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.

Highlands moved to 15-1-1 with the victory including a 3-0 mark in district play and 9-0 mark in 9th Region action. The Ladybirds have won five in a row and own 14 shut-outs on the season. Junior Olivia McQueary played the first half between the pipes for Highlands and senior Shannon Eaton played in the second half.

Highlands junior Kaitlyn Meyer said Dayton (4-10) packed its defense in tight near the goal. Meyer mentioned Highlands Head Coach Brian Wiefering said more opponents might do that in the post-season.

"We always seem to play down to that level and are not sure what to do," Meyer said. "But I think (Thursday), especially during the second half, we started picking things up and working out the problems. I also think the game helped individuals be more confident. As the game went on, we started using more skill and taking more shots."

Junior Molly Wiefering led Highlands with four points on her second goal of the season and fifth and sixth assists of the year. Freshman Ali Gessner scored her team-high 12th goal of the year adding on to her team-high total of 30 points on the season. Sophomore Lindsey Meyer scored her ninth goal this season with freshman Lauren Deckert scoring her fifth goal and senior Annalee Brewer scoring her fourth goal of the season.

Highlands plays host to Cincinnati St. Ursula (5-4-3) on Saturday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Soccer, Boys:
Cincinnati La Salle 3, Highlands 0:

The Lancers (8-2-2 overall) ended the 10-game Bluebird winning streak.

La Salle out-shot the Bluebirds (13-2-2), 17-5 including 9-2 on goal. Senior goalkeepers Paul Tully and Simon Frink had three saves each for Highlands.

"La Salle outplayed us. They are a strong team," said Matthew Winkler, Highlands Head Coach. "Our defending was off (Thursday) and not like we have seen in some of our better games. It takes good defending to beat teams like La Salle. It was a good gut check for where we are and where we want to be."

Highlands takes on Beechwood (7-7-2) on Tuesday. Game time is 8 p.m.

Football, Freshmen:
Covington Catholic 20, Highlands 19:

The Colonels edged the Bluebirds dropping Highlands to 3-3 on the season. The Bluebirds take on Conner on Thursday at home at 6 p.m.