CORBIN — Despite being receiving their opponents’ best effort throughout the season, the Whitley County Lady Colonels managed to defend their title as 13th Region champions. Under the leadership of David Halcomb, the Lady Colonels secured their fourth 13th Region title, and second consecutive regional crown, by defeating rival Corbin in a four-set match on Tuesday.
The Lady Colonels, with an impressive record of 34-2, and 20-0 against 13th Region opponents, faced tough competition throughout the season but remained undeterred.
Their 34 wins is a school record, and they also clinched the 50th District championship.
The four-set victory also marked Whitley County’s seventh in a row over the Lady Redhounds while posting a 5-0 mark this season against Corbin.
“I’m beyond words right now,” Halcomb said. “These girls are absolutely phenomenal – that’s about all I can say. We came out ready to play and it was a total team effort. We had kids step up in so many different ways. I just kept stressing to them between that second and third set that we only needed 50 points — tried to get their focus on that and I think that helped them keep perspective of what we had to do. These girls have worked so hard and have inspired me to be a better person and coach.
The term family is thrown around a lot on sports teams but our group is truly just that,” he added. “We have a bond and love for each other that’s beyond anything I’ve experienced as a coach. I told them yesterday during our practice that since November 3rd of last year we’ve only lost two matches — that’s including summer matches. Then to go undefeated in 13th Region play, back to back 2A, District and Region Champions – it’s just amazing. What a legacy this group is making for themselves, our school and community. Our crowd was outstanding — we heard them loud and clear. Our student body showed out and we are thankful for that. We are gonna celebrate like crazy for a couple days and then get ready to compete at the state tournament.”
The Lady Redhounds have no reason to hang their head. They posted a 19-9 mark while going 13-7 against 13th Region opponents.
Whitley County entered the contest as the No. 3 ranked team in the state based off the KHSAA’s RPI ratings, and the Lady Colonels lived up to them in the first set, winning, 25-17.
Corbin answered in the second set with a 25-18 victory while Whitley County took control of the match in the third set by winning, 25-15.
The Lady Redhounds gave their best to attempt to force a fifth set, but came up short, losing, 25-22.
Whitley County will participate in first round action of the KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament on Monday against the 14th Region champion. The time, and site where the game will be played hasn’t been released.
Wolfe County and Breathitt County will play in the 14th Region title game Wednesday at Knott Central.
The Lady Colonels haven’t played either team this season.
