Thursday Highlands Results

Highlands, Conner Soccer Tie

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Ford Orem gets in position in the tie against Conner.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team has hit a rough patch.

But the good news is Highlands (4-2-1 overall) did salvage a scoreless tie against the improved Conner Cougars on Thursday at Tower Park. Conner is 5-1-1.

Conner made waves in the 33rd District Tournament last year with a 2-1 win over the Ryle Raiders in the semifinals. The Cougars finished 13-7 losing 2-1 in double overtime to Dixie Heights in the 9th Region quarterfinals.

Thursday Sports Briefs

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands' Kaitlin Hall (front) and Anna Marie Houliston (back) record a block against Boone County in Tuesday's 9th Region match. The Ladybirds won 3-2 to move to 2-3 on the season.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands senior Logan Groneck (6) makes a move in Thursday's game against Cincinnati McNicholas. Groneck scored the lone goal for the Bluebirds in a 3-1 loss at Tower Park.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team (2-3) made it two in a row Thursday with a 3-2 (25-14, 25-20, 21-25, 21-25, 15-11) win over visiting Boone County.

NewCath advances, Highlands falls in 9th quarters

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

ERLANGER – The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds and Highlands Bluebirds soccer teams found themselves on opposite ends of 1-0 scores in the 9th Region quarterfinals Sunday.

NewCath defeated Villa Madonna by that score and Highlands fell to the host St. Henry Crusaders to finish its season. The games took place Sunday because St. Henry is also playing host to the 9th Region volleyball tournament.

The Thoroughbreds have won three straight to improve to 6-9-5 overall and move to the 9th semifinals. Josh Hensley scored the game-winning goal 1:35 into overtime for NewCath. The two teams did not face each other in the regular season.

“We came out pretty flat in the first half,” said Mike McDonald, NewCath head coach. “I had a talk with the guys at halftime about it being a win or go-home regional. Take a look at the guys around you and don’t play for yourself. Play as a team. We played much better in the second half. We had to fight the wind. It was pretty bad.”

Throughbreds claim second straight district title

Photo by G. Michael Graham. The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds won their second straight district title with a 1-0 win over Highlands at Tower Park on Thursday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

There are many reasons to throw out records once the postseason comes around.

One is the return of key players from injuries.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds soccer team played competitive soccer all year, but had a hard time finding victories because of injuries, defensive mistakes and an inability to score goals. That changed Thursday in NewCath’s 1-0 District 36 victory over the Highlands Bluebirds at Tower Park. Both teams advance to the 9th Region Tournament.

This marked the second consecutive district title for the Thoroughbreds. They beat Bishop Brossart for the 19th District title last year before beating Covington Catholic, 1-0 to win the 10th Region crown and losing 1-0 to Montgomery County in the first round of the state tournament.

NewCath also beat Highlands for the first time since 2004. The Bluebirds went 11-0-2 in the last 13 meeting against the Thoroughbreds, including a 2-0 win on Sept. 22 at Tower Park.

Highands blanks Calvary Christian, 3-0

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

For the second straight game, the Highlands Bluebirds soccer team put a team away.

The Bluebirds scored two goals in the second half to down the visiting Calvary Christian Cougars, 3-0 Tuesday at Tower Park. They’ve won two in a row to move to 8-6-1. This comes after a 1-4-1 stretch after starting the year 5-2.

“We’re just trying to instill good values in them that when you get a lead, let’s be comfortable with that lead,” said Matthew Winkler, Highlands head coach. “We need to get our risk-taking to a normal level. If it’s a 3-0 or 2-0 win, it’s okay. They’re good wins against a quality team.”

Calvary fell to 6-5-1. The Cougars tied Dixie Heights on Sept. 15.

This marked the fifth shutout of the year for Highlands. Goalkeeper Nick Breslin stopped all six Cougar shots and received nice help from defenders like Jimmy Penrod and Alex Shepherd. One Calvary shot hit the top bar.

“(The Cougars) were just like us,” Breslin said. “They had a lot of talent up top. Our defense stuck together and fought through that 3-0 win. They had some unlucky shots. But our defense did well overall.”

Highlands managed nine shots. Calvary goalkeeper Dilan Grote stopped six of them.

The Bluebirds scored the only goal of the first half with 10:32 remaining. Andrew Barnes saved the ball from going out near the goal and passed back to Christian Austin. Austin landed the shot to Grote’s right for the score.

