The Cooper Jaguars (10-3-1 overall) scored just 71 seconds into the game and never looked back on their way to a 3-1 win over the host Conner Cougars (11-5-1). Cooper clinched the top seed in the 33rd District tournament in October at Boone County, with a 2-0 record and Conner finishes district seed play 2-1 earning the second seed. The Jaguars have a district seed game left at Ryle on Sept. 21.
“Finding their identity, their correct rotations has been key,” said Scott Hughes, Cooper head coach. “They’ve done a wonderful job in training listening to the game plans and they know that any mistake that they make if it’s made out of hustle, then everything is forgiven. I think that’s one thing that allows them to play through the adversity.”
With 38:49 left in the game, Cooper senior striker Cadence Flamm made the pass to the left to senior Peyton Jones. Jones made a move and scored her first of two goals in the game. Jones has six goals this season and Flamm has five assists.
“I think it showed we had to go right from the beginning,” Jones said. “I think it helped the team get started fast. I think our team has a good connection with and without our coaches so even if we are just all stressed out, we know that game is over with and we need to push on to the next one.”
Cooper senior goalkeeper Leah Watkins made seven saves and Conner sophomore goalkeeper Ally Welch had four.
Conner again tried to use its speed on the outside with the likes of senior Juliet Strange and others. Strange earned some free kicks off the eight Cooper fouls to four for the Cougars. But some sailed over the crossbar.
“We were very concerned coming into the game because of their speed,” Hughes said. “So in these past couple practices, we’ve really keyed on how to play as a defensive unit with our back four then with our midfield. They came out with a very substantial win.”
Cooper junior quick striker Maleah Alexander did have a one-on-one with Welch with 25:33 left in the first half. But off the top of the crossbar and over. But Cooper senior midfielder Adelle Richardson scored her seventh goal of the season with 12:59 left in the half to put Cooper up 2-0.
“I think anytime we can step to the ball and win the ball first obviously puts us a leg in front so we try to win the ball as often as possible,” Richardson said. “We try to do everything we can to get to the ball. That also goes with our intensity.”
Conner scored its lone goal on a corner kick with 7.4 seconds left in the first half to cut the lead to 2-1 at halftime. Junior all-around Caitlyn Kenny found Stange for the score. Strange has six goals and Kenny two assists this year.
“I think the difference for us is we’ve been playing a lot of possession and movement styles,” Conner Head Coach Mike Hughes said. “(Cooper) brought more of a physical style and drove the ball with their speed. We just couldn’t adjust and kuddos to (the Jaguars). They outworked us. At the end of the day in these kind of games, that will get you the win.”
Jones responded with her second goal of the game with 33:17 remaining. The defenses put the clamps down the rest of the game.
Both teams play again Monday. Cooper plays host to Holy Cross (8-5-2) at 7 p.m. and Conner plays hot to NewCath (3-8-1) at 7:30 p.m.
Girls Soccer
Ryle 3, Holy Cross 3
Both the Raiders (3-7-2) and the Indians (8-5-2) played three games in Gatlinburg, Tennessee over the weekend and had different results. Ryle won two of its three games there building up some momentum and Holy Cross hoped to rebound after losing two and drawing before coming home and losing to Notre Dame on Monday.
“Ryle is always a physical game for us,” said Brittany Black, Holy Cross head coach. “Just coming out, matching that intensity then trying to beat that intensity is what we were trying to focus on. We are trying to keep everyone healthy and still asked them to give us everything they had out there and that’s what they did.”
Holy Cross unofficially outshot Ryle, 12-10 including 9-6 advantage on goal. Ryle’s two goalkeepers, senior Kendall McGarvey and freshman Maleah Lehmkuhl, combined for six saves and Holy Cross senior goalkeeper Mia Wilson had four.
“We switched formations in Gatlinburg and we starting to adjust to that a little bit,” said Brian Runyon, Ryle head coach. “But (Wednesday) was just wanting to be first to the ball, all staying on the same page. We were all very positive with each other over the weekend. But (Wednesday), we were a bit frustrated with a mix of not possessing the ball, the field being a bit of a different surface than we’re used to. It was a challenge. But it was good to see them fight back after getting down. When we can get our bench involved, that helps the girls more than ever.”
Black said she felt junior forward/midfielder Ivy Hoffman scored the go-ahead goal with 9:09 left in the game. But the officials ruled it did not entirely cross the line and McGarvey corralled it for Ryle.
Senior forward/midfielder Rylee Veneman had a hand in all three goals for Holy Cross on two goals and one assist. Her first goal tied the game 1-1 with 3:31 left in the first half.
“Ivy, (senior forward) Sydney (Quercioli) and I connect well up top,” Veneman said. “We play on turf. It’s hard to play on (the Farris Park grass) even though we practice on it. But the ball seems to stay in so we run up on it. It’s an advantage.”
Veneman then gave the Indians the lead at 2-1 in the second half on a nice feed to junior defender/midfielder Bella Saalfeld. After Ryle took a 3-2 lead, Veneman tapped one in with 6:10 left to make the final score.
