MCKEE — North Laurel refused to let its season come to an end Monday, rallying from a 2-1 deficit to defeat Jackson County in a thrilling five-set battle in the semifinals of the 49th District Volleyball Tournament.
The Lady Jaguars improved to 19-16 with the hard-fought victory, securing a spot in the district championship game and punching their ticket to the upcoming 13th Region Tournament.
North Laurel opened the match with a 25-17 victory in the first set, but Jackson County responded by taking the next two sets by identical 25-21 scores, putting the Lady Jaguars on the brink of elimination.
Rather than fold, North Laurel regrouped and fought its way back into the contest, capturing the fourth set, 25-19, to force a decisive fifth frame.
The Lady Jaguars carried that momentum into the final set, completing the comeback and ending Jackson County’s season at 12-16.
North Laurel coach Angela Singleton praised her team’s determination and willingness to battle through adversity when things weren’t going their way.
“So proud of the fight my girls showed tonight,” North Laurel coach Angela Singleton said. “They took the first set then we struggled a bit in sets two and three. We just kept talking to the girls about bettering the ball and not forcing something that wasn’t there. Playing for the girl next to them and the name on the front of the jersey. These girls are proud to wear green and blue and they will always fight for it.
“We had some struggles tonight as a team, but we had some really awesome moments as a team,” she added. “They picked one another up all night and kept working together. Go Jags.”
