Boro-bound! Ladybirds rally for first-ever region title

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands seventh-grade second baseman Rachel Gabbard makes a play in Thursday's 9th Region championship game. Gabbard had a key two-run double to lift the Ladybirds to their first-ever region championship, 8-7 over Notre Dame.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior Payton Leighty makes a catch in the championship game.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands sophomore Bailey Spencer delivers to the plate in the regional championship game. Spencer came back nine days from Appendix surgery to help Highlands to the title.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – One giant mountain stood in the way of a trip to the Commonwealth’s version of the softball promised land.

The Highlands Ladybirds had taken care of the other 9th Region powers. But they needed to figure out a way to end a six-game losing streak to the defending region champion Notre Dame Pandas to nab their first 9th Region crown in their first-ever appearance in the title game. That included a 3-0 Panda win in last year’s 9th Region semifinals.

Highlands comes up short in title game

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands Designated Hitter Kenny Ball (left) reaches third ahead of the tag of Conner third baseman Jacob Owens (50). Highlands lost in the 9th Region championship, 3-0 Wednesday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FLORENCE – They made their second appearance in the 9th Region title game in two years Wednesday.

But unfortunately for the Highlands Bluebirds baseball team, two words have kept the Bluebirds (22-18) from bringing the elusive gold trophy back to Fort Thomas. That’s clutch hitting.

Bluebirds win bizarre region semifinal contest

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior Alex Veneman scores under Dixie Heights catcher Seth Caple while teammate Jake Whitford (4) prepares to congratulate him. The Bluebirds won 7-4.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FLORENCE – Head Coach Jeremy Baioni said it sometimes takes luck to advance in the postseason.

Baioni’s Highlands Bluebirds baseball team received that and a whole lot more in the 9th Region semifinal win over the Dixie Heights Colonels, 7-4 Tuesday. Highlands scored that many runs off seven Colonel errors among other things in the win at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Stadium.

Ladybirds make history with 25th win of season

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands first baseman Brennah Dutcher comes through a clutch hit in Tuesday's 9th Region semifinal game against Boone County. The Ladybirds won 6-3 to advance to the regional championship for the first time in school history.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – The objective changed from taking care of the underdog to making history.

This marked the third appearance in the 9th Region semifinals for the Highlands Ladybirds fastpitch softball program. But in its 14-year history, Highlands had yet to advance past the 9th Region semifinals.

Mason's perfect game helps Ladybirds back to semifinals

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands eighth-grader Miranda Mason winds up and delivers in Monday's 9th Region Quarterfinal contest against Covington Holy Cross. Mason threw the first perfect game in school history in the 14-0 Highlands win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – The Highlands Ladybirds softball team hope to be in this position more down the road.

Highands (24-11) came into Monday’s 9th Region quarterfinal tournament as heavy favorites against the Covington Holy Cross Lady Indians (13-20). They showed it by run-ruling the visitors, 14-0 in five innings to advance to the semifinals for the second straight year and third time since 2008.

Highlands explodes for another postseason win

Jennifer Jones Photo. Highlands second baseman Evan Allen tracks down a pop-up in Monday's game against Beechwood. The Bluebirds exploded for 15 hits in their 9th Region quarterfinal win over the Tigers.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FLORENCE – They learned their lesson from a year ago.

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team saw the St. Henry Crusaders come out throwing punches. Highlands responded, but the Crusaders won the 9th Region quarterfinal contest, 3-2 behind ace pitcher Mitch Kuebbing.

NewCath drops tough 2-0 decision to Conner

Allen Ramsey Photo. NewCath freshman Katherine Schreiber (right) tries to slide in safely to third base while Conner's Brooke Maines (left) applies the tag. Schreiber was out on the play. The Thoroughbreds lost 2-0 to Conner.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – The visitors needed to play a near-flawless game defensively to end the streak.

Highlands, NC softball teams hope to make noise in region tournament

Allen Ramsey Photo. Newport Central Catholic's Kristen Schreiber (7) slides under the tag of Highlands junior Whitney Quillen (with ball) while teammate Haley Coffey (back) backs up in Thursday's 36th District championship game. Both hope to make noise in the 9th Region Tournament.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The idea of softball teams from Campbell County competing with teams in Boone County seemed light years away a few years ago.

