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.

The Indians won the 10th Region last year. But they lost in the sectional round of the state tournament, 3-2 to eventual state champion Covington Catholic.

"It is always good to get the win on the road against good teams," said Matthew Winkler, Highlands Head Coach. "Montgomery County is a tough, physical squad. Riding two hours on a bus to get out and play is tough during the week. But the boys responded well and got the W."

Highlands out-shot Montgomery County, 17-14. Paul Tully had five saves in the first half for Highlands and fellow senior goalkeeper Simon Frink recorded seven in the second half.

Junior Nick Gish scored his eighth goal of the season good for second on the team behind 13 from senior Solomon Farris. Senior Ethan Mills added his seventh goal of the season and senior Collin Ginter recorded his third goal of the year. Junior Drew Rom tallied his fourth assist of the year.

"As the game progressed, our speed of play started to pick up," Ginter said. "We eventually scored two in the first half then put another one in the second. Everybody is really trying to help this year. Everybody is moving the ball really well."

Highlands travels to Cincinnati LaSalle on Thursday. Game time is 7 p.m.

Golf, Boys:
Bluebirds finish 6th at 8th Region Tournament:

Things did not go as hoped in the 8th Region Tournament at Laurel Oaks in Maysville. Highlands scored a total of 341 and did not have any individuals qualify for state. The top three on non-qualifying teams make the state tournament.

"Brossart has four seniors," said Bert Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "Experience and patience was the key to today. Hopefully, we can draw on today's experience for the future. It was a good year. We improved and gained lots of experience."

Eighth grader Justin Gabbard led Highlands with an 82. The other three Highlands golfers were Ryan Leigh, 85; Aaron Verst, 86; Luke Muller, 88 and Steven Grimme, 97. The top four scores made the team scores.

Bishop Brossart won the tournament shooting a 314 led by medalist Joey Ampfer's 71. Only five players shot in the 70s on the tough course. Richey said the wind, fast greens and not ideal pin placements made the course tough. Grant County finished second with 330 to go back to state.

The Bluebirds graduate three seniors from the team. They are Brian Schoepf, Tyler Spicer and Matthew Crockett.

Volleyball:
Highlands 3, Newport 0:

The Ladybirds (12-10 overall) took care of business in 36th District action with a 25-14, 25-10, 25-15 win. Highlands also improved to 6-6 in 9th Region action. The Ladybirds face Newport Central Catholic (13-14, 1-0) on The Hill on Thursday for another district game at 7:30 p.m.