The Highlands Bluebirds will be playing in the championship game of the Lexington Catholic Lady Knights Challenge Cup.
Highlands (7-0-4 overall) defeated the host Lady Knights (8-2-1), 7-6 on penalty kicks in the semifinals of the winner's bracket to advance to the title game for the first time since 2016. Highlands will play Saturday at 7 p.m. for the title against either Sacred Heart, Notre Dame or Lexington Tates Creek.
Highlands Head Coach Alex Dean credited his father and assistant coach Joe Dean for the reminder to practice penalty kicks during warm-ups before the win over Beechwood on Tuesday at Tower Park. This marked the first time the Bluebirds had to go to penalty kicks since Alex Dean became head coach before last season.
After the five penalty kicks, Highlands and LexCath were tied at 4-4 meaning it went to sudden death. In the eighth round, Highlands sophomore Jade Rehberger hit her shot and the LexCath shot one high.
"The game was well-played by both sides," Alex Dean said. "Even if it would have gone to overtime, it still would have probably ended 0-0. But to see us have the mental toughness to knock seven out of eight PKs and the one who missed it, we know in the postseason she's going to make it. Just making sure they're confident gets the goalie scared a little bit. It's a good practice for the postseason if we ever need it."
Highlands junior goalkeeper Jasmine Rehberger made six saves. Alex Dean credited her for making the penalty kick shots more difficult for the Lady Knights. Highlands had nine shots including four on goal.
"It's a great feeling. We came out here and we came to win," said Maria Broering, Highlands senior forward. "We didn't finish in regulation like we would have wanted to. But I'm so proud of every single one of these girls on the team for the heart they showed during this game. I full trust in every single one of them. It definitely boosts our confidence heading into the final half of our season."
Highlands saw its game against Bellevue scheduled for Sept. 19 cancelled. The Bluebirds already beat Newport Central Catholic in 36th District action and will not play Dayton, Bellevue or Newport.
Football, Freshman:
Highlands 19, Campbell County 6:
The Bluebirds improved to 3-0 with the road win. Running back Sam Robinson scored two touchdowns and quarterback Charlie Noon had the other one.
Highlands faces Simon Kenton on Sept. 19 at home. Game time is 6 p.m.
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