9th Region Volleyball Bracket Released; Houliston Update

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The 9th Region volleyball pairings were selected Saturday.

Both the Newport Central Catholic and Highlands volleyball teams drew tough quarterfinal opponents. NewCath (16-16) defeated Highlands (13-22) to win the 36th District crown Wednesday by a 3-0 count.

Highlands drew 35th District champion and tournament favorite Notre Dame Pandas for a 7:30 p.m. contest Tuesday. Notre Dame is the third-ranked team in the state behind Louisville Assumption and Louisville Mercy. The winner takes on either St. Henry or Cooper on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

The Pandas bring a 23-7 mark into the tournament. They are led by a Penn State commit in Senior Middle Hitter Heidi Thelen and Senior Setter Elly Ogle, a Louisiana State University commit.

Highlands is 3-4 against the field. All three wins came against Dixie Heights. The Bluebirds also lost to Beechwood and St. Henry during the regular season.

NewCath drew Beechwood for a 7:30 p.m. game Monday. Beechwood edged NewCath, 2-0 to open the season in the All “A” 9th Region Tournament. The Thoroughbreds finished 2-4 against the field also losing to Cooper, Ryle and St. Henry. the winner takes on either Ryle or Dixie Heights on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The entire tournament takes place at Ryle.

Houliston Update:

Highlands senior quarterback Drew Houliston left late in the 30-27 loss to Elder on Friday.

Houliston hurt his right arm on a sack and trainers iced it after the game. He said it is sore and may have it evaluated Monday.