By Terry Boehmker
NKyTribune sports reporter
Highlands advanced to the quarterfinal round of the girls state soccer tournament with a dominating performance in a 4-0 win over George Rogers Clark on Monday at Tower Park.
Senior forward Lindsey Meyer had two goals and one assist for the Bluebirds (21-4) while the defensive back line anchored by junior goalkeeper Maggie Hinegardner posted its 10th consecutive shutout and 18th of the season.
Lauren Deckert converted a penalty kick in the opening minutes for the team’s first goal. Meyer scored the next two and got the assist on a shot that Maria Wiefering put into the net.
Meyer, a Northern Kentucky University recruit, has 24 goals and 14 assists for a team-high 66 points this season. She already holds team career records with 73 goals and 43 assists for 189 points.
The Bluebirds have now won 13 straight matches and allowed only one goal during that streak. They will play Greenwood (17-2-3) in the state quarterfinals on Saturday in Lexington. The site and time for that match have yet to be determined.
Simon Kenton closed the book on its soccer season Monday following a 3-1 loss at Louisville Sacred Heart, the top-ranked team in the final statewide coaches poll.
During the regular season, Simon Kenton (17-7) handed Sacred Heart (22-1-1) its only loss, 2-1, in a penalty kick shootout on Sept. 11. But the Louisville team opened up a 3-0 lead in Monday’s match before the Pioneers got their lone goal on a rebound shot by junior Cayla Coleman with 5:12 remaining.
This is the fourth straight season that Simon Kenton has played in the girls state soccer tournament. Highland is making its first appearance since 2010.
GIRLS SOCCER PLAYOFFS
Saturday – Quarterfinals in Lexington
West Jessamine (15-3-5) vs. Russell (14-4-1),
Sacred Heart (22-1-1) vs. North Laurel (14-7-2)
Bethlehem (23-2-2) vs. Henderson Co. (19-2-1)
Highlands (21-4) vs. Greenwood (17-2-3)
BOYS SOCCER PLAYOFFS
Tuesday – First round at Tower Park
Montgomery Co. (17-3-1) vs. Highlands (21-1-3), 7 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL STATE TOURNAMENT
Friday – First round at Louisville Valley High School
St. Henry (31-9) vs. North Oldham (21-7), 11 a.m.
Campbell Co. (22-12) vs. Central Hardin (31-8), 5 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY REGIONAL MEET
Saturday 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.