Down two sets to one, Middlesboro rallied to win the final two sets Thursday at Harlan County to open its district slate with a 25-23, 18-25, 22-25, 25-16, 15-13 victory over the Lady Bears.
Autumn Short had a big night for the Lady Jackets with 21 assists, two service aces, three blocks, two kills and one dig. Gabby Daniels had 20 assists and four digs. Emalee Sullivan added 18 assists, three service aces and two kills. Harmony Goins had nine assists, two digs, three blocks and one kill. Emily Wilson added seven assists, three service aces, three blocks and two kills.
Lindsey Browning led HCHS with four service aces, two blocks and six kills. Lilly Caballero had one service ace and four kills. Lindsay Hall contributed two service aces. Kamryn Hoiska and Kateria Lewis each added a service ace and a kill. Gracie Ewing and Breanna Early each had one service ace.
Middlesboro (1-1) 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.
Harlan County (1-2) plays host to Bell County on Monday in another district clash.
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The Lady Bears won 21-12, 21-7 in junior varsity action. Hall had nine points, including three aces. Destiny Cornett added eight points, including three aces. Chloe Shelton contributed six points.