MANCHESTER — Corbin and Whitley County met for the fifth time this season on Tuesday night, and with a 13th Region championship on the line, the latest chapter in one of the region’s fiercest rivalries delivered exactly what everyone expected — a down to the wire battle.
Corbin had won three of the previous four matchups this season, but Whitley County came away with the one that mattered most, earning a 3–2 come-from-behind victory to secure its fourth straight region title. The Lady Colonels improve to 35–5, while Corbin finishes its season at 26–14.
“I just can’t say enough about the grit and determination our girls showed tonight,” Whitley County coach David Halcomb said. “It was an epic display of a group of girls coming together and refusing to give in to defeat. This is such a gratifying region championship. We faced some adversity early on in the season and believe that some doubted us. Our girls just kept working and kept getting better — four consecutive 13th Region Championships — amazing.
“This is several of our players’ first region championship and that makes it even more special,” he added. “Our staff coached so hard in the days leading up to this and even more during the match. We have the best coaching staff and family around and I’m so proud of them. We are going to enjoy this one, what a special group of girls. Our team huddles during timeouts were very special – what heart and drive. Our girls burned the boats and nothing less than a victory was acceptable. I’m blessed to be a part of Whitley County Volleyball. Go Colonels.”
Whitley took the opening set 25–19, but Corbin answered in the second, erasing an eight-point deficit to win 26–24.
The third set turned into a marathon with both teams trading points before the Lady Redhounds pulled it out, 32–30, to move ahead 2–1.
Corbin looked to be in control again in the fourth set, but Whitley steadied late and closed it out 25–23 to force a decisive fifth set.
In the final frame, the Lady Colonels made the key plays down the stretch, finishing the match with a 15–11 win to clinch the championship.
Tuesday’s matchup marked the 83rd meeting between the two programs.
Corbin still leads the overall series, 49–34, but Whitley County left with the trophy once again.
