For the third straight season, Highlands’ girls soccer team is tops in the 9th Region.
The Bluebirds took down Ryle on Saturday at Tower Park in Fort Thomas, 3-0.
They got goals from Ally Lickert, Ella Jones and Hope Darnell in the victory, Kristie Deegen adding two assists on goals from Lickert and Jones in the first half.
Even without key defender Maddy Lickert out due to an injury, the Highlands defense stood tall and earned their 11th shutout of the season, tournament MVP Bailee Class earning the clean sheet with seven saves on the day.
Throughout the postseason, Highlands has allowed one goal in five games.
PHOTOS: Slideshow provided by Charles Bolton
They’ll face 10th Region winner Bishop Brossart in the first round of the state tournament back at Tower Park on either Monday or Tuesday.
Two other members of Highlands’ back line of defense also earned All-Tournament honors with Gabby Neufarth and Parker Moses earning their rewards. Deegen was also named to the All-Tournament team.
Ryle, making their first region championship appearance since 2006, ends their season at 12-7-3. Claire Jansen, Kamryn Andros and Meredith Reusch earned All-Tournament team honors for the Lady Raiders.
All-Tournament Team
*A more detailed write-up on the contest will be online Sunday.
BLUEBIRDS 3, LADY RAIDERS 0
RYLE — 0-0 — 0
HIGHLANDS — 2-1 — 3
Game Stats
Goals: (H) Lickert (18′), Jones (24′), Darnell (74′)
Assists: (H) Deegen (’18), Deegen (24′)
Shots (On Goal): Ryle 12 (7), Highlands 14 (12)
Saves: Ryle 9 (Smith), Highlands 7 (Class)
Corner Kicks: Ryle 4, Highlands 1
Fouls: Ryle 10, Highlands 6
Offsides: Ryle 4, Highlands 0
Records: Ryle 12-7-3, Highlands 13-6-1
