Thursday Highlands Results

Highlands Handles NewCath in 36th District Battle

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Rylee Kirschenbaum (12) follows through on a serve in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds (11-2 overall) found themselves in a challenge to play their fast-paced brand of volleyball and not down to the level of the opponent, even in the rivalry game.

Highlands senior setter Audrey Graves said the team was fired up before the game. But once the game started, the seniors made sure everyone stayed on an even keel. That propelled the Bluebirds to a sound 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-15) 36th District victory. NewCath (2-5) has lost five straight.

"It's always going to be an exciting game. On the court, (it was) about looking to each and being like, 'Hey, take a deep breath. We're good. Get this pass' really grounded everybody so that they could do the jobs that we needed to do," Graves said. "We do that anyway. Whether it's hand hugs or anything like is really helpful to keep your mind right."

Highlands has won four straight against NewCath. Of the 10 players who saw action for Highlands, only sophomore middle blocker/right side hitter Lauren Buemi had not previously been through a game against the Thoroughbreds on the varsity level. Buemi and senior outside hitter Casey Dunn combined for the lone Highlands block.

Highlands also had 32 kills, 32 assists, 43 digs and 10 service aces. Graves had 31 assists to go with two digs, three kills and two aces. Dunn had seven kills, 14 digs and three aces.

"Knowing you're good helps for sure. But playing consistent and steady is what we're trying to do," said Kaitlyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "It's good when it's good. I think it definitely works. But that requires us to be in system a lot. That means defensively and serve receive has to be pretty much on the money. That's not easy to do throughout an entire match so that's what we're working on."

Sophomore middle blocker CC Shick led Highlands with 11 kills to go with two digs. Senior middle blocker Ava Hockney had eight kills and six digs.

Sophomore defensive specialist Madison Clore had four aces and four digs. Senior defensive specialists Rylee Kirschenbaum and Brooke Biltz had eight and five digs respectively.

Highlands play host to Newport on Tuesday. Game time is 6 p.m.

Soccer, Boys:
Highlands 1, Covington Holmes 0:

The Bulldogs forfeited the 9th Region game against the Bluebirds (8-2-2 overall) at Tower Park. Highlands is 5-0-1 in region play including 4-0 against teams in the 35th District.

Highlands takes on Louisville Collegiate (8-2-1) on the road on Saturday. Game time is 2 p.m.

Golf, Girls:
Highlands defeats Campbell County:

Highlands moved to 2-0 in dual matches. Junior Ellie Rowland led the Bluebirds shooting a 44 at AJ Jolly Golf Course.

Highlands plays Bishop Brossart on Senior Night at AJ Jolly Golf Course on Monday. Tee time is 3:30 p.m.