Closing 2016 with Wins

Highlands basketball teams record victories

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Morgan Coffey goes in for a score in a recent game.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team showed why it is a team Friday in the La Rosa's Holiday Classic at Conner.

Sophomore Zoie Barth did not play because of sickness. But her teammates picked up the slack recording 17 steals on their way to a 73-29 demolition of the Lexington Lafayette Generals (8-4) to take third place in the tournament. Highlands (9-3) forced 24 turnovers and committed just 10 on four Lafayette steals.

Toward the End of 2016

Bluebirds roll Hart County; GRC ends Ladybird winning streak

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Elliot Schuett (0) pursues the ball in a recent game. Highlands won its fourth game Thursday against Hart County.

Teams have had success forcing the Highlands Bluebirds basketball team (4-8 overall) into an up-tempo style.

But on the second day of the Magnolia Bank Holiday Classic at LaRue County on Thursday, Highlands did that to the Hart County Raiders (1-8) recording 15 steals and 14 assists on its way to a 77-39 victory. The Bluebirds led the 5th Region opponents, 52-23 at halftime.

Big Win for Ladybirds

Highlands edges Nelson County; Bluebirds drop overtime decision

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Brooke Dill goes in for the score in a recent game. Highlands edged Nelson County, 52-51 in the first round of the LaRosa's Holiday Classic on Wednesday.

It did not surprise anyone this game saw the winner come away by the slimmest margin possible.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (8-2 overall), ranked 17th in the latest BluegrassPreps Top 20 poll, edged the 19th-ranked Nelson County Lady Cards (9-1), 52-51 to open the annual LaRosa's Holiday Classic on Wednesday. Highlands won its seventh in a row and knocked Nelson County from the ranks of unbeaten as a result.

Mixed Results before Christmas

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Rachel Vinson lets one go in the win over Bellevue on Thursday. Highlands moved to 7-2 on the season with a 76-41 win at Ludlow on Friday.

The Highlands Ladybirds took advantage of the final opportunity for a win before Christmas with a 76-41 thrashing of the host Ludlow Lady Panthers on Friday.

Victories before Christmas

Highlands records 9th Region wins

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Former Highlands Ladybirds basketball players received recognition Thursday.

Two district wins during the regular season often mean avoiding the four-five seed elimination game in the 36th District Tournament in late February.

With two district games remaining, the Highlands Ladybirds (6-2 overall) took that big step with a 54-33 win over the visiting Bellevue Lady Tigers (5-4) on Thursday. Highlands moved to 2-0 in district action and 3-0 in 9th Region play.

Facing Balanced Teams

Pioneers handle Bluebirds

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Robby Gabbard goes up for a shot in a recent game. Gabbard scored 10 as Highlands lost 89-65 to Simon Kenton on Wednesday.

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team (2-6 overall) ran into a balanced 6-1 Simon Kenton Pioneer squad Wednesday and lost 89-65 in the first round of the Simon Kenton Invitational.

Taking Down a County Rival

Bluebirds dominate Mustangs for first win in Alexandria since 2003

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Griffin Huber puts up a shot against Bishop Brossart on Saturday. Highlands beat the Mustangs, 61-29 snapping an eight-game losing streak in the series dating back to 2007.

The Blue and White has shown it is on the verge of some great things this basketball season.

The Highlands Bluebirds (2-5 overall) had just been short in key areas of the game and it cost them the tight ones. But they put together a complete game Saturday and dominated the county rival Bishop Brossart Mustangs (1-7), 61-29 in Alexandria. Highlands snapped a two-game losing streak overall and eight-game losing streak against Bishop Brossart dating back to a 64-40 win over the Mustangs in Fort Thomas on Dec. 23, 2007.

Dominating from Opening Tip

Highlands scores game's first 19 points on way to lopsided victory

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Ashley Hayes (middle) scores in transition while teammate Rachel Vinson (25) follows the play. All 12 Ladybirds who saw action scored at least one point in the convincing 77-21 win over Bishop Brossart on Friday.

It often comes down to several minute of solid offense and defense to decide a ballgame.

