Ladybird tennis makes semifinals in state tournament

Contributed Photo. The Highlands Bluebird tennis team captured another 10th Region crown and will send three to the singles and doubles state tournament next weekend. In this picture in the front row, from left, are Ben Emery, Peter Laskey, Logan Harned. In the back row, from left, are Coach Kris Laskey, Jeffrey Schenk, Colin Rizzo, Alex Traylor and Jackson Hopper.

The Highlands Ladybirds tennis team finished as a semifinalist in the state tournament at Lexington Sayre Tennis Complex on Sunday.

Highlands lost to Louisville Sacred Heart, 3-0 in that round. It marked the lone loss of the season. The Ladybirds defeated Russell by default in the first round before taking down Louisville DuPont Manual, 3-0 in the quarterfinals at Shillito Park on Saturday.

The Bluebird tennis team also made the state tournament. But Russell eliminated the Bluebirds, 3-1 in the first round Saturday.

Highlands will be represented well in the singles and doubles tournament next weekend. Highlands senior Lexi Herman captured the 10th Region singles crown defeating Mason County sophomore Tessa Gray. Sarah Hoffman lost to Gray in the semifinals and will also go to the state tournament.

Both Ladybird doubles teams qualified for the state tournament making the 10th Region title game at Harrison County on Friday. The senior duo of Lauren Auteri and Lacey Pohlman defeated their teammates of sophomore Brooke Hodory and freshman Mia Smith to win the title.

The Bluebirds will have three members go to state this weekend. Highlands senior Ben Emery captured the 10th Region singles crown defeating Campbell County eighth grader Anderson McDowell in the championship.

Highlands junior Jeffrey Schenk and seventh grader Peter Laskey won the 10th Region doubles title. They beat Pendleton County junior Mike Dewald and Dillon Feltner in the title game.