Birds with a win in the opening game of the 9th Region tournament.

The Ladybirds saw five players record at least two hits in the five-inning run-ruling. They had 14 hits to four for the Lady Tigers.

 

Despite that, Head Coach Rob Coffey said Highlands did not play its best. The Ladybirds had two errors and the Lady Tigers had one.

 

"I think (with) a long weekend and playing at 11 a.m. on a Monday, they were not completely focused when they hit the field," Coffey said. "We had a few silly errors. The warning shot over the bow is that if you play like that the rest of the year, you'll go home. I'm 100 percent confident they'll turn it around. They'll be here (Tuesday) ready to go. They know what it takes."

 

Junior Bailey Spencer pitched another good game for the Ladybirds. She struck out five and had no walks.

 

Rachel Gabbard led Highlands going 3-for-3 with a triple and one RBI. Whitney Quillen and Haley Coffey also triple both going 2-for-4. Haley Coffey also had three RBI. Brooke Dill went 2-for-2 with four RBI and Josie Daley also had two hits. Shelby Graybill added a double for the Ladybirds.

 

Highlands scored four runs in three of their four at-bats. They came in the first, third and fourth innings respectively.

 

Three outfielders made their first-ever starts in a region game. They are sophomores Taylor Baioni, Kara Fornash and Dill.

 

"We've tried to stick together and have each others' backs so we can have a good outfield," Dill said. "Communication is very vital. We're always talking in the outfield so we know where we're going and when to back up."

 

The Ladybirds play again in the region semifinals Tuesday at 4:30 p.m against Conner. Highlands beat Conner in the regular season.

 

FORT THOMAS MATTERS: Highlands Baseball, Softball Move on in Region