Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
One volleyball team and two soccer teams from Northern Kentucky will make long-awaited returns to the state high school playoffs this week.
On Monday, the Highlands girls soccer team will play its first state tournament match since 2010 when it meets George Rogers Clark at 7 p.m. at Tower Park.
Highlands fans will return to Tower Park at 7 p.m. Tuesday when the boys soccer team makes its first state playoff appearance since 2013 with a match against Montgomery County.
The 16-team bracket for the state volleyball tournament includes Campbell County for the first time in five years. The Camels will play Central Hardin in an opening round match at 5 p.m. Friday at Valley High School in Louisville.
Highlands swept 9th Region championships in boys and girls soccer to earn berths in the state playoffs.
The Simon Kenton girls soccer team advanced by winning the 8th Region title for the fourth consecutive year. The Pioneers visits Louisville Sacred Heart for a first-round game at 7 p.m. Monday.
The Campbell County volleyball team extended its season by winning the 10th Region title. St. Henry is making a return trip to the state tournament as the 9th Region champion and plays North Oldham in a first-round match at 11 a.m. Friday.
On Saturday, local cross county teams in three classes will compete in regional meets at Sherman Elementary School in Dry Ridge. The top six teams in Class A and the top four teams in Class 2A and 3A will qualify for the state meet on Nov. 3 at Kentucky Horse Park.
GIRLS SOCCER
Monday
Simon Kenton (17-6) at Louisville Sacred Heart (21-1-1), 7 p.m.
George Rogers Clark (14-7-2) at Highlands (20-4), 7 p.m.
BOYS SOCCER
Tuesday
Montgomery County (17-3-1) at Highlands (21-1-3), 7 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Friday at at Louisville Valley High School
St. Henry (31-9) vs. North Oldham (21-7), 11 a.m.
Campbell County (22-12) vs. Central Hardin (31-8), 5 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY
Regional meets at Sherman Elementary School, Dry Ridge
Class A boys, 1 p.m.
Class A girls, 1:45 p.m.
Class AA boys, 2:30 p.m.
Class AA girls, 3:15 p.m.
Class AAA boys, 4 p.m.
Class AAA girls, 4:45 p.m.