Highlands, NC win 9th Region quarterfinal games

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands senior Kelsey Etherton (middle in white) and Brooklynn Rivers (far right) come upfield after Etherton's rebound goal in the first half of Monday's 5-1 9th Region quarterfinal win over Beechwood.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The two girls soccer teams may not have scored in the Sept. 12 meeting at Tower Park.

But that changed completely in favor of the home team at the same location Monday. The Highlands Bluebirds (7-7-5) scored 12 minutes into the contest and cruised to a sound 5-1 9th Region quarterfinal victory over the Beechwood Lady Tigers (10-9-3).

“Anytime you get an early goal, it’s great for confidence,” said Tommy Kearns, Highlands Head Coach. “The girls played really well. We created a lot of chances again. The finishing moves were on. Anytime you score five goals, you have a great chance to win.”

Highlands nips NewCath, 2-1 for 36th championship; HHS volleyball loses

G. Michael Graham Photos. Highlands defender Peyton Bankemper (right) and Newport Central Catholic midfielder Michaela Ware (left) chase the ball in Thursday's 36th District championship at Tower Park. Highlands won 2-1 to claim its seventh district title in eight years and 12th overall.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The rivalry game for the 36th District girls soccer championship Thursday at Tower Park once again proved that records can be thrown out the window.

The Highlands Bluebirds had been playing better lately despite their 6-7-5 record and the Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds had not despite sporting a 12-3-4 mark and All “A” State championship. That showed in a 2-1 Highlands victory.