John Middleton
Harlan Daily Enterprise
That first victory continues to be elusive for the Middlesboro Lady Jackets. Tuesday Harlan County posted an impressive 25-12, 25-5 victory over visiting MHS in a 52nd District match.
“Harlan County has some good servers, and our girls didn’t handle them well,” said Middlesboro coach Mike Spradlin.
The youthful Lady Jackets struggled to return serve throughout the night, as Harlan County went unchallenged in both sets.
“We have a very young team. That is not an excuse, it’s just a fact,” Spradlin said. “They have been improving steadily. They are doing little things that make a difference in the game, but unfortunately they are not putting them together.”
Whitney Stevens had five points, two kills and a spike to pace Harlan County in the opening set victory. Chyanna Harris contributed five points. Rebecca Eldridge recorded four points and a spike. Cara Middleton had three points and a kill. Keisha Mimes tallied one kill and one point, and Breanna Dunson added one point and one kill.
“I was really proud of them. They are playing as a team and talking better. Their serves and spiking have improved. That is why we are playing a little better,” said Harlan County coach Donna Vicini. “So far, I have been pleased with their play in the district, but now we have to move on to the next game.”
Harris scored on 10 straight service points as Harlan County jumped out to a 15-1 lead in the second set. Harris’ point streak was halted with a serve out of bounds, but the Lady Jackets were unable to capitalize. Cara Middleton and Whitney Stevens closed out at serve, as the Lady Bears reeled off 10 of the next 13 points. Harris had eight service points and two aces to lead the Lady Bears in the second set.
“Chyanna was really on with her serve tonight,” Vicini said. “This is the best game she has served, but we have been practicing a lot on our serves.”
Stevens had five points, one kill and one ace. Middleton recorded five points, one tip and one ace. Mimes contributed two points and one kill. Eldridge had two points, and Dunson added one point and one tip.
Harlan County won 21-7, 21-6 in the junior varsity contest.
Lauren Lee had 18 service points, two aces and one tip in the two sets to lead the Lady Bears. Charleigh Mefford contributed five points. Brittany Clem had eight points, two tips, one ace and a spike, while Katelyn Reynolds added one point and an ace.
Harlan County (7-5) returns to action today at home against Clay County. Middlesboro (0-9) will host Knox Central on Thursday.
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