Ladybirds aim for return to glory days

G. Michael Graham Photo. First-year Highlands Ladybirds Head Girls soccer coach Brian Wiefering gives instructions during a recent practice. Highlands finished 8-8-5 last year losing in the 9th Region title game to Notre Dame, 3-0.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

If the end of last season showed a major indication, the Highlands Ladybirds soccer team is in store for great things.

9th Girls Soccer Title Game: Bluebirds fall to Pandas

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands senior Kelsey Etherton (middle) and Kiersten Clukey (right) pursue Notre Dame's Maddie Tierney (left) in Saturday's 9th Region championship game at Dixie Heights. The Pandas claimed their third consecutive region crown in the rubber match between the arch-rivals with the win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

CRESTVIEW HILLS – The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team knew it had to match the intensity and determination of its arch-rivals to move on.

The Bluebirds played hard, but could not figure out the Notre Dame Panada defense or recover from an early momentum swing in a 3-0 9th Region championship loss Saturday at Dixie Heights. Highlands has lost to Notre Dame in its last two region title game appearances.