“We seem to come out flat sometimes,” Barnes said. “It seems like when we get a goal, we pick it up. It makes us comfortable. It gives us hope even though we should have it in the beginning.”

The first goal of the second half came with 24:06. Grote fouled Emerson Holladay in the box. Holladay nailed the penalty kick passed Calvary’s Kipp Barnes. Grote had to come out of the game for the penalty kick because he committed the hard foul drawing a yellow card.

Highlands added an insurance goal with 21:09 remaining. Franklin Graves scored for the Bluebirds.

It was a physical game. Calvary drew three yellow cards to none for Highlands.

“I’m a former referee and they know that,” Winkler said. “I still have a good (relationship) with the guys that work (our games) so tell the guys it’s my job to deal with it if there’s a call that’s controversial. They just need to be out there playing soccer.”

Highlands faces Covington Catholic on Thursday at 8 p.m. back at Tower Park.

Highlands, NewCath renew soccer rivalry Saturday

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

This matchup used to have plenty of implications for the old 19th District Tournament.

But the Kentucky High School Athletic Association shuffled around the districts making them similar to the basketball districts. Thus, the Highlands Bluebirds and Newport Central Catholic men’s soccer teams will battle each other mostly for pride during Saturday’s regular season matchup and for Ninth Region seedings in the District 36 championship game. District rivals Bellevue, Dayton and Newport do not field men’s soccer squads.

Highlands and NewCath battled Campbell County and Bishop Brossart to get to the 10th Region tournament in the old 19th District. Highlands eliminated NewCath in 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006 and 2005 in the 19th semifinals.

Last year, Highlands won the regular-season meeting 3-1. But NewCath won the District Tournament and beat Covington Catholic to win the 10th Region title before losing 1-0 at Montgomery County in the first round of the state tournament.

NewCath eliminated Highlands, 1-0 in the 19th semifinals in 2004. Since then, it has been all Highlands. The Bluebirds are 10-0-2 against their rivals just two miles down the road during that time frame.

Both teams need a win in big ways. The Bluebirds are just 1-4-2 in their last seven games since starting the season 5-2, including big wins over Boone County and St. Henry. The Bluebirds are 6-6-2 overall.

“The season is going well,” said Matthew Winkler, Highlands head coach. “Sure, there are games that I think we should have won. Rebuilding each year is always a challenge and it takes time to find the right mix for everyone. Someone that might play center-mid in club might play defense in high school. I enjoy the group of guys that we have this year and hope that they continue to work hard. We both have high goals for the season and we intend to give it our best to meet these goals.”

Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team moved above .500 with a 25-9, 25-10 victory at the Holmes Lady Bulldogs on Thursday.
Highlands also beat Holmes in the September Slam on Saturday at Scott. The Ladybirds moved to 8-7 to move above .500 for the first time since starting the season 2-0. Holmes is 5-14.
Highlands travels to Conner on Monday for a 7:30 p.m. contest.
Ladybird soccer ties Campbell County:
Highlands turned things around in just more than 48 hours Thursday.
The Ladybirds turned in a much better showing in a 0-0 tie against the Campbell County Lady Camels.
Highlands lost 5-0 at Bishop Brossart on Tuesday. Highlands is 2-4-2 overall and the Lady Camels are 6-3-1.
The Ladybirds allowed just four shots after allowing 17 Tuesday. Senior goalkeeper Jesse Daley played the entire game and saved all four. Campbell County is led by senior Taylor Robinson.
Highlands plays host to South Oldham (3-4) at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Highlands, Simon Kenton soccer cancelled:
Highlands' originally scheduled game against Simon Kenton was called off because of powder puff football.
The Bluebirds (5-3-1) hit the road to Louisville on Saturday to take on state power Louisville St. Xavier at 2:45 p.m. The Tigers are 8-0 entering the contest.
NCC volleyball falls to Boone County:
The Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds volleyball team dropped a close one to the Boone County Lady Rebels, 3-1 (23-25, 25-17, 28-26, 27-25) Thursday.
The Lady Breds fell to 4-9 with the loss and Boone County moved to 8-5. Nikki Kiernan had 13 kills and six blocks to lead NewCath. Alyssa Maier added 34 assists with Whitney Fields tallying five aces and Maria Froendhoff making 29 digs.
NewCath plays in the Louisville Volleyball Invitational Tournament today and Saturday.
NewCath, Cooper soccer cancelled:
The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds soccer game at Cooper was cancelled because the field was too wet. The game will be made up on Sept. 18.
NewCath plays host to St. Henry at 3 p.m.