But when you get it for an entire quarter to start the game, it sets a great tone for the rest of the game. The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team did not allow a point until 20 seconds into the second quarter. By that time, Highlands put 19 on the board and continued to roll forward to its most complete game of the year in a 77-21 thrashing of the Bishop Brossart Lady Mustangs on Friday.

Growing in Small Ways

Bluebirds fall on road in overtime

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Bryce Traylor looks to make a move in a recent game against St.Henry. Traylor had 15 points in the 70-62 overtime loss at Walton-Verona on Thursday.

The early end results may be similar to the recent past.

But the 1-5 record of the Highlands Bluebirds basketball program do not reflect the tremendous improvement shown this season. The 70-62 loss at the Walton-Verona Bearcats (4-3 overall) on Thursday is another example.

Different Road Results

Ladybirds hand Conner first loss of season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Emma Little takes a shot in a recent game.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (4-2 overall) earned its third straight victory with a 54-36 road win over the Conner Lady Cougars (5-1) on Tuesday.

Earning Saturday Victories

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Braden Posey goes in for the score against South Laurel on Friday. Posey had 10 assists, six points, four steals and four rebounds helping Highlands to its first win of the year over St. Henry on Saturday.

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team (1-3 overall) earned its first victory of the season with a 65-49 win over the visiting St. Henry Crusaders.

Finding their Stride

Bluebirds drop another close one

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Jacob Noe fires off a shot against South Laurel on Friday. Highlands lost 67-59 to the visitors from the 13th Region.

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team continues to stay within striking distance of opponents despite its 0-3 record.

The Bluebirds dropped the home opener, 67-59 to the visiting South Laurel Cardinals (5-0) from the 13th Region. The three losses have come by an average of six points.

Improving on the Road

Ladybirds even record with road win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Lauren Epperson prepares to shoot a free throw in a recent game. Epperson had 10 points and eight rebounds in Highlands' 55-39 road win at Walton-Verona on Thursday.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (2-2 overall) saw more improvements on their weaknesses in a 55-39 road win over the Walton-Verona Bearcats (4-1).

Facing a Hoosier State Opponent

Ladybirds drop close one

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Jenna Martin (13) goes in for the score against Dayton on Fridcay.

The Highlands Ladybirds came up just short against the Plainfield (Indiana) Quakers, 61-55 at Dixie Heights on Saturday. The game took place as part of the Hoops for Harvest Classic.

Different results in Region play

Ladybirds win district opener; Bluebirds drop tight one

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Zoie Barth (14) goes in for the score during Friday's 36th District game at Dayton. Barth scored nine points and had seven assists in the 76-33 victory.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (1-1 overall) dominated the Dayton Lady Devils, 76-33 in the 9th and 36th District opener Friday.

Tuesday Basketball Gamers

Highlands basketball teams drop season openers

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands guard Abe Hils (20) drives to the basket in a recent seventh-grade game. Basketball season is underway in Kentucky.

COVINGTON - The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team showed it has the size and length to give opponents fits this year in the season opener here Tuesday.

Senior 6-foot-5-inch post Kyle Finfrock recorded the first of what could be numerous double-doubles this year with 22 points and 13 rebounds against the Covington Holmes Bulldogs. But the Bluebirds also showed they need to handle quick opponents better in a 68-61 loss.

Highlands volleyball season ends

The volleyball season ended for the Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team (19-17 overall) with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-20, 25-8) loss to the Cooper Lady Jaguars in the 9th Region quarterfinals on Tuesday at Dixie Heights.

Another tough ending

Pandas shut out Ladybirds in region tournament once again

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands Director of Athletics Matt Haskamp stands with 9th Region All-Tournament members, from left, Kylie Stava, Claudia Hils and Olivia McQueary.

The road to state has gone through these two for a long time.

So it did not turn into much of a surprise that the Highlands Ladybirds and Notre Dame Pandas met for yet another 9th Region championship. The Ladybirds had the right setting in playing host to the region tournament at Tower Park.

Tough loss

NewCath tops Highlands in classic volleyball battle

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Emma Little accepts the 36th District All-Tournament team plaque from Highlands Director of Athletics Matt Haskamp. 

Of all the losses in the volleyball series against their rivals on The Hill since 2005, this one might be the toughest.

