NewCath edges Highlands, 2-1 in 36th District battle

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic goalkeeper Meg Martin (black) dives on the ball in Monday's game while several Highlands players surround her. Martin made two saves in NewCath's 2-1 victory.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It was a case of the well-traveled against the well-rested.

In the rivalry game between the two Northern Kentucky 36th District girls soccer rivals, the well-traveled Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds downed the Highlands Bluebirds, 2-1 at Tower Park on Monday. NewCath has won two in a row in the series.

The Lady Breds downed the Bluebirds, 2-0 in last year’s 36th District title game. That ended Highlands’ run of six consecutive district championships.

“We (seniors) keep telling (teammates) not to get a big head,” said Sam Bunzel, NewCath senior midfielder. “You have to go in strong and refocus on what we’ve been practicing. You can’t let down.”

NewCath (12-1-2) has not lost since a 1-0 defeat at Ryle on Aug. 26. The Lady Breds played for the fifth time in six days also winning the All “A” State championship and tieing Dixie Heights, 1-1.

Tuesday Sports Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM
Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter
The Highlands Bluebirds recorded a huge 1-0 victory over the Boone County Rebels on Tuesday at Tower Park.
The Rebels came into the game undefeated at 4-0. Highlands improved to 4-2 with the victory after going 1-2 in the Kentucky Cup at Louisville Ballard.
Bluebird senior Emerson Holladay scored the game's lone goal. Sophomore Nick Breslin recorded eight saves at goalkeeper for Highlands.
The Bluebirds take on Dixie Heights (2-4) at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Lady Breds stay undefeated:
The host Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds soccer team stayed undefeated at 4-0 with a convincing 9-0 win over Calvary Christian (1-1-2) on Tuesday to open the All Class A Ninth/10th Region Classic.
The Lady Breds saw Sam Bunzel lead the way with three goals and Chandler Cain score two. Teammates Michela Ware, Loren Zimmerman, Christina Seibert, and Emily Weyer all added goals. Bunzel, Seibert, Madison Little, Nikki Buller and Courtney Hagedorn all had assists.
Sophomore goalkeeper Erin Ackerson did not have to make any saves because Calvary got off no shots.
The Lady Breds take on Bishop Brossart (3-3) to continue the tournament. Game time is 6 p.m.

Ryle downs NewCath:
The Thoroughbreds soccer team continues to struggle in a 4-0 loss at Ryle on Tuesday.
NewCath fell to 1-4 while the Raiders improved to 3-2 with their third straight win. Thoroughbred goalkeeper Ben Tiereny had eight saves.
NewCath travels to Montgomery County next Tuesday for a 6 p.m. contest.