NCC soccer teams looks for redemption, volleyball return to glory

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It boiled down to a matter of plays that kept the Newport Central Catholic soccer teams from the title of 9th Region champions last year.

The NewCath boys fell 2-0 in the title game to eventual state semifinalist Boone County and the girls lost 3-1 to eventual state runner-up and 2011 state champion Notre Dame. Both teams return the talent to make similar runs this year.

Boys Soccer:

Once they were healthy, the Thoroughbreds made their postseason run. They ran off three straight wins in the postseason including a 1-0 win over Highlands in the District 36 championship game and 2-1 victory over Ryle in the 9th Region semifinals. NewCath finished 7-10-5 overall.

“I believe the guys are prepared for anything that's thrown at us,” said Mike McDonald, NewCath head coach. “We have been training hard to get back to the top. We have been fortunate not have any big injuries this offseason. We have had a few tweaks and sprains, but nothing serious.”

NewCath runs a 4-4-2 (defender-midfielder-forward) formation and returns a number of players with experience. McDonald said he likes the teams skills but needs to come together as a team to be successful this year.

Junior Paul Grosser could take over at goalkeeper after his brother Nathan Grosser graduated last year. Other key returning players for the Thoroughbreds include senior Ben Tierny, Matt Tolle and junior Jacob Hensley.

NewCath opens the season Tuesday at Highlands. Game time is 8 p.m.

Girls Soccer:

The Thoroughbreds have had the same head coach since 1999 in Kevin Turnick.

They tend to reload as a result. NewCath runs several formations depending on the opponent. NewCath also won its first district championship since 2005 last year.

“Last year’s experience will benefit our returning starters,” Turnick said. “They know what to expect in terms of playing in win or go home games. I like our overall team speed, athletic ability and willingness to learn and work hard.”

NewCath returns seven starters from last year’s team that finished 14-6-1 and outscored opponents, 60-21. That includes All-Region and All-State senior midfielder Sam Bunzel, All-Region junior forward Loren Zimmerman, Honorable Mention All-Region sophomore defender Ansley Davenport and junior goalkeeper Erin Ackerson. Bunzel led NewCath with 12 goals last year and Zimmerman had 10.

NewCath plays host to Cooper on Wednesday. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Volleyball:

The Thoroughbreds struggled through an uncharacteristic 10-20 campaign last year and did not win a district championship for the first time since 2004.

But youth and inexperience played a huge role in that as the majority of the players played on varsity for the first time. Only Maria Froendhoff returned from the 2011 team that finished a run of six consecutive 10th Region titles. NewCath lost to Ryle in the 9th quarterfinals last year.

“We knew it was going to be a growing year last season and it did take a toll on the girls mentally,” said Vicki Fleissner, NewCath head coach. “They have been working extremely hard in the offseason on their skills and conditioning. The experiences from last season are making these girls more determined while on the court.”

Senior hitter Nikki Kiernan returns for NewCath along with senior setter Alyssa Maier. The other four seniors are Abbie Lukens, Molly Mertle, Rachel Parnell and Madison Volk. Four juniors, two sophomores and a freshman round out the roster.

NewCath opens the season Monday in the All “A” 9th Region Tournament. The Thoroughbreds travel to Beechwood. Game time is 7:30 p.m.