Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team (7-8-1) has won four of its last five games moving near .500 with a 3-0 blanking of the host Beechwood Lady Tigers on Thursday in Fort Mitchell.

Highlands recorded 20 shots on goal and limited Beechwood to a few. Ladybird goalkeepers Olivia McQueary and Shannon Eaton only had to stop a couple shots and the starters played for about one-third of the game.

“It took a while for the girls to get adjusted to the grass, which was thick and long – very different from all the games played on turf this year,” said Brian Wiefering, Highlands Head Coach. “Everyone contributed. It was not as pretty to watch on that thick grass and very bumpy field, but I am happy they walked away with a win and no injuries.”

Highlands led 1-0 at halftime. Junior Hannah Culyer scored the goal for the Ladybirds.

Sophomore Kayla Nehus scored both goals in the second half for Highlands. Kiersten Clukey assisted the first one and Taylor Vaughn crossed one to her and Nehus headed it in.

Highlands takes on Boyle County on Saturday at Tower Park. Game time is 7 p.m.

Soccer, Boys:

Highlands 2, Cincinnati LaSalle 1:

The Bluebirds (5-7-5) recorded a road win for their second straight win.

Ben Schweitzer and Brady Gesenhues scored the goals for Highlands. Goalkeeper Nick Breslin recorded three saves for the Bluebirds.

Highlands plays a make-up game at St. Henry on Saturday. Game time is 2:30 p.m.

Newport Central Catholic 3, Conner 2:

The Thoroughbreds (10-6-3) beat the Cougars in Hebron.

Jacob Hensley, Noah Connolly and Pat Louis scored the goal for the Thoroughbreds. Seth Freppon had two assists for NewCath and Ryan Randle had the other.

NewCath concludes the regular season Saturday at home. North Hardin comes in for an 11:30 a.m. contest.

Volleyball:

Newport Central Catholic 3, Cooper 2:

The Thoroughbreds moved to 11-9 with a big win.

They edged the Lady Jaguars, 3-2 (25-23, 21-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-11). Amanda Ruwe had 39 digs and Mikah Freppon had 42 assists. Rachel McDonald led the way with 23 kills with Jamie Lohr and Keyaira Lankheit recorded 11 kills each.

NewCath travels to Conner on Monday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Golf:

Harris, McDonald, Begnoche headed to state:

Highlands senior golfer Parker Harris captured his third straight individual region crown shooting a 69 on Tuesday.

“We had a really solid game plan,” Harris said. “I had a good start. I didn’t boggie (one-over par) until I got to (the 12th hole). I didn’t put myself in stressful situations.”

The Region 8 championship took place at the Eagle Creek Country Club in Crittenden. Bourbon County captured the region crown and Mason County finished second.

“This is my last chance so I’m definitely going down there to win,” Harris said. “(I’ll need) two of my best days of golf. The state is a lot more open than last year. But there’s still a bunch of good players to compete with.”

The top three placers not on either of the two qualifying teams made it to the state match that takes place Oct. 9-11 at the Bowling Green Country Club. Newport Central Catholic senior Drew McDonald shot a 72 to tie Grant County’s Cody Kellam for second.

On the girls’ side, Highlands senior Alexis Begnoche made it to the state meet shooting an 80 to tie Beechwood junior Jenna McGuire for third among non-team qualifiers.

Notre Dame won the Region 6 meet with Grant County taking second. Panda junior Amy Pugliano won the match shooting 76.