Two points away from a first-set win Monday over 13th Region favorite Corbin in the semifinals of the regional tournament, the Harlan County Lady Bears watched the momentum slip away from them when the Lady Hounds reeled off five unanswered points.
Harlan County could never get that momentum back as Corbin moved into the finals with a 25-23, 25-16, 25-16 victory and set up a rematch with Whitley County for the 13th Region title on Tuesday at Harlan High School. Whitley County knocked off Corbin in last year’s regional finals.
“Tonight was a tough game against what may be the best team in the region,” Harlan County coach Gregory York said. “We came in with a good plan for how to try and control Corbin’s attack. We were able to make some noise and almost take the first set. The longer the game went, Corbin was able to pull away. I told my girls they had no reason to hang their heads. We put up a great fight.”
Kalista Dunn led the Lady Bears with nine kills, nine digs, one ace and one assist. Ashton Evans had seven kills, 16 digs, one ace and one assist. Savannah Hill contributed 20 assists, five digs and one kill. Kylee Hoiska added five kills and five digs. Ashlynn Williamson chipped in with 12 digs. Sophie Day had two kills and one assist. Madilynn Nolan had one kill, one ace and one assist.
Harlan County ended the season at 26-7 with the loss. The Lady Bears set both school and county records this season while winning the 52nd District Tournament title and will lose only senior to graduation.
“What a special team,” York said. “Being a new coach, I believe I was a bit spoiled by having such a talented team.”