The video highlights showed the enthusiasm from every player, whether on the court or the bench, especially after a big play.
Head coach Angie Reckers said the staff had been working toward that team camaraderie this entire season. The enthusiasm paid off with NewCath’s biggest win of the season, 3-0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-17) over the host Bishop Brossart Mustangs in the Hits for Chicks game, which saw both teams wearing pink to raise support for cancer.
“The atmosphere was very exciting, very loud,” Reckers said. “They took the moments that they needed to gather in the middle of the court after a play and they really just focused on what we had been stressing this whole team, but even more so after this weekend is the next ball. Regardless of the outcome, what do we have to do to get the next ball and they really did that. We had a solid performance across the board.”
NewCath had 65 digs, 29 kills, 27 assists, 10 aces and three blocks in the win. Kori Reckers continued to lead the way with 14 kills, 12 digs, 10 assists and three aces. Vivi Fassler helpled Kori Reckers with 15 assists to go with three aces.
Paytin Reckers had 14 digs to lead NewCath (12-18) with Jordyn Reckers contributing 12 digs and two aces and Elise Fowler digging up 10 balls. Lucy Simons had five kills and five digs with Elena Henderson adding four kills and three digs and Reese McCloskey recording three kills and two blocks.
“I think that we’ve just gained a level of confidence in ourselves and trust in our teammates,” Henderson said. “That is what makes it the most exciting because we feel very prepared for every situation. Having that support from our team really helped.”
Bishop Brossart (18-10) had six aces, 17 kills, 16 assists, 71 digs and three blocks. Maddie Kremer had a monster game with 27 digs with Aubrey Rebholz recording 12 assists, 10 digs and three aces. Kate Neltner had six kills and 12 digs. Cecilia Phirman had seven digs and Josie Reckner had six. Callie Ritter had three kills to go with two blocks.
NewCath plays at Walton-Verona (15-14) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Bishop Brossart plays host to Calvary Christian (15-9) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in a 37th District seed game.
Volleyball
Scott 3, Calvary Christian 0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-19)
The Eagles bounced back from the loss at Campbell County on Wednesday with a district seed win to finish 2-1 in seed play. Scott can finish no worse than the second seed in the district tournament to be held at Bishop Brossart in a few weeks.
“The first game I thought we responded well. We came out focused, energized and that’s hard to do after such a tough game and a long battle,” said Andrea Sullivan, Scott head coach. “Close games and big plays take a lot out of you. I was proud of how we came out. But we have to learn to sustain our energy and good play. I don’t think we necessarily did that the second and third sets as well as we did the first.”
Scott (16-13) had 33 kills, eight blocks, 58 digs, 30 assists and 12 aces in the win. Morgan Justice again helped control the net with three blocks and Payton Grigsby had two.
“It’s about lining up with the (opposing hitters’) hands and timing the ball,” Justice said. “You have to jump at the same time they’re going to hit it. You also have to make sure your body is in the middle with them.”
Elise Manhardt helped set things up with 10 digs. Setter Ryann Grigsby had 27 assists and 13 digs with Brooklyn Helm digging up 14 balls to go with three aces. Milyn Minor had 13 kills, nine digs and four aces with Brooke Balsley tallying seven kills.
Scott plays host to Cooper on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Calvary Christian (15-9) fell to 0-2 in district seed play and plays at Bishop Brossart (18-10) at the same time.
Other Volleyball Scores
Beechwood 3, Cooper 2 (25-16, 20-25, 16-25, 25-22, 15-6)
Highlands 3, Boone County 0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-17)
Dayton 2, Bellevue 1 (22-25, 25-21, 25-15)
Heritage Academy 2, Covington Latin 0 (25-23, 25-14)
Notre Dame 2, Holmes 0 (25-6, 25-5)
Marist (Illinois) 2, Notre Dame 1 (23-25, 25-17, 25-20)
Holy Cross 2, Newport 0 (25-10, 25-6)
Lloyd Memorial 2, Ludlow 0 (25-15, 25-22)
Boys Soccer
Ryle 5, Campbell County 0
The Raiders kept rolling into the postseason going 15-0-1 in the final 16 games.
Ryle (15-2-1) recorded its 10th shutout of the season behind three saves from Jack Nieman and two from Landon Barth. Diego Hoenderkamp had one goal and three assists in the win with Josh Line scoring one goal and adding an assist. Chris Maraduaga, Brice Denigan and Anes Smajlovic had the other goals with Owen Schierberg had an assist.
Campbell County (8-8-1) has still won seven of its last 10 games. Goalkeepers Brycen Faulkner had three saves and Alexander Jenkins two.
Top-seeded Ryle takes on Boone County (6-9-2) on Sunday in the 33rd District semifinals at 5 p.m. Top-seeded Campbell County plays host to the 37th District Tournament taking on Scott (5-11-2) on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Other Boys Soccer Scores
Beechwood 1, Grant County 1
Boone County 0, Dixie Heights 0
Highlands 5, Cooper 0
Covington Catholic 4, Newport Central Catholic 0
Holmes 11, Covington Latin 1
Simon Kenton 3, Holy Cross 2
St. Henry 3, Scott 0
Girls Soccer Scores
Dayton 1, Covington Latin 0
Cooper 2, St. Henry 1