On Saturday, the Highlands High School varsity girls’ soccer team defeated the second-ranked team in the state, the Lafayette High School Generals, at Tower Park.

     The Birds had a strong offense at the beginning of the first half, with multiple attempts at goal by freshman Claire Cavacini, junior Faith Broering, junior Chloe Bramble, and others before the first ten minutes had even elapsed. 

     With only two minutes left until halftime, the Birds made their first goal, scored by Broering, deflected from Lafayette. Shortly after, senior Jenna Hartung made Highlands’ second goal following an assist from freshman Laney Smith.

     The Birds were in the lead 2-0 as they started the second half. 

     Although the Birds’ offense prevented Lafayette from taking control of the ball during the first half, the Generals tried to make a comeback at the beginning of the second half. Junior goalkeeper Megan Gessner recorded a shutout. Senior Maggie Stieby, a midfielder, also helped to keep the ball away from the Highlands goal with multiple strong headers. Save after save from Gessner ensured that the Birds would remain unmatched.

     Lafayette’s goalkeeper had a strong game too, but was unable to put up a fight against Highlands’ offense. At the top of the second half, junior Jade Rehberger made an assist for another goal made by Broering. With 26 minutes remaining on the scoreboard, Rehberger assisted on a corner kick, with Smith heading the ball in for Highlands’ fourth and final goal.

     “I think the team played really well [Saturday]. I think as a whole we were connecting a lot better and that led to a lot of great opportunities at goal,” said Rehberger. “I am definitely looking forward to hopefully another run at state this year.”

     Rehberger’s full trust in her teammates allowed her to assist three out of the four goals scored and helped to make plays and runs up the field. Highlands’ girls finished strong, taking home a 4-0 win.

     The Highlands varsity soccer team has a conference game at Tower Park against rival high school Newport Central Catholic tonight at 7:30 P.M.