Junior forward/midfielder Hannah Engel scored twice for the Raiders. The first came with 36:18 left in the first half. Junior Gracie Carrigan made a pass to her on the right side. Engel put it in after controlling the ball.
Engel then tied the game at 2-2 with 12:53 left in the first half. Ryle took its second lead with 7:49 left in the game when senior all-around player Madison Braun hit junior Kathleen Iasillo for the score.
“We have been working this season to come together as a team vs. playing as individuals,” Engel said. “In high schools seasons, we all come together from our separate club teams and we’re all trying to come together to form one connection on one specific team. We’ve struggled so far. But this weekend, we had some good, quality games and we got to spend some quality time together. As the season has gone on, we’re realizing, ‘I don’t have to play my way. I can play my team’s way.’ It’s really been impactful toward the outcome of our games. Our energy coming into the games or practices has improved immensely.”
Both teams play Saturday. Holy Cross plays host to Boone County (7-5-2) at 11:30 a.m. and Ryle plays host to Assumption (11-2-2) at 1 p.m.
Highlands 1, Dixie Heights 0
The Bluebirds (6-5-2) edged the Colonels (6-6-2) in a tight 9th Region game. Junior Laney Smith scored the game’s lone goal for her 11th of the year on the second assist of the year from freshman forward Reece Wilkins.
“We’ve played some tough competition and the chemistry is starting to come together,” said Chris Norris, Highlands head coach. “We’re finally doing some good combos, playing to feet more, playing with a purpose. Dixie gave us everything they had. They’re a real talented team. They were physical on the ball so that’s a really nice win for us.”
Dixie Heights took three shots on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Natalie Hinegardner saved all three shots.
“I feel being a freshman is intimidating, especially playing against seniors and how much bigger they are,” said Claire Cavacini, Highlands junior forward. “You almost have to get your grade our of your head and focus on your skill. You see the freshmen out there getting past the seniors. They’re just as good as everyone else on the team. The upperclassmen step up and lead if they struggle with anything.”
The Bluebirds have won 13 straight in the series with the last Dixie Heights win coming in the 9th Region Quarterfinals on Oct. 15, 2012. Six of the meetings have been decided by one goal.
Highlands plays host to Lexington Lafayette on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Dixie Heights plays host to Simon Kenton (9-3-3) on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.
Notre Dame 4, Beechwood 1
The Pandas (10-3-1) concluded 35th District seed action with a win in Fort Mitchell over the Tigers (8-3-2).
Junior Carlyn Tranter scored twice for the Pandas. Senior Ellie Greenwell and sophomore Riley Robertson had the other Notre Dame goals.
The Pandas travel to St. Henry (7-2-2) on Saturday for an 11:30 a.m. game. Beechwood travels to Lawrenceburg (Indiana) at 11 a.m. on the same day.
All A 9th/10th Sectionals
Bishop Brossart 4, St. Henry 2
Bishop Brossart (6-4-2) had been looking for an offensive explosion like this and picked the right time building the 4-0 halftime lead and holding off the Crusaders (7-2-2). Senior midfielder Jill Planeaux had two goals and an assist.
Junior forward/midfielder Emma Sandfoss and senior forward/midfielder Katelynn Kremer scored the other two goals for Brossart. Senior midfielder Ella Machenheimer and sophomore midfielder Zoey Woosley had assists.
“It was really good to see the team working together, just be able to play our game and take advantage of our opportunities,” Planeaux said. “We just came out and had our game plan ready. We were ready from the start and I think that showed.”
Senior goalkeeper Lauren Gooderson had 15 saves for Bishop Brossart. She faced two penalty kicks and stopped one of them.
Bishop Brossart senior defender Brooke Shewmaker, a Bellarmine University commit, marked St. Henry senior standout midfielder Mandy Schlueter and the defense collapsed when necessary. Schlueter scored her 21st goal of the season on one of those penalty kicks. But the other St. Henry goal came on a Brossart own goal.
“I can’t give enough praise to Brooke Shewmaker and Lauren Gooderson for their efforts,” said Andy Smith, Brossart Head Coach. “It was pretty unbelievable to focus, attention to detail and hard work they put it.”
Bishop Brossart plays at 11 a.m. on Field One in Frankfort’s Capital View Park against the 13th/14th Region Sectional winner. The semifinals take place that evening with the title games taking place on Sunday.
Bishop Brossart plays at Newport Central Catholic (3-8-1) on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. St. Henry plays host to Notre Dame (10-3-1) at the same time.
All A 7th/8th Sectionals
Walton-Verona 2, Louisville Collegiate 1
The Bearcats (10-3-1) hit the road and took down the Amazons (8-2-2) on kicks from the mark.
Walton-Verona made all five kicks and senior goalkeeper Payton Kenny stopped one to send the Bearcats to the All “A” State Tournament on Sept. 24 in Frankfort’s Capital View Park at 9 a.m. Walton faces the 15th/16th Region Sectional winner on Field Two. The semifinals take place that evening with the title games taking place on Sunday.
