Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

This marked the game things fell apart a year ago for the Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team.

The defending 2011 state runner-up Ryle Raiders came to Tower Park and won 2-0 snapping a four-game Highlands winning streak. The Bluebirds proceeded to lose 1-0 games to Newport Central Catholic and St. Henry in the 36th District championship and 9th Region quarterfinal contests respectively.

Host Ryle did something similar Thursday scoring 12 minutes into the game and not giving it up to snap the five-game Highlands winning streak with the 1-0 victory. The Bluebirds are 13-6-1 entering the postseason.

Both teams had five shots on goal. Nick Breslen had three saves for Highlands and Nathan Tippenhauer had one.

Highlands begins the postseason on Tuesday against NewCath (11-4-1) at 7:30 p.m. in the district championship at Tower Park. Highlands opened the season with a 2-1 win over the Thoroughbreds on Aug. 20.

Volleyball:

Highlands 3, Lloyd Memorial 0:

The Bluebirds improved to 11-19 with the 9th Region win Tuesday with a sound 25-13, 25-21, 25-17 victory.

Highlands plays host to Covington Holmes on Monday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Soccer, Girls:

Lexington Catholic 4, Highlands 1:

The Bluebirds concluded the regular season at 5-7-5 with the road loss Thursday.

Allison Nienaber scored the lone goal for Highlands. Sarah Owen recorded five saves at goalkeeper for the Bluebirds.

Highlands plays host to Newport Central Catholic next Thursday in the 36th District championship game. Game time is 7:30 p.m.