A rebuilding Harlan squad, which lost all six starters from a year ago, fell 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 in its season opener Thursday at Barbourville.
Annie Hoskins led the Lady Dragons in kills with four. Bailee Maples added two.
Marissa Marlowe was first in assists with four, followed by Maples with three and Carley Thomas with two.
Emma Owens led in digs with four.
Thomas had five service aces. Owens added two.
Harlan (0-1) returns to action Saturday in the 13th Region All “A” Classic at Williamsburg. First-round matches begin at 10 a.m. with Middlesboro taking on Pineville, followed by Jackson County vs Harlan at 11 a.m., Williamsburg vs Barbourville at noon and Lynn Camp vs Red Bird at 1 p.m. The semifinals are set for 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., with the championship scheduled at 4 p.m.