Squeaker

It was a much closer game than expected. Corbin defeated North Laurel on the road, 25-10, 23-25, 25-16 in high school volleyball action last night. “It was the first time this season that we have played three sets,” said Corbin coach Alecia Elwell. “I felt good after our first game then we let the second game get away from us. But, I was glad to see the girls refocus for the third game.”
Corbin (10-6) jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the first game and never was challenged by the Lady Jaguars. But, the second game was different. North Laurel eased out to a 6-3 lead before Elwell called a time-out. The Lady Jaguars went on to a 7-3 lead and Corbin tried to play catch-up. They tied the game at 13-13 on a Meagan Lewis serve and went ahead 14-13 on the next serve.
However, North Laurel answered with four straight points, taking a 17-14 lead before Elwell took her second time-out of the game.
The Lady Redhounds pulled within a point 22-21 on an ace by senior Michelle Lowe but North Laurel held on for the 25-23 win.
“We let them dictate the game,” said Elwell. “We had a great lapse and really stacked up on our errors.”
“We hadn’t seen North Laurel this year and we came in very excited with a lot of energy,” said Elwell. “I was surprised it was that easy the first game.”
That set the tone for the third match, winner take all.
North Laurel jumped out to a 4-0 lead but Corbin quickly came back on serves by Sarah Davis and Tamara Blanton. The Lady Redhounds exploded out to a 13-5 lead by outscoring the Lady Jags 13-1. Corbin closed out the third match with a 25-16 win.
“We didn’t do a good job getting into our places in that game,” said North Laurel coach Kenny Woods. “They hit some good balls at us and we didn’t get in position.”
“I was glad to see us get refocused,” said Elwell.
The two teams were even close in the Southeastern Kentucky volleyball rankings as Corbin came into the game 16th while North Laurel was one below at 17th. The two have a chance to square off once again this weekend in the North Laurel Invitational.
Corbin will play North Laurel, Bell County, Clay County and Oneida Baptist Saturday in pool play with the top two winners advancing to the tournament finals. Corbin and North Laurel are favored to reach the championship game.