Wednesday Round-Up

Ladybird Volleyball Takes Care of Business at Newport

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior libero Gracie Schweitzer (2) digs one up in a recent game.

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team (8-6 overall) is not taking anything for granted in its pursuit of another second seed in the 36th District Tournament.

The Ladybirds moved to 2-1 in district play and 5-4 in 9th Region action with a convincing 3-0 (25-7, 25-13, 25-8) win over the Newport Ladycats on Wednesday. Highlands won its last district championship in volleyball on that floor in 2012.

"It's always encouraging to see our team focused and executing the task at hand," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "We enjoyed playing in the gym that will hold the districts this year as we prepare for that in the next (couple) weeks."

As a team, Highlands recorded 20 kills, 20 assists, nine aces, six digs and two blocks. Sophomore setter Audrey Graves led the Ladybirds with 19 assists and four kills with sophomore Ava Hockney recording six kills and junior Olivia Gessner recording nine aces. Senior Gracie Schweitzer and sophomore Rylee Kirschenbaum had six digs each.

Highlands plays host to Covington Holmes on Thursday. Game time is 5 p.m.

Soccer, Girls:
Sacred Heart 3, Highlands 0:

The Ladybirds (9-3-1 overall) earned the rematch against the Valkyries (9-2), but could not earn the better result in the Lexington Catholic Cup. Highlands lost at the Louisville private school, 1-0 on Aug. 26.

Senior Cassie Amshoff scored both Sacred Heart goals in the first half. The Valkyries added another one late.

Sacred Heart outshot Highlands, 13-7. Sophomore Maggie Hinegardner had 10 saves for the Ladybirds.

Highlands returns to Lexington on Saturday for the Third-Place game against either Louisville DuPont Manual or Notre Dame. Game time is 5 p.m.

Football, Freshman:
Highlands 40, Simon Kenton 23:

The Bluebirds moved to 3-0 with a second win this season over the Pioneers. Quarterback Cam Hergott rushed for one touchdown and threw two more to Jake Fahlbusch. Jason Noe, Joe Buten and Mason South also had rushing touchdowns for Highlands.

Highlands plays host to Louisville Trinity at 1 p.m. on Sept. 23.