkinsville 9-1 at Givens Field.
Four of the sophomore’s goals came in the opening half as the Lady Blazers opened a 7-0 lead with 4:18 to go in the first period.
Hancock credited her teammates for getting her good looks at the goal.
Hopkinsville’s Kaylyn Lynch made sure that there would be a second half as she drove through the UHA defense and put a shot into the back of the net to cut the lead to 7-1 with 2:02 left in the first half.
Hoptown coach Jeff Addison said his team didn’t start well, but he was happy with the effort.
UHA played most of its younger players to end the first half and the early part of the second half and neither team scored. However, UHA coach Michael Parker put his starters back in the game with about 25 minutes left. Hancock almost immediately made it 8-1 and then finished off the game by the mercy rule at 9:01 to play.
The win gave the Lady Blazers their third straight district tournament championship. Parker said he is looking forward to more titles in the future.
Alyssa Grise and Gracie Ausenbaugh each had a goal for UHA. Audrey Perry provided four assists and Ausenbaugh and Kate Cayce also each had an assist.
UHA is 14-3 on the season and Hopkinsville falls to 13-9-1. Both teams advance to next week’s Region 2 tournament in Madisonville.
Photos by Joe Wilson