WILLIAMSBURG — Whitley County’s Jonna Rice reached a major career milestone Thursday, recording her 2,000th career assist as the Lady Colonels rolled to a straight-set victory over Leslie County.
Whitley County controlled the first two sets, winning 25-8 and 25-10, before finishing off the sweep with a 25-22 victory in the third set.
Whitley County coach David Halcomb was pleased with his team’s performance, especially with several young fans in attendance for the program’s kids camp night.
“It was a great night for us, and I was really pleased with how our girls performed right out of the gate,” he said. “We had our kids camp night and had several little girls who attended our camp back in June here at the match. I believe our girls wanted to play exceptionally well for them, and I thought we did,” Halcomb said. “Our team chemistry is really good, and we had great flow, both offensively and defensively.”
Halcomb pointed to Taryn Bennett and Makenzie Mills for the progress Whitley County has made at the net.
“We have worked really hard on our blocking, and I see improvements there, Taryn Bennett and Makenzie Mills are doing a great job for us,” he said.
Rice’s milestone highlighted the night for the Lady Colonels.
“Jonna Rice got her 2,000th career assist tonight, which is very special and quite an accomplishment for it to be this early in the season,” Halcomb said.
Halcomb also praised Khylea Ray Collier for making her way back onto the court following knee surgery and a nine-month rehabilitation.
“I’m also happy for Khylea Ray Collier, who is getting back on the court after overcoming knee surgery and a nine-month rehab. She has worked really hard,” Halcomb said.
Whitley County also continued to receive strong play from Reagan Isaac, Jada Smith, Shelbi Carroll and Jordan Smith.
“Reagan Isaac and Jada Smith continue to hit the ball really well from the outside pin. It all starts with our defense, and Shelbi Carroll and Jordan Smith have been phenomenal back there for us. Shelbi’s serving is outstanding too, as she continues to give us a lot of aces in our service game,” Halcomb said.
With Whitley County comfortably ahead in the match, the Lady Colonels were also able to give some of their younger players valuable varsity action.
“We were able to play some of our younger girls in the third set, and they did well. We will continue to work hard and improve each day! Looking forward to hosting Harlan County on Monday. Go Colonels,” Halcomb said.