Bluebirds hope to carry momentum into region tournament

Jennifer Jones Photo. Highlands junior Alex Veneman rounds third and heads for home in Thursday's 36th District championship win over Bellevue. The Bluebirds take on the Beechwood Tigers in Monday's 9th Region Tournament quarterfinals at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Stadium at 4 p.m. 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It has been a process.

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team won just six games and did not qualify for the 9th Region Tournament just three years ago. They’ve since won three straight 36th District championships and own their first two region wins since 2002.

Highlands softball, baseball teams claim district titles

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands sophomore Haley Coffey (center) scores on a wild pitch in the first inning of Thursday's 36th District championship game at Winkler Park while Newport Central Catholic pitcher Haley Meyers (right) tries to get in position and catcher Kristen Schreiber (left) watches. Highlands won 2-1 for its first title in three years.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It turned out to be another great day to be wearing the Blue and White.

Both the Highlands Bluebirds baseball and Ladybirds softball teams claimed 36th District championships Thursday. The Bluebirds run-ruled the Bellevue Tigers, 10-0 in five innings at Morscher Field before many of the players and coaches ventured to Winkler Park to see the Ladybirds edge the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds, 2-1.

Highlands sees no change from draft district football alignment, NC does

File Photo. The Highlands Bluebirds (white jerseys) move up to 5A in the same district with CovCath, Dixie Heights and Grant County in 2015 while Newport Central Catholic remains in the same district minus Bishop Brossart. The Bluebirds will take on Scott County and Louisville St. Xavier in 2015.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Both state powers will see completely new districts starting in 2015.

In the case of the 22-time state champion Highlands Bluebirds, nothing changed from the original draft. The Bluebirds will move up to Class 5A, District 5 with arch-rival Covington Catholic, Dixie Heights and Grant County. Highlands has been in Class 4A, District 7 the past three years.

Highlands baseball, softball best opponents, weather

Jennifer Jones Photo. Highlands sophomore Ricky Raisor (33) fires to the plate in Tuesday's game against Newport. Raisor threw a no-hitter to help the Bluebirds win 13-0 in five innings.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It was a matter of not only beating the underdog opponents, but the thunderstorms as well.

The top-seeded Highlands baseball and softball teams run-ruled their 36th District semifinal opponents by a combined 29-1 before the showers hit Wednesday. The Bluebirds downed the Newport Wildcats, 13-0 in five innings at Morscher Field before the Ladybirds took care of the Dayton Lady Devils, 16-1 in three innings at Winkler Park.

NewCath Tuesday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey. NewCath's Morgan Martini makes contact in Tuesday's 7-2 win over Newport. The Thoroughbreds advanced to the 36th District championship game Thursday with the win at Winkler Park in Fort Thomas.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds softball team handled the in-town rival Newport Ladycats, 7-2 in the 36th District semifinals on Tuesday.

Weekend Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

They hoped for another big win entering the postseason and earned it.

The Highlands Ladybirds ventured to Union on Saturday and knocked off the perennial 9th Region power Ryle Lady Raiders, 6-4 for their 13th straight win. Ryle won the first two meetings earlier this year.

Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds softball team earned its 20th win of the season Thursday with a comeback 12-4 victory over the visiting Beechwood Lady Tigers.

Girls Sweet 16 coming to NKU

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands point guard Haley Coffey (15) sets up the offense in the recent 9th Region semifinal game against Notre Dame at the Bank of Kentucky Center. The BOK will play host to the 2016 and 2017 Girls Sweet 16 State Basketball Tournaments.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It started with the 9th Region Tournament.

Then the Bank of Kentucky Center had huge success playing host to more high school basketball games this past season. A huge crowd attended the boys hoops doubleheader between Covington Catholic and Dixie Heights then Newport Central Catholic and Covington Holmes this past February.

Tuesday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands shortstop Haley Coffey (left) puts down the tag in Tuesday's game against St. Henry at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Stadium. The Ladybirds won 14-4 for their 11th straight victory.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team recorded its second comeback win over the defending 9th Region champions in consecutive days.

Monday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands seventh-grader Rachel Gabbard (16) makes the play in Monday's win over Bishop Brossart. Highlands moved to 18-11 with the 11-1 win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team fell behind 6-0 in the first inning.

But the Bluebirds (16-15) slowly chipped away at it and scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to beat the Ryle Raiders, 7-6 Monday at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Field. Ryle won the 9th Region crown last year.