Highlands soccer drops heartbreaker

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team hopes to learn to finish games.
They've taken 1-0 leads in the final 20 minutes of the last two games and have not been able to keep them. The Scott Eagles scored twice in the game's final 11 minutes and 23 seconds to leave Tower Park with a 2-1 victory Saturday.
The Bluebirds (5-3-1 overall) also led 1-0 in Thursday's home game against Dixie Heights. But the Colonels tied it from about 35 to 40 yards out with about 18 minutes left in the game.
"They need to get to a point where they're comfortable with a 1-0 lead," said Matthew Winkler, Highlands head coach. "They then need to change their style to more of a game management type as opposed to, 'Let's try to get it 5-0.' A 1-0 win over a Scott team would be respectable. We hope to get that nailed before October (when the tournaments begin)."
The Eagles and Bluebirds have had some good games over the years. Scott beat Highlands in the Sub-Section 6 game, 3-1 in 2010.
The Bluebirds appeared to have tied the game with 2:24 remaining when Ethan Schmits scored on a corner kick. But the goal was waived off because Highlands shoved off in the box to create room for a header.
In net, Highlands goalkeeper Nick Breslin recorded three saves. He hit one over the crossbar in the second half.
Highlands travels to Alexandria on Tuesday for an 8 p.m. contest against old district rival Campbell County (0-5).

Thursday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team picked up a big victory in Alexandria on Thursday.
Highlands knocked off the Bishop Brossart Lady Mustangs, 3-2 (21-25, 25-13, 19-25, 25-20, 16-14). Highlands won its second straight to move to 4-5 overall and Bishop Brossart lost for the first time this season dropping to 9-1. The Lady Mustangs finished 24-13 last year and made it to the 10th Region semifinals.
Sophomore Jessica Ginter led Highlands with 17 kills and setter Kaitlin Hall had 44 assists and five aces. Teammate Katie Van Curen added 14 digs.
Highlands plays in the Varsity September Slam all day Saturday at Scott High. The Ladybirds open the day with a 10 a.m. contest against Simon Kenton (13-2). Highlands also faces host Scott at Noon, 2011 state runner-up Greenwood (outside Bowling Green) at 2 p.m. and Covington Holmes at 3 p.m.

Highlands Soccer ties Dixie Heights:
The Bluebirds could not follow up Tuesday's big win over Boone County with a bigger win.
Highlands tied the Dixie Heights Colonels, 1-1. Emerson Holladay scored the Bluebird goal in the first half to give Highlands a 1-0 halftime lead. But the Colonels (2-4-1) tied the game with about 18 minutes left in the game from about 35-40 yards out.
Nick Breslin had another good game in goal for the Bluebirds (4-2-1 overall) Thursday. He recorded seven saves.
Highlands takes on Scott (3-5) at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Lady Breds soccer bounces back:
The Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds soccer team too down visiting Villa Madonna, 5-0 on Thursday.
NewCath moved to 5-1 playing its third game in three days. The Lady Breds lost on penalty kicks to Bishop Brossart in the All "Ä" Region 9/10 Semifinals on Wednesday. Villa Madonna fell to 1-5.
Michela Ware scored two goals to lead NewCath with Sam Bunzel, Loren Zimmerman and Christina Seibert scoring one a piece. Courtney Hagedorn had two assists with Nikki Buller adding the other.
Lady Bred goalkeeper Erin Ackerson had to record just one save. This marked the third shutout of the year for NewCath.
The Lady Breds do not play again until Wednesday. They play host to Beechwood at 6 p.m.

NewCath volleyball drops home contest:
The Campbell County Lady Camels came to Newport on Thursday and beat the Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds, 3-0 (27-25, 25-22, 27-25).
NewCath fell to 4-8 and Campbell County improved to 6-7 under the guidance of first-year head coach Kimberlee Nemcek, who was a senior at Northern Kentucky University last year.
Nikki Kiernan and Abbie Lukens led NewCath with seven kills each. Teammate Alyssa Maier had 23 assists and Maria Froendhoff had 19 digs.
The Lady Breds do not play again until Thursday at 6 p.m. at home against Boone County.

Sports Notes (Thursday Edition)

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team bounced back to knock off host Louisville Ballard, 4-3 on Thursday in the Kentucky Cup.

