Monday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior Izzy Schultz (center) passes the ball in Monday's game at Conner. Conner won the match in three games.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team once again showed it can play with the best Monday.

Highlands (1-3) just needs to finish the deal. The Ladybirds fell behind 2-0 at halftime before rallying to tie it at 2-2 on Allyson Bridewell and Taylor Vaughn goals. But Cincinnati Ursuline scored with 20 seconds left to win the game, 3-2. The Ladybirds also lost to defending state champion Notre Dame in the final minutes on Saturday.

“Highlands played the softest first half ever,” said Brian Wiefering, Highlands Head Coach. “They then came out and played the most physical second half I’ve ever witnessed from them winning almost all 50/50 balls, had great passing combinations and runs, and shocked Ursuline. I actually thought they were going to do the unthinkable and win the game. I believe Ursuline has eight girls going Division I on full scholarship, so I have never been so proud of our girls. Their biggest challenge is playing that hard for a full 80 minutes.”

Highlands does not play again for eight days. The Ladybirds play at Beechwood on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Soccer, Girls:

Newport Central Catholic 10, Covington Latin 0:

The Lady Breds (2-0) cruised in the opening round of the All “A” 9th Region Tournament.

Eight different NewCath players scored in the contest. Freshman Jenna Ahlbrand led NewCath with two scores. She leads the team with three on the young season.

NewCath takes on Covington Holy Cross at home on Wednesday in the All “A” 9th Region semifinals. Game time is 6 p.m.

Volleyball:

Conner 2, Highlands 1:

The Ladybirds dropped to 0-3 losing their first game against a Kentucky opponent this season in Hebron.

Highlands took the first set, 25-23. But Conner came back and won the next two, 25-19 and 26-24.

The Ladybirds travel to Independence to face Simon Kenton on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Campbell County 3, Newport Central Catholic 1:

The Thoroughbreds fell to 0-4 with a loss to the in-county rivals.

The Lady Camels won 25-21, 20-25, 25-21, 27-25. Sophomore Rachel McDonald led the way with 19 kills and setter Mikah Freppon had 34 assists to go. Teammate Amanda Ruwe had 38 digs and five aces for NewCath.

NewCath takes on host Dayton on Thursday. Game time is 6:30 p.m.