LONDON — David Halcomb’s Whitley County Lady Colonels needed only four sets to capture their second consecutive 50th District championship on Tuesday, handing rival Corbin a 3-1 loss.
The Lady Colonels inched closer to tying the volleyball program’s record of most wins in a season (32), and is now 31-2.
Whitley County entered the match with the third-best RPI (.68354) in the state, rating only behind Great Crossing, and Central Hardin.
David Halcomb’s squad notched its second consecutive 50th District championship during the process, and enters Saturday’s 13th Region Tournament as the team to beat.
“So proud of our team — great night to be a Colonel,” Halcomb said. “We had a great crowd and I’m so thankful for everyone who came out tonight and cheered on our girls. It was a great atmosphere. We knew it was going to be a battle. We’ve had a target on our back all season and these girls just continue to shine. It was big for us to get that first set and then take control of the match by winning the second set.
“I thought both teams played at a really high level and competed extremely hard,” he added. “Another big key for us was how we finished the third set, even though we lost it. We were down eight or nine points late, but made a huge run and darn near came back and won it. But that gave us a lot of momentum going into the fourth set and we controlled it start to finish. These girls have worked so hard and it means so much to see them filled with joy and celebrating another 50th District Championship. We’re gonna enjoy this one tonight and tomorrow, but get right back to work after school. We have more work to do to reach all our goals, but this sets us up really well going into the 13th Region Tourney. I’m just so, so proud of my girls.”
The Lady Colonels are now 4-0 against Corbin this season, and have reeled off six wins in a row against the Lady Redhounds, who are now 17-8.
Both teams turned in impressive efforts in the match with Whitley County securing a 25-21 win in the first set while capturing the second set, 26-24. Corbin returned the favor in the third set, winning, 26-24, before the Lady Colonels sealed the win with a 25-14 victory in the fourth set.
Both teams will find out who they play in the 13th Region Tournament on Thursday when the draw will take place at host Lynn Camp High School.
The tournament will begin Saturday at 12 p.m.