The Highlands Ladybirds (19-16) took the first two games of the 36th District championship against the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds by 26-24 and 25-1 scores. But the Thoroughbreds (21-14) rallied to take the next three games and win the match, 3-2 by scores of 25-17, 25-18 and 15-11.

Tuesday Sports Stories

Bluebird soccer, Highlands volleyball victorious

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Alex Ford (4) makes a move in the 9th Region quarterfinals Tuesday. The Bluebirds beat the Beechwood Tigers, 4-0 move on in the tournament.

The hosts took shots from what seemed to be every angle using their quickness advantage.

But the Highlands Bluebirds soccer team (18-2-2 overall) just could not consistently put the ball past Beechwood Tiger junior goalkeeper Cameron O'Connell. O'Connell dove everywhere making 15 saves for a young Tiger program (9-11-3) making its first-ever appearance in the 9th Region quarterfinals. Even when Highlands put shots past O'Connell, they often flew high or wide.

Luckily for the Bluebirds, they scored more than enough goals to advance to the 9th Region quarterfinals in a 4-0 victory at Tower Park on Tuesday. That marked the first region tournament victory for Highlands since the Bluebirds won the region in 2013.

Surviving the Danger Game

Highlands nips St. Henry, 1-0 to advance in 9th Region Tournament

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Lindsey Meyer (10) tries for a header in the 9th Region quarterfinal game against St. Henry at Tower Park on Monday. Highlands won 1-0 to advance to the region semifinals for the fourth straight year. 

Head Coach Brian Weifering had legitimate concerns about this game.

The 36th District champion Highlands Ladybirds soccer team (19-2-1 overall) played host to the 34th District runner-up St. Henry Lady Crusaders (8-11-2) in the 9th Region quarterfinals at Tower Park after beating the visitors twice during the regular season. Highlands took down St. Henry, 3-0 on Aug. 25 and Sept. 26 both at Tower Park.

9th Region soccer preview

Highlands soccer teams look to carry momentum into region tournament

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Solomon Farris (10) goes after the ball in the 36th District championship game against Newport Central Catholic on Tuesday. Farris leads Highlands with 34 points on the season with 15 goals and four assists. Highlands takes on Beechwood on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the 9th Region quarterfinals at Tower Park.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Karolyn Lukjan pursues the ball in the 36th District championship game Wednesday against Newport Central Catholic. Lukjan has been a huge key in the defensive backfield this season as Highlands enters the 9th Region Tournament starting Monday against St. Henry.

The host teams have no doubt enjoyed the successes under the bright lights of Tower Park this season.

The Highlands Ladybirds and Bluebirds soccer teams have put together outstanding seasons with 18-2-1 and 17-2-2 records respectively. That win total for the Bluebirds equals that of the 2013 9th Region championship and elite eight squad that finished 17-8-1 three years ago and the 2008 state runner-up squad that finished 17-4-4. The win total for the Ladybirds equals the win total of the 2008 state runner-up team that finished 18-4-4.

The Bluebirds followed up that wonderful regular season run with a 1-0 victory over Newport Central Catholic in the 36th District championship game Tuesday and the Ladybirds did the same with a 3-0 win over NewCath a day later allowing both teams to play host to 9th Region quarterfinal games. That marked the second district championship in three years for the Bluebirds and the ninth in 11 seasons for the Ladybirds.

Monday Highlands Notes

HHS volleyball, soccer takes down Bellevue

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands volleyball team celebrated its Senior Night with a 3-0 victory over Bellevue on Monday. Members of the team and their families, from left, are Hannah Harris, Isabelle Ison, Lauren Epperson, Emma Little, Emma Delagrange and Katy Ball.

Senior Night went well for the Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team (18-14 overall, 3-1 36th District) with a 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-10) victory over the Bellevue Lady Tigers on Monday.

Bluebirds dominate GRC to finish regular season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Kyle Turner waits to make his move on a kick-off on Saturday's junior varsity contest against Dixie Heights. Highlands won 58-0.

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team wanted to put two halves together better in its final tune-up before the postseason.

Tuesday Briefs: Bluebird Soccer, Ladybird Volleyball Victorious

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands seniors pictured with their families are Parker Smith (22), Simon Frink (0), Collin Ginter (20), Tommy Steppe (2), Colton Dolezal (17), Ethan Mills (16), Paul Tully (1), Solomon Farris (10), Aaron Williams (14) and Brandon Zachary (11).