Anderson clips Highlands, 4-2

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Blue and White could not finish the deal in Saturday’s non-region road contest.

Win streak hits nine for Ladybirds

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands sophomore Shelby Graybill smashes the second of three home runs in Friday's 14-0 win over Lloyd Memorial. Graybill finished with six runs batted in.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The winning streak is near double-digits following another domination Friday.

The Highlands Ladybirds softball team downed the visiting Lloyd Memorial Lady Juggernauts, 14-0 in five innings at Winkler Park. Highlands (17-11) has won nine in a row and is one win away from equaling last year’s total.

Thursday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior Ashley Grosser (5) slides into second in Thursday's game against Covington Holy Cross. The Ladybirds run-ruled the Lady Indians, 11-0 in five innings for their eighth straight win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team clinched the top seed in the 36th District Tournament for the second straight year.

Sheehan transfers to Georgetown; Wiseman not returning to UK Dance Team

Submitted Photo. Former Highlands wide receiver Austin Sheehan will transfer from the University of Kentucky to Georgetown College this fall. He will join former teammates Tyler Schweitzer, Zach Harris and Thomas Wrobleski there.

Submitted Photo. Highlands 2013 graduate Courtney Wiseman spent last season on the University of Kentucky Blue Dance Team. She did not try out for next year to focus on academics.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Two recent Highlands graduates recently announced fans will not see them on the sidelines at University of Kentucky football games this fall.

Austin Sheehan is transferring up the road to Georgetown College and Courtney Wiseman will not be trying out for the Dance Team. Sheehan graduated from Highlands in 2012 and Wiseman in 2013.

Girls Sweet 16 coming to NKU in two years

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It started with the 9th Region Tournament.

Then the Bank of Kentucky Center had huge success playing host to more high school basketball games this past season. A huge crowd attended the boys hoops doubleheader between Covington Catholic and Dixie Heights then Newport Central Catholic and Covington Holmes this past February.

Wednesday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands Sophomore pitcher Bailey Spencer delivers in Wednesday's game against Newport. Highlands won 10-0 in five innings to finish 4-0 in 36th District action in the regular season for the second straight year.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The winning streak hit seven Wednesday.

More importantly, the Highlands Ladybirds softball team (15-11) finished 4-0 in 36th District action and will be the top seed following a 10-0 win over the Newport Lady Wildcats in five innings. The Ladybirds also went undefeated in district play during the regular season last year.

Tuesday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands shortstop Haley Coffey makes a routine play in Tuesday's 12-0 win over Dayton. Highlands moved to 14-11 with its sixth straight win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds softball team handled 36th District rival Dayton in five innings on Tuesday.

Highlands, NC baseball teams drop 9th Region contests

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands shortstop Jake Whitford (4) smacks a three-run home run in Monday's game against Dixie Heights. The Bluebirds lost 12-7 to the Colonels.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Things looked good after the first couple at-bats for the host baseball team.

But once the visiting bats warmed up and the errors piled up, things quickly turned. That allowed the Dixie Heights Colonels to pull off a 12-7 9th Region victory over the Highlands Bluebirds on Monday.

Saturday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds softball team capped off a great week with a huge win Saturday.

Highlands (13-11) ventured across the Ohio River and beat Cincinnati Turpin, 1-0. The Ladybirds have won five in a row and beat a non-Kentucky opponent for the first time in five tries this year.

Highlands edges NewCath, 4-2

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands' Kara Fornash takes a cut in Friday's game against Newport Central Catholic. Fornash had two hits for the Ladybirds in their 4-2 victory.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Newport Central Catholic's Haley Meyers (left) and Loren Zimmerman (right) converge on the ball in Friday's game against Highlands.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – In another good game in this great rivalry, the Blue and White softball team once again claimed another regular season win.

Friday Baseball Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team moved another step closer to the top seed in the 36th District Tournament on Friday.

Thursday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands sophomore Shelby Graybill belts a home run in Thursday's game against Campbell County. The Ladybirds won 13-6 to move to 11-11 on the year.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds are back at .500 following a home win Thursday.

Highlands (11-11) downed the Campbell County Lady Camels, 13-6 for its second win over the Lady Camels this year. The Ladybirds have won three straight following a seven-game losing streak.

Wednesday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Newport Central Catholic's Casey Kohls (22) makes the catch in Wednesday's win over Beechwood.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds softball team manhandled another 9th Region opponent Wednesday.