Highlands (3-1) led 3-0 at one point. Mitch Gesenhues, Emerson Holladay, Alex Schmits and Petr Carter scored goals for the Bluebirds. Sophomore goalkeeper Nick Breslin made five saves in net for the Bluebirds.

Highlands concludes the Kentucky Cup on Saturday.

Highlands Volleyball snaps losing streak:
The Ladybirds took down District 36 rival Dayton, 25-10, 25-8 on Thursday.

Highlands improved to 3-4 overall snapping a four-game losing streak and 2-0 in district action. Brooke Hamilton led the Ladybirds with six aces and four digs.

Highlands comes home to face Kings (Ohio) at 7 p.m. Monday.

NewCath soccer falls in All "A" Ninth Region:
The Newport Central Catholic soccer team took Bishop Brossart to a shootout, but fell in the shootout 5-4 to lose the game, 2-1.

The Thoroughbreds fell to 1-3 with the loss. Nathan Grosser scored the goal for NewCath and goalkeeper Ben Tiereny had nine saves.

NewCath continues action Tuesday at Ryle at 8 p.m.

NewCath volleyball falls to Henry Clay:
The Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds volleyball team (3-5) fell in three 25-16, 25-16, 25-20 to power Newport Central Catholic on Thursday.

The Lady Breds take on Roger Bacon and Mother of Mercy on Monday. The first game starts at 5 p.m.

Sports Notes (Tuesday Edition)

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds men’s soccer team dropped its first game of the year Tuesday in the Kentucky Cup at Louisville Ballard.

The Louisville Collegiate Titans (1-0-1) of the 7th Region nipped the Bluebirds, 1-0. Highlands is 2-1 overall with the loss. They play again in the Kentucky Cup at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Highlands volleyball loses to Region Power:

The Bluebirds fell to 2-4 with a two-game loss at Ninth Region contender St. Henry on Tuesday.

The Crudsaders (7-2 overall) won 25-10, 25-15. Sophomore outside hitter Jessica Ginter had seven digs and three kills for the Bluebirds and senior outside hitter Sydney Lindeman added three kills. The other leaders for Highlands were sophomore setter Kaitlin Hall with two aces and nine assists, and senior libero Katie Van Curen with seven digs.

Highlands takes on visting Dayton at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

NewCath volleyball falls to Holy Cross:

The Lady Breds fell to 2-4 with a three-game loss to the Covington Holy Cross Indians on Tuesday.

Holy Cross won 25-15, 25-21, 25-20. Holy Cross improved to 3-2.

NewCath travels to Dayton for a District 36 contest tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Weekend through Tuesday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands men’s soccer team edged Pendleton County, 4-3 on Saturday at Tower Park to improve to 2-0 overall.

Ethan Schmits led the Bluebirds with two goals. Teammates Devin Dupont and Chris Garbig had one each. Andrew Barnes, Mitchell Gesenhues and Jordan Jarvis had one assist a piece for Highlands.

The Wildcats (1-1) saw three different players score. Harper Aven, Travis Brinkman and Max Dewald had goals for Pendleton Countyh with Brinkman, MacKenzie Colvin and Jacob Farwell notching one assist each.

Highlands plays in the Kentucky Cup at Louisville Ballard this week. The Bluebirds open up with Louisville Collegiate tonight at 5:30 p.m.

Highlands volleyball drops third in a row:

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball fell to 2-3 with a three-game loss (25-10, 25-21, 25-15) at Beechwood (6-3) on Monday.

Highlands plays at St. Henry at tonight at 7:30 p.m.

NewCath soccer gets first win:

After two close calls, the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds soccer team dented the win column with a 2-0 win over Covington Holy Cross on Saturday.

NewCath (1-2) dropped a tough one to Pendleton County, 1-0 on Thursday.

The Thoroughbreds play in the All “A” Regional Tournament at St. Henry on Thursday.

Lady Breds win opener:

The Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds soccer team knocked off host Conner, 7-1 to open the 2012 campaign.

Christina Seibert led the Lady Breds with a hat trick of three goals. Sam Bunzel added two goals for NewCath with Chandler Cain and Caroline Kinnett scoring the other two.

Conner fell to 0-2-1 with the loss. Katie Saunders’ crew came into the game with a 6-1 loss to Campbell County and a 4-4 tie with Covington Holy Cross.

The Lady Breds play again Wednesday. They play host to Simon Kenton (3-0) at 6 p.m.