Boro-bound! Ladybirds rally for first-ever region title

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands seventh-grade second baseman Rachel Gabbard makes a play in Thursday's 9th Region championship game. Gabbard had a key two-run double to lift the Ladybirds to their first-ever region championship, 8-7 over Notre Dame.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior Payton Leighty makes a catch in the championship game.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands sophomore Bailey Spencer delivers to the plate in the regional championship game. Spencer came back nine days from Appendix surgery to help Highlands to the title.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – One giant mountain stood in the way of a trip to the Commonwealth’s version of the softball promised land.

The Highlands Ladybirds had taken care of the other 9th Region powers. But they needed to figure out a way to end a six-game losing streak to the defending region champion Notre Dame Pandas to nab their first 9th Region crown in their first-ever appearance in the title game. That included a 3-0 Panda win in last year’s 9th Region semifinals.

Highlands comes up short in title game

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands Designated Hitter Kenny Ball (left) reaches third ahead of the tag of Conner third baseman Jacob Owens (50). Highlands lost in the 9th Region championship, 3-0 Wednesday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FLORENCE – They made their second appearance in the 9th Region title game in two years Wednesday.

But unfortunately for the Highlands Bluebirds baseball team, two words have kept the Bluebirds (22-18) from bringing the elusive gold trophy back to Fort Thomas. That’s clutch hitting.

Bluebirds win bizarre region semifinal contest

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands junior Alex Veneman scores under Dixie Heights catcher Seth Caple while teammate Jake Whitford (4) prepares to congratulate him. The Bluebirds won 7-4.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FLORENCE – Head Coach Jeremy Baioni said it sometimes takes luck to advance in the postseason.

Baioni’s Highlands Bluebirds baseball team received that and a whole lot more in the 9th Region semifinal win over the Dixie Heights Colonels, 7-4 Tuesday. Highlands scored that many runs off seven Colonel errors among other things in the win at University of Cincinnati Medical Center Stadium.

Ladybirds make history with 25th win of season

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands first baseman Brennah Dutcher comes through a clutch hit in Tuesday's 9th Region semifinal game against Boone County. The Ladybirds won 6-3 to advance to the regional championship for the first time in school history.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – The objective changed from taking care of the underdog to making history.

This marked the third appearance in the 9th Region semifinals for the Highlands Ladybirds fastpitch softball program. But in its 14-year history, Highlands had yet to advance past the 9th Region semifinals.

Mason's perfect game helps Ladybirds back to semifinals

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands eighth-grader Miranda Mason winds up and delivers in Monday's 9th Region Quarterfinal contest against Covington Holy Cross. Mason threw the first perfect game in school history in the 14-0 Highlands win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – The Highlands Ladybirds softball team hope to be in this position more down the road.

Highands (24-11) came into Monday’s 9th Region quarterfinal tournament as heavy favorites against the Covington Holy Cross Lady Indians (13-20). They showed it by run-ruling the visitors, 14-0 in five innings to advance to the semifinals for the second straight year and third time since 2008.

Highlands explodes for another postseason win

Jennifer Jones Photo. Highlands second baseman Evan Allen tracks down a pop-up in Monday's game against Beechwood. The Bluebirds exploded for 15 hits in their 9th Region quarterfinal win over the Tigers.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FLORENCE – They learned their lesson from a year ago.

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team saw the St. Henry Crusaders come out throwing punches. Highlands responded, but the Crusaders won the 9th Region quarterfinal contest, 3-2 behind ace pitcher Mitch Kuebbing.

NewCath drops tough 2-0 decision to Conner

Allen Ramsey Photo. NewCath freshman Katherine Schreiber (right) tries to slide in safely to third base while Conner's Brooke Maines (left) applies the tag. Schreiber was out on the play. The Thoroughbreds lost 2-0 to Conner.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – The visitors needed to play a near-flawless game defensively to end the streak.