Like their female counterparts did the day before, the Highlands Bluebirds soccer team (14-2-2 overall) celebrated Senior Night with a shut-out.

Highlands took out the Beechwood Tigers, 7-0 at Tower Park to move to 9-0-1 in 9th Region action. The 11 Bluebird seniors are Aaron Williams, Brandon Zachary, Collin Ginter, Colton Dolezal, Ethan Mills, Parker Smith, Paul Tully, Simon Frink, Solomon Farris, Tommy Browe and Tommy Steppe.

Tully and Frink made two saves each as Highlands recorded its 12th shut-out of the season. Highlands outshot Beechwood, 25-3 bouncing back from a 3-0 loss to Cincinnati La Salle on Thursday.

Monday Sports Briefs

Highlands girls soccer, volleyball teams take home wins

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Kayla Nehus (14) makes a pass while senior Karolyn Lukjan (3) watches. Nehus received a pass then passed it off before a substitute came in. Nehus has been out this season recovering from a torn left ACL.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team celebrated Senior Night with an 8-0 win over Bishop Brossart on Monday. Pictured with their families on the bottom row are Sydney Ossege (17), Kayla Nehus (14), Karolyn Lukjan (3), Claudia Hils (16), Shannon Eaton (00), Kiersten Clukey (15) and Annalee Brewer (2).

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team took down the Boone County Lady Rebels, 3-1 (25-16, 15-25, 25-16, 25-23) at home.

Weekend Round-up: Ladybirds drop tough one to Bulldogs

Submitted Photo. The Highlands Middle School Golf team claimed state runner-up honors in Louisville on Sunday.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands junior varsity soccer team celebrates a 3-2 win over Covington Catholic, 3-2 on penalty kicks in the 9th Region junior varsity tournament championship.

Head Coach Brian Wiefering saw the strategy in the junior varsity contest.

The Cincinnati St. Ursula Bulldogs from Ohio's Girls Greater Catholic League put a lot of pressure up top. Their goal was to create short shot opportunities and disrupt the offensive flow of the Highlands Ladybirds at the minimum.

Highlands volleyball drops tough one to NC

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Gracie Schweitzer (middle) digs up the ball while Emma Delagrange (31) gets in position in Thursday's game at Newport Central Catholic.

The Blue and White has as much balance as it has in a number of years.

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team (12-11 overall) hoped to use it to knock off the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (14-14) in 36th District action Thursday on the Hill. Highlands gave a great effort, but came up short in a 3-1 (25-13, 25-22, 24-26, 28-26) loss. The Ladybirds dropped to 2-1 in district action and 6-7 in 9th Region play.

Thursday Briefs: Ladybirds record 15th win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Kiersten Clukey plays the ball in Tuesday's game against Notre Dame.

The Highlands Ladybirds took the outright top seed in the 36th District Tournament with a 5-0 victory over the Dayton Lady Devils on Thursday at Tower Park.

Tuesday Briefs

Bluebird soccer records road victory

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Parker Smith (22) celebrates after scoring against Newport Central Catholic in a recent game.

The defending 10th Region champions gave the visitors a tough game despite looking down on paper.

But despite its 6-10 record, the host Montgomery County Indians made the Highlands Bluebird soccer team (13-1-2) earn the road win, 3-1 in Mount Sterling. The Bluebirds have won 10 in a row.

Monday Briefs: Highlands girls soccer, volleyball win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior goalkeeper Olivia McQueary boots the ball ahead in a recent game.

The Highlands Ladybirds made it three in a row with a 3-0 victory over the St. Henry Lady Crusaders on Monday.

This marked the second win of the year by the same score for Highlands (13-1-1 overall) over the visitors (5-8-2) from Erlanger. The Ladybirds moved to 7-0 in 9th Region action with the win.

Weekend Sports Briefs

Highlands soccer, JV football, middle school golf teams win over weekend

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Ethan Mills (16) heads the ball in a recent win over Newport Central Catholic. Mills recorded his sixth assist of the season in a 3-0 win over Covington Holy Cross on Saturday. The Bluebirds have won nine in a row.

