Highlands Volleyball Earns 15th Win of Season

Bluebirds Take on Newport Central Catholic on Thursday

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Lauren Buemi prepares to serve in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (15-3 overall) experimented with a different line-up in the 9th Region match-up against the Covington Holmes Lady Bulldogs (4-12) in a 3-0 (25-14, 25-10, 25-8) win.

Holmes has lost 10 in a row. The Lady Bulldogs have won just one set during the losing streak.

"We did a good job. (The new line-up) in and of itself takes a minute to get into a groove then in general trying to find your own controlling the tempo kind of thing," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "Once we got through the first few points, we kicked into a rhythm. I was proud of the team for doing the job. I was encouraged to see everyone contribute and to remember the depth we have."

Highlands landed an astounding 23 aces in the win. Junior setter Kenzie Vennefron led the way with seven to go with 14 assists and five digs. Senior Josie Steppe had five with senior Lauren Buemi landing four to go with 10 kills, one assist and one dig. Eighth grader Hayden Gessner had three to go with one assist and five digs.

The Bluebirds also had 29 assists and kills to go with three solo blocks and 38 digs. Senior Honor Valentine had 10 digs and one ace. Senior Madison Clore had six digs, two aces and an assist. Senior Madison Opitz had 11 assists.

Seniors Avery Cavacini, CC Shick and Nicole Ossege had four kills each. Shick and Cavacini had two digs each. Junior Emma Daly and sophomore Rachel Ossege had three kills each.

"I think (the coaches) gave everyone an equal opportunity and when it's my turn, I really like to prove what I can do," said Carly Cramer, Highlands junior. "We like to come out and play the same game against every opponent."

Highlands takes on Newport Central Catholic on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.