CLOSE GAME

The Whitley County Lady Colonels battled the North Laurel Lady Jaguars down to the wire Monday night before falling in three sets, 27-25, 18-25, 21-25.

The Lady Jaguars were coming off a tournament championship over the weekend where they won games including teams that had beaten the Lady Colonels this year.

“We were pumped and ready for this game,” Whitley County Coach Alecia Whitworth said.

Whitley County fell behind by as many as eight points in the opening game before battling back and tying the game at 24-24.

After tying the second at 25, Kari Garland served the final two points and Kayla Sears had a block for the win.

North Laurel (17-9-4) jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the second set and again forced Whitley County to rally. The Lady Colonels did close the gap to, 12-10 before 3-0 run pushed the lead back out to five. North Laurel pulled away to a 25-18 win.

The third set saw Whitley County take a 3-1 lead behind the serving of Brittany Howard. North Laurel caught the Lady Colonels at 5-5 and eased ahead. The game was tied six times before Whitley County hit three straight long balls and fell behind, 22-18.

They were able to pull within, 22-21 before the Lady Jaguars got the 25-21 win.

“I was pleased with our play tonight,” said Whitworth. “Our passing was good and we played well on the back line.”

“I thought Katie Walden stepped up and played well tonight,” said assistant coach Fawn Greer.

They also praised the play of Ashley Lindsey, a sophomore, who stepped in for Alyssa Monhollen, Monhollen, a starter, was out sick.

Whitley County (14-15) will close out the regular season Thursday night against the Jellico Blue Devils, during Senior Night.

Whitley County beat the Lady Devils 3-1 earlier in the season. They played a best of five in that game.