Both Highlands soccer teams sought their 12th wins of the season Saturday in 9th Region play against 35th District opponents and did just that Saturday.

The Bluebirds took down the Covington Holy Cross Indians, 3-0 for their ninth straight win at Eva G. Farris Park. They moved to 12-1-2 on the season and 8-0-1 in region action with their 11th shut-out of the season. Highlands has outscored the opposition, 50-11 on the year. Holy Cross fell to 4-7-1

Tuesday Sports Briefs

Bluebirds double up Bulldogs, 4-2

PHOTO: AllenRamsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands students cheer on the Bluebirds in a recent game against Covington Catholic. Another good crowd is expected when Highlands faces Newport Central Catholic on Thursday at Tower Park at 8 p.m.

Make that seven in a row and double-digits in the win column.

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team doubled up the improved 7-2-2 Covington Holmes Bulldogs, 4-2 at Tower Park on Thursday to move to 10-1-2 on the season and move to 6-0-1 in 9th Region action. Highlands last recorded double-digit victories in 2013 going 17-8-1 with a 9th Region title.

Monday Sports Briefs

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore running back Cooper Schwalbach (91) cuts through the hole while teammates Chas Sand (15) and Austin King (83) block in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds junior varsity football team (4-1 overall) lost for the first time this year, 24-14 to Cincinnati LaSalle from the Greater Catholic League South.

Ladybirds lose first against Simon Kenton

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands freshman midfielder Lauren Deckert (7) fires off a shot in the game against Simon Kenton on Saturday.

LEXINGTON - It may have been hard for some to see because they'd been winning.

But that changed here Saturday. The Highlands Ladybirds continued to boot the ball up-field in the championship game of the Lexington Catholic Cup against the Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers instead of playing a disciplined, ball-possession style game that often leads to state championships. Simon Kenton played several defenders back the entire game and limited the Highlands chances on its way to a 2-0 win.

Highlands, Simon Kenton to meet for LexCath Cup Title

Things worked out to where there will be no co-champions in the annual Lexington Catholic Cup Tournament on Saturday.

It started in the first game Thursday when Louisville Sacred Heart beat Notre Dame on a shoot-out, 1-0 putting the Highlands Ladybirds (10-0-1) in the championship game at 7 p.m. Highlands will face Simon Kenton (9-2-1) in the title game.

Highlands Girls Soccer, Freshman Football pick up wins

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands freshmen football team downed Simon Kenton, 16-0 to move to 3-2 on the season.

It is not the typical way to decide an in-season tournament champion.

But the Highlands Ladybirds soccer team (10-0-1 overall) have taken care of business in two games against some of the top teams in the state from the rugged 7th Region. Highlands put itself in position to win at least a co-championship of the Lexington Catholic Cup with a 2-0 victory over the Louisville DuPont Manual Lady Crimsons (6-3) on Wednesday.

Weekend Sports Briefs

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands golf team defeated Beechwood on Friday to move to 8-0-1 on the season.

The Highlands Bluebirds golf team defeated Beechwood, 168-171 at Summit Country Club on Friday. Highlands moved to 8-0-1 on the season. Aaron Verst and JD Gabbard led the Bluebirds shooting 40s.

Thursday Briefs: Highlands boys soccer, girls golf victorious

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands midfielder Drew Rom (18) boots the ball ahead in a recent game.

The defense has done well for all but one game this season.

But when it mixes with an offensive explosion, it leads to a blowout. The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team (8-1-2 overall) has scored seven or more goals in a game four times this year following an 8-0 9th Region victory over the Dixie Heights Colonels (1-3-1) on Thursday.

Wednesday Briefs

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands freshman football team defeated Campbell County on Wednesday to move to 2-2 on the year.

The Highlands Ladybirds (8-9 overall) dropped a 3-1 (25-7, 21-25, 25-17, 25-11) decision at St. Henry in 9th Region play. Highlands fell to 3-6 in region action.

Tuesday Briefs: Highlands soccer, volleyball win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Nick Gish (7) makes his move in a recent game. The Bluebirds won their fourth in a row with a 1-0 victory at Simon Kenton on Tuesday.

