Tuesday Highlands Sports Results

Bluebirds Volleyball Bests Newport

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Maria Little (3) gets in position in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team did not have an easy time of things in the first 36th District game of the year.

But the Bluebirds (8-2 overall) took care of the Newport Ladycats (0-6), 3-0 (25-14, 25-8, 25-14) on Tuesday in Fort Thomas. Highlands has won five in a row.

"You move on to the next day," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "There were some other things going on and just a little bit of tightness. (Respecting opponents) is something we talk about. But this group of girls competes with everybody. I feel like we're okay. I'm not going to stress myself too much over that and just keep moving forward."

Highlands recorded 35 kills on 81 attempts and 12 errors for a .284 hitting percentage. Seniors Laura Winkler and Maria Little had 17 assists each. Junior CC Shick led Highlands with 14 kills with junior middle blocker Lauren Buemi making seven. Winkler and junior Avery Cavacini had five each.

The Bluebirds also had 20 aces, 47 digs and two blocks. Junior Honor Valentine had six aces to lead the way and Little had five. Little had five aces with Buemi, junior Josie Steppe and junior Sophia Sarakatsannis landing five aces each.

"You really just pay attention to who is in the back row and struggling passing. Coach (Sallee) gives us zones," Valentine said. "Serving those zones helps. I try to put some float on my serve. It makes the serve out of whack. That adds to them hopefully being out of system." 

Sarakatsannis and Steppe had 10 digs each with Winkler and junior Nicole Ossege making six each and junior Madison Clore had five. Shick had a solo block with Buemi and Cavacini combining for the other.

Highlands plays host to Walton-Verona on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Soccer, Boys:

Loveland (Ohio) 2, Highlands 1:

For the second year in a row, the Bluebirds dropped a one-goal road game against the Tigers. Loveland scored the game-winner with 4:25 left in the game.

Highlands fell behind 1-0 in the first half. But the Bluebirds tied the game when junior Jordan Frisk scored on an assist from senior Brayden Gillman. Frisk has three goals and Gillman a team-high four assists on the season.

The Bluebirds had nine shots with four on goal with Loveland recording 13 shots with 11 on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Connor Mathis recorded nine saves.

Highlands plays host to Cincinnati (Ohio) Summit Country Day on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Cross Country:

The Highlands Bluebirds boys and girls cross country teams faced Covington Catholic and Notre Dame in dual meets. CovCath and Notre Dame won respectively.

Highlands runs in the Bourbon County Invitational on Saturday.