Saturday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands volleyball team went 2-1 on the second day of the Jefferson County Invitational Volleyball Tournament at the Ohio Valley Volleyball Center in Louisville. The Ladybirds moved to 11-13 overall.

They beat Christian County in one match, 2-0 (25-10, 25-15). Malorie Hegge and Anna Marie Houliston led Highlands with seven kills each. Setter Kaitlin Hall followed with 17 assists and Sydney Kroger had eight digs.

Highlands also beat Central Hardin, 2-0 (25-10, 25-15). Jessica Ginter had nine kills to lead the Ladybirds and Hall had 24 assists to go with 14 digs.

The lone loss of the day came to Beechwood, 2-0 (25-22, 25-23). Ginter had six kills and Hall contributed 12 assists. Kroger had three aces and AJ Guth led Highlands with 10 digs.

Highlands ventures to Newport Central Catholic on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Soccer, Boys:

St. Henry 1, Highlands 0:

The Bluebirds fell to 5-8-5 with a road loss Saturday. Vadim Lightner had one save in goal for Highlands.

Highlands takes on Covington Holy Cross on Tuesday in Fort Thomas. Game time is 8 p.m.

Newport Central Catholic 1, North Hardin 0:

The Thoroughbreds concluded the regular season with a home win Saturday.

Andrew Liles scored the goal for NewCath (11-6-3) and Patrick Louis had the assist. Paul Grosser made three saves for the Thoroughbreds.

The Thoroughbreds play Highlands in the 36th District championship on Oct. 14. Game time is 7 p.m.

Soccer, Girls:

Boyle County 5, Highlands 0:

The Ladybirds (7-9-1) lost bad at Tower Park after playing so well in recent games. They saw their five-game unbeaten streak snapped.

Freshman goalkeeper Olivia McQueary had seven saves in the first half and Shannon Eaton recorded three. Boyle County recorded 14 shots and pulled away in the second half with four goals.

“Unfortunately, the effort, lack of communication, especially on defense and their unwillingness to quickly find a mark when transitioning on defense after they lost the ball reminded me of things I saw at the beginning of the season,” said Brian Wiefering, Highlands Head Coach. “This is not the time to take steps backwards so their composure will truly be tested the next two games and postseason.”

Highlands travels to Covington Holy Cross on Tuesday. Game time is 6 p.m.

Newport Central Catholic 2, Simon Kenton 0:

The Lady Breds (12-4-1) won their second in a row in two days.

Taylor Tolle and MiKayla Seibert scored the NewCath goals. Meg Martin had two assists in goal.

NewCath ventures to Campbell County on Monday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.