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<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Patrick Ledington<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LONDON \u2014 As 13th Region champion South Laurel prepares to open play in the KHSAA State Fastpitch Tournament, the Lady Cardinals won\u2019t have to wait long to begin their championship quest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South Laurel will take the field at 10 a.m. Thursday in the opening game of the state tournament at John Cropp Stadium. Standing in its way is 9th Region champion Highlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Located in Fort Thomas, Highlands High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students and boasts a proud athletic tradition. The school has produced several notable alumni, including Kentucky football standouts Jared Lorenzen and John Schlarman, as well as current University of Louisville women\u2019s basketball coach Jeff Walz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Highlands has traditionally been known for its success on the football field, the Bluebirds have established themselves as one of Kentucky\u2019s premier softball programs in recent years. Highlands has reached five consecutive 9th Region championship games, winning four of those titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite its regional success, Highlands has struggled to advance deep into the state tournament, suffering first-round exits in each of its last three appearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bluebirds enter this year\u2019s state tournament with a 33-6 record after capturing both the 36th District and 9th Region championships. Highlands features one of the state\u2019s most productive offenses, ranking among Kentucky\u2019s top teams in hits, runs scored and RBIs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leading the offensive attack are Cam Markus and Layla Zepf, who rank highly in multiple statistical categories across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the circle, Highlands is anchored by senior standout Kaitlyn Dixon \u2014 no relation to Les Dixon. Dixon ranks seventh in Kentucky in both ERA and strikeouts and trails only Pineville\u2019s Rachel Howard in victories. She leads the state in wins, holding a four-win advantage over the next closest pitcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n