A BIG WIN

 The Corbin volleyball team pulled off a big win Monday night when they downed the North Laurel Lady Jaguars, 25-21, 25-19 at the Corbin Primary School.

“It was a big district win,” said an elated Alecia Elwell. “I am hoping we improve every game. I still haven’t found that one lineup that has everyone working together. We still have gaps and holes. It’s just not there yet.”

Despite the problems Elwell was happy to get the win over one of the top teams in the region. “We started with a tough schedule, Rockcastle County, South Laurel and North Laurel. I don’t think we could have started with any more difficult schedule than that,” said Elwell. “We have a few that will not be as intense so we can back off a little and look at what we’re trying to get done and give the girls some time to develop into that.”

However, Corbin did get it done Monday night by getting the early lead in both games then holding off North Laurel for a two-game set victory.

In the opening game, Corbin jumped out to a 6-1 win before North Laurel Coach Bill Abner took a time-out to settle down his team. North Laurel pulled within two on several before Corbin pushed the lead out to five (13-8).

North Laurel made a run and took the lead at 17-16. The Lady Redhounds didn’t quit and fought back to tie the game at 18-18. Senior Jamie King delivered two big serves that pushed Corbin ahead 20-18 and the Lady Redhounds never trailed again.

“With all the seniors on the floor it’s surprising that we are struggling right now,” said Elwell. “It’s surprising that we are having some of the struggles that we are having. Even though we won this match, a district match there were things that we are not pleased with.”

The second game was a battle as the two teams bounced back and fourth most of the contest. There were eight lead changes before Corbin was able to get some control of the game.

With North Laurel leading 12-11, sophomore Vanessa Wiseman put a kill on the ball that tied the game. Senior Torri Osborne served two straight points with some excellent front line play by junior Hannah Helm and senior Tarah Remy. The Lady Redhounds came out of the series with a 14-12 lead.

North Laurel  (2-1) tied the game, but was never able to get control of the contest. Corbin eventually pushed the lead six points as senior Mandi Robinson served up three straight points for a 22-16 lead when North Laurel took a time-out.

“Hannah didn’t play last year, so she has to get into the flow of playing,” said Elwell. “I was pleased with the way she played tonight.”

“Our middle had zero kills against South Laurel and we talked about that,” said Elwell. “We couldn’t have a non-productive middle tonight. I thought she did a pretty good job, she still has a way to go and is a little off on the blocking, but I think she is going to improve as the season goes on.”

“Tarah did a good job on the hitting,” said Elwell. “We’re still working on playing all of the position with all of our outside hitters. It’s not just about hitting, we’ve got to play the position.”

“I thought our setters played way better tonight,” added Elwell. “Not only did they set better, but they played the position better and covered better.”

“I think we started making tougher serves and that was one of the biggest differences in the game,” said Elwell. “They were getting the passes they wanted and it made it hard to get the sets to Kelcie Smith that they wanted. She tried to go to the middle and we had that covered.”

Corbin will host Bell County Thursday night and travel to Lynn Camp Tuesday night.