Posted By: Richie Hall January 8, 2026
The REPORTER
University’s girls won their fourth consecutive game Tuesday night defeating Western 46-24 at The U Center.
Leah Norvell led three Trailblazers in double figures with 16 points. Gabby Culp added 15 points and Sydney Culp had 13.
Western jumped out to an 8-3 lead midway through the first quarter before the Trailblazers closed the quarter on an 8-0 run. Norvell got things started with a three pointer from the top of the key. Sydney Culp put the Blazers on top for good on a three pointer off a Norvell assist. Norvell scored with five seconds left after a Mack Feeney offensive rebound and nifty pass and University led 11-8 at the quarter break.
A four-point possession early in the second quarter stretched the lead to 15-8. Sydney Culp made the first of two foul shots before Feeney rebounded a miss of the second shot. The ball found its way to Gabby Culp for a three pointer. The Panthers ended a nine minute plus scoring drought with a rebound basket before the Blazers took control with a 7-0 run. Norvell made a three pointer from the left corner, Nyla Blanding had a fast break layin off a Sydney Culp steal and Gabby Culp scored for a 22-10 lead. A late Western basket made the score 22-12 at halftime.
Norvell opened the third quarter with a basket before Western answered with a three pointer. Norvell scored on a rebound midway through the quarter for a 26-15 lead and University led by double digits the rest of the way.
University’s defense was outstanding, holding Western to their lowest scoring output of the season. The Panthers scored just four points in each of the second and third quarters. The Trailblazers had a season high 20 steals among their 23 forced turnovers. University committed just four turnovers in the first three quarters.
Norvell had six rebounds, six steals and four assists. Gabby Culp had seven rebounds and four assists while Sydney Culp handed out five assists. Feeney had a team-high nine steals, seven rebounds and five assists.
University climbed back to .500 on the season while Western fell to 9-7.
The Trailblazers are next in action Saturday at Covenant Christian as part of a girls-boys doubleheader. The junior varsity boys game tips at 4:30 pm with the girls varsity game to follow.
