Blazers fight hard, but fall to Lafayette Jeff in opener

The REPORTER

The University girls basketball team dropped a hard-fought opening game last Saturday, falling to Lafayette Jefferson 57-54 at the Bronchos’ gym.

The Trailblazers played Lafayette Jeff close in the first half, with the Bronchos leading 11-9 after one quarter and 27-22 at halftime. Leah Norvell scored nine points in that half. Jeff got University down 36-26 midway through the third quarter, but the Blazers worked their way back to tie the game at 41-41 at the end of the period. Gabby Culp and Sydney Culp both hit two 3s in the third.

A pair of Norvell baskets pushed University ahead 45-41 early in the fourth period. The Trailblazers were still up 50-47 with two minutes left, but the Bronchos went on an 8-0 run to take the lead and held it until the final buzzer.

Four University players reached double figure scoring. Gabby Culp had 16 points and Sydney Culp scored 15; both totaled three 3s. Norvell finished with 13 points and Taylor Seay, playing her first game since her sophomore year, added 10 points.

Norvell collected eight rebounds, followed by six for Mack Feeney and five each for Seay and Gabby Culp. Seay also dished out four assists. Feeney had three blocked shots and Seay made two blocks.

University hosts Danville at 6 p.m. Wednesday for their only game this week.