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team (7-1-2) continues to win at a astounding rate.

Highlands recorded its fourth straight win with a 1-0 victory at Simon Kenton. The Bluebirds also recorded their eighth shutout of the season in the process.

Saturday Sports Briefs

Highlands soccer teams shut out road opponents

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior defender Lily Lorenz (left) makes a move in Wednesday's game against Bellevue. Highlands moved to 7-0 on the season with a convincing 6-0 victory at West Jessamine on Saturday.

It looks like just another Blue and White domination on paper.

But it is the biggest win of the season to date for the 7-0 Highlands Ladybirds soccer team. Highlands entered the week ranked fifth in the latest Maher Rankings poll. The Ladybirds ventured down to Nicholasville and handled the eighth-ranked West Jessamine Lady Colts by a 6-0 count for the seventh shutout in seven games. Highlands has outscored the seven opponents by a combined 36-0. Highlands junior goalkeeper Olivia McQueary had seven saves in the win.

Thursday Briefs: Highlands soccer, volleyball collect wins

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Gracie Schweitzer (middle) bumps the ball ahead while teammates Katy Ball (34) and Lauren Epperson (left) get in position. Highlands beat Simon Kenton, 3-0 to move to 5-5 on the season.

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team evened its record at 5-5 with a 3-0 (25-16, 26-24, 25-21) win at Simon Kenton.

Ladybird soccer, volleyball post region wins

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore defender Hannah Gish (6) plays the ball while senior defender Annalee Brewer (2) gets in position in a recent game against Campbell County.

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team made short work of the neighboring Bellevue Lady Tigers with a 14-0 36th District victory Wednesday at Tower Park.

Highlands maintained its best start since 2005 at 6-0 overall with the victory. The Ladybirds moved to 3-0 in 9th Region action in the district opener and have outscored opponents by a combined 30-0.

Bluebirds record fifth shutout of season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior defender Tommy Steppe boots the ball ahead in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds ventured to Alexandria on Tuesday and picked up a 2-0 victory over the Campbell County Camels.

Ladybirds continue to roll

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Sydney Ossege makes her move against Campbell County on Monday. Ossege scored two goals as Highlands moved to 5-0 on the season with the 6-0 victory.

The depth again showed its value for the Highlands Ladybirds soccer team.

Highlands rotated 22 players in and out and it helped beat the Campbell County Lady Camels, 6-0 Monday at Tower Park. Highlands stayed undefeated at 5-0 and has outscored the opposition, 16-0 as junior goalkeeper Olivia McQueary recorded her fifth shutout of the season. Defenders Karolyn Lukjan, Parker Price, Hannah Hartman and Hannah Gish pitched in on that effort.

Saturday Briefs

Ladybirds record fourth shutout in as many games

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Cooper Schwalbach (left) lines up in Saturday's junior varsity game against Campbell County. Highlands won 14-0 to move to 2-0 on the season.

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team recorded yet another shutout on the season with a 4-0 victory at Dixie Heights on Saturday.

Highlands moved to 4-0 and has outscored opponents by a combined 10-0 on the season. Highlands outshot Dixie Heights (1-3-2), 16-1. Ladybird junior goalkeeper Olivia McQueary received credit for her fourth shutout on the season.

Thursday Briefs: Highlands soccer teams record wins

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior outside hitter Hannah Harris (right) bumps the ball while senior defensive specialist Emma Delagrange (20) watches.

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team moved to 3-0 on the season with a 3-0 blanking of the St. Henry Lady Crusaders (0-2-1) at Tower Park.

Tuesday Briefs: Highlands soccer handles Boone County

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior midfielder Joe Broering (5) boots the ball ahead in Tuesday's game against Boone County. Highlands won 7-0.

The Highlands Bluebird soccer team found itself on the positive end of a 7-0 final just three days after experiencing the opposite.

The Bluebirds moved to 2-1-1 overall and 2-0-1 in 9th Region action with a victory by that score over the Boone County Rebels (0-4) at Tower Park after Louisville Trinity won at Tower Park by that score on Saturday. Highlands has beaten Boone County two straight times since the Rebels eliminated the Bluebirds in the 9th Region quarterfinals in 2014.