10/10 VB: Highlands wins 36th title

By Dan Wright

Sophomore middle hitter Jessica Ginter had five kills and five blocks as Highlands (14-22) knocked off Newport Central Catholic (10-18), 25-22, 26-24, 25-20, in the finals of the 36th District tournament Wednesday at Newport.

Ginter was named the tournament’s most valuable player, moving over from her usual spot as the Bluebirds right-side hitter to fill in at middle hitter with Mallory Seidel out due to illness.

Senior Sarah Schweitzer also made the all-tournament team, making nine kills while taking Ginter’s spot at right-side hitter. Senior libero Katie Van Curen also made the all-tournament team with seven aces and 18 digs.

Sophomore setter Kaitlin Hall added 20 assists and 12 digs for Highlands.

PENDLETON WINS FIRST TITLE — Pendleton County (19-9) claimed the school’s first volleyball district championship by defeating Deming (17-11), 25-6, 25-22, 25-16 in the 38th District championship game at Harrison County.

Senior Brianna Crouch had six aces and 17 assists, while senior Sarah Schlueter led the team with seven kills, followed by six from junior Destiny Shackelford. Senior MacKenzie Horn served up five aces and senior Jennifer Owen had seven digs.

ST. HENRY ROLLS VILLA – St. Henry (29-6) made short work of Villa Madonna (18-7) in the 34th District final at St. Henry, defeating the Blue Lightning, 25-13, 25-9, 25-7.

Senior setter Rachel Fortner was named the tournament’s most valuable player with 13 assists Wednesday.

Senior outside hitter Abbey Bessler added 11 kills, with freshman middle hitter Janelle Tobler finishing with seven kills and three aces and sophomore setter Kendyll Kraus contributing seven assists.

RYLE GETS BY COOPER IN FOUR – Ryle (27-7) dropped the first set before winning the next three to defeat Cooper (18-11), 21-25, 25-10, 25-9, 25-15, in the 33rd District championship game at Ryle.

Junior middle blocker Alexa Nichols earned the tournament’s most valuable player award with six kills.

Junior setter Harper Hempel made the all-tournament team for the Raiders with 19 assists and nine aces. Senior outside hitter Ashley Bush added eight kills.

Ashlee Howe also made the all-tournament team for Ryle, while Cooper was represented by Julia Klute and Julia Edmonds

All-Tournament Team: Makayla Cain, Heritage; Katie Grant, Boone County; MacKenzie Rieger, Conner; Julie Klute, Cooper; Julia Edmonds, Cooper; Harper Hempel, Ryle; Ashlee Howe, Ryle. MVP: Alexa Nichols, Ryle.