“We spent 25 minutes (Tuesday) because we took Louisville Collegiate to (kicks from the mark) last year,” said Patrick Luken, Walton-Verona Head Coach. “We made some adjustments. We struggled to get off the bus. We’re a little flat-footed, still tired from the Gatlinburg (Tennessee) trip. Both teams had chances. No team had control. It was a matter of who scored last.”
Walton-Verona trailed 1-0 at halftime. But junior forward Emma Landrum scored her 12th goal of the season on sophomore Cam Christy‘s 10th assist one minute into the second half.
“We came out in the second half and had such a better outlook on the game,” Landrum said. “We really had our minds in the right place. Cam played a beautiful ball to center. It was just a good build-up all the way through the midfield, up the field and straight to the goal.”
Neither team scored in the two overtime sessions. Goalkeepers can’t come off the end line until the ball comes off the shooter’s boots.
“Tricking them on where you’re going to go and staying on your toes is probably one of the main things,” Kenny said. “You also pay attention to their eyes because sometimes, they’ll just try to trick you. That’s the strategy I used I was shocked (on the save) more than anything.”
Walton-Verona travels to Grant County (6-6) on Monday for a 7:30 p.m. game.
The Walton-Verona boys (7-5-3) also played in the 7th/8th All “A” Sectional, but lost 10-0 to the host Louisville Collegiate Titans (7-2-1). The Bearcats play at Calvary Christian (1-10-1) on Thursday at 5 p.m.
Other Girls Soccer Scores
Villa Madonna 1, Boone County 1
Calvary Christian 7, Bellevue 1
Covington Latin 5, Dayton 2
Paris 2, Holmes 0
Bluegrass United 4, Scott 1
Campbell County 5, Newport Central Catholic 0
Volleyball
St. Henry 2, Bishop Brossart 0
The Crusaders (14-5) took care of the Mustangs (8-5) by 25-8, 25-9 scores in a non-region game.
“We just had control from the power aspect of it,” said Maureen Kaiser, St. Henry head coach. “I think club ball helps with the strength and power of the game. We’re trying to work on our blocks and just try to pick up the speed of the game. That was one of our goals. It seemed to work.”
Bishop Brossart had six kills, five blocks, three assists and 15 digs. Junior libero Maddie Kremer had eight digs for the Mustangs.
St. Henry junior power hitter Alivia Skidmore played with Bishop Brossart senior 6-3 middle blocker Corrine Blackburn during club season with the Northern Kentucky Volleyball Club. Blackburn had three kills and two blocks in the loss.
“I get to scrimmage her in practice and sometimes I get to play with her,” Skidmore said. “It’s definitely fun playing against great players like her. It also teaches us good ways to get around the block and place the ball well.”
St. Henry takes on Highlands (6-8) on Thursday at home at 7:30 p.m. Brossart travels to Eastern Kentucky University for the All “A” State Tournament Pool C action on Friday taking on 11th Region champion Trinity Christian (12-8) at 6:45 p.m. and 1st Region champion Community Christian from Paducah (13-4) at 8:15 p.m.
Dixie Heights 3, Campbell County 0
The Colonels (7-3) won their seventh straight with a home non-region win over the Camels (4-9) by 25-18, 25-19, 25-10 scores.
Senior hitter Maia Long had 19 kills to lead the way with junior Maggie Best recording 13 kills and three aces and junior libero Christen Tarter making 20 digs and three aces. Freshman setter Riley Byrne had 27 assists with sophomore Hannah Wilson landing four aces.
Junior Ella Thorwarth had 15 digs and three aces for Campbell County. Junior Emma Manser had 11 kills and senior Bailey Beiting had eight kills and six digs. Junior Lexi Scharold had six kills and sophomore defensive specialist A lon McIntyre had four digs. Junior Ava Crowl had four digs and one block.
Dixie Heights plays host to Boone County (4-16) on Thursday at 7 p.m. Campbell County opens 37th District play at Calvary Christian (10-6) at the same time.
Highlands 3, Walton-Verona 0
The Bluebirds (6-8) downed the Bearcats (4-13) in non-region action in Walton.
Senior middle hitter Emma Daly led the way with eight kills. Senior outside hitter Bailey Houston and junior outside hitter Annemarie Sempier had five kills each. Houston added 10 digs and junior defensive specialist Brynn Draper had nine digs. Junior libero Annie Ellison had five aces and senior setter Kenzi Vennefron had 13 assists.
Highlands plays at St. Henry (14-5) on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. Walton-Verona travels to Grant County (6-4) on Sept. 20 for a 7:30 p.m. game.
Other Volleyball Scores
Beechwood 3 (25-11, 25-22, 25-14), Lloyd Memorial 0
Simon Kenton 3 (25-6, 25-6, 25-15), Boone County 0
Newport Central Catholic 2 (25-2, 25-13), Holmes 0
Holy Cross 3 (25-3, 25-7, 25-7), Covington Latin 0
Ludlow 2 (25-16, 25-19), Bracken County 0
Dayton 3 (25-21, 17-25, 25-19, 25-21), Newport 1
