Ladybirds drop tough one to open season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands freshman Chloe Jansen (34) drives to the basket in Monday's season opener against Sacred Heart. Jansen scored eight points in her varsity debut.

The Highlands Ladybirds lost a tight one in the final seconds Monday.

The Louisville Sacred Heart Valkyries escaped with a 53-52 victory in the season opener at Newport Central Catholic. Highlands will play its home games at various sites until the gym renovation finishes.

Highlands did a great job driving, drawing fouls and making it to the free-throw line. The Ladybirds hit 22-of-26 from there for 85 percent compared to 4-of-7 for 57 percent for Sacred Heart.

Freshman Zoie Barth led Highlands with 14 points making all eight free throws and senior Brianna Adler hit all six of her free throws on her way to eight points.

Highlands saw two other players reach double figures in senior McKenzie Leigh and freshman Chloe Jansen. Leigh also had eight rebounds and Jansen made two three-pointers.

Sacred Heart saw two players reach double figures. Guard Grace Berger led the way with 16 points and Ashlee Harris had 13.

The Valkyries shot better from the field making 22-of-44 shots for 50 percent including 5-of-14 three-point shots for 36 percent. The Ladybirds made 13-of-38 shots for 34 percent including 4-of-16 three-pointers for 25 percent.

The Ladybirds travel to Scott on Saturday. Game time is 5 p.m.