Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
Visiting Covington Holy Cross downed the Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team, 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-17) on Thursday.
The Ladybirds fell to 8-10 with their third consecutive loss. Holy Cross moved to 11-2 losing only to Ninth Region powers St. Henry and Notre Dame. The Lady Indians lost in the Region semifinals to Notre Dame.
Katie Van Curen led Highlands with 16 digs. Teammate Abby Schweitzer followed with four blocks.
Highlands travels across the Ohio River to face Cincinnati Anderson on Monday. Game time is 7 p.m.
Villa Madonna surprises Highlands:
The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team could not follow up Tuesday's big win over Cincinnati Anderson with another big win.
The Villa Madonna Blue Lightning handed the Bluebirds a 1-0 defeat Thursday. Highlands fell to 6-5-1 and Villa Madonna improved to 4-5. This marked the first time the Bluebirds had been shut out this year.
Junior Nathan Schutte made four saves in goal for Highlands.
The Bluebirds will try to rebound on Tuesday against Bishop Brossart. Game time is 8 p.m.
NCC wins second:
The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds took down the host Calvary Christian Cougars, 2-0 Thursday.
NewCath moved to 2-5-2 overall winning for the first time since a 2-0 win on Aug. 18 against Covington Holy Cross. Calvary is 3-4.
Matt Tolle scored both goals for NCC and teammate Ben Tiereny had an assist. Tolle has four goals in two games for the Thoroughbreds.
Goalkeeper Nathan Grosser recorded his second shutout of the year for NCC. He had five saves.
The Thoroughbreds travel to Cooper on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. contest.