Tuesday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands sophomore Lauren Epperson (5) sets the ball while Kaitlin Hall (30) watches in Tuesday's match against St. Henry.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

ERLANGER – The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team learned what it will take to ultimately compete for a 9th Region title.

That is not beating yourself.

The St. Henry Lady Crusaders led by veteran Head Coach Maureen Kaiser beat Highlands, 2-0 (25-13, 25-13) Tuesday. Highlands fell to 5-8 with the loss recording seven hitting errors, two serving errors, four blocking errors, two ball-hitting errors and six reception errors.

“We came in understanding it would be a tough match,” said Katelyn Sallee, first-year Highlands Head Coach. “They had something to prove for sure. On top of a team that doesn’t make a lot of errors, we made a lot of errors. You can’t expect to win a match like that.”

Many of those errors came because St. Henry controlled the net. Highlands recorded just six kills, three aces and two blocks.

But Sallee does see a lot of positives at this point of the season. Some younger players have moved up to the varsity and are contributing along with the experienced players.

“Position-wise, we’re settling into where we feel good,” Sallee said. “It’s about finding that rhythm of connecting offensively and defensively in the same match. A lot of times, we’re hot in one and cold in the other. The skills are there. It’s about being mentally tough enough to get it together all at the same time.”

Highlands plays host to Dayton on Thursday. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Soccer, Boys:

Highlands 0, Boone County 0:

The Bluebirds (0-6-3) recorded another tie despite outshooting the Rebels, 13-2. Highlands goalkeeper Nick Breslin recorded one save and Rebel goalkeeper Brendan Benjamin had eight.

Highlands plays host to Newport Central Catholic on Thursday. Game time is 8 p.m.

Covington Catholic 3, Newport Central Catholic 1:

The winless streak for the Thoroughbreds hit five games with the home loss.

NewCath (5-3-3) saw Jacob Hensley scored its lone goal. Paul Grosser recorded six saves for the Thoroughbreds.

NewCath travels to Highlands on Thursday. Game time is 8 p.m.