BARBOURVILLE — Knox Central and Pineville punched their tickets to the 51st District Volleyball Tournament championship with straight-set semifinal victories, setting up a title showdown between the Lady Panthers and Lady Mountain Lions.
Both teams also secured berths in the upcoming 13th Region Tournament with their semifinal wins.
Knox Central Makes Quick Work of Lynn Camp
Knox Central improved to 18-12 on the season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Lynn Camp, winning 25-8, 25-12 and 25-15.
The Lady Panthers wasted little time taking control of the contest, dominating the opening set before continuing their strong play throughout the match.
Knox Central followed its commanding 25-8 opening-set victory with a 25-12 win in the second frame before closing out the match with a 25-15 decision in the third.
The loss brought Lynn Camp’s season to an end with an 0-13 record.
Pineville Holds Off Barbourville to Advance
Pineville secured its place in the district championship with a 3-0 victory over Barbourville, improving to 15-16 on the season.
The Lady Mountain Lions opened the match in dominant fashion with a 25-7 victory before taking the second set, 25-19.
Barbourville put up its strongest fight in the third set, pushing Pineville to the finish before the Lady Mountain Lions held on for a narrow 25-23 victory to complete the sweep.
“So incredibly proud of our girls,” Pineville coach Samantha North said. “We have know what we are capable of all season and to see them put the pieces together right now is exactly what you hope for come tournament time. Our girls showed up and won in a dominating sweep against a team that took 5 to beat just a few weeks ago. The 13th Region has been so balanced all year and to be among the final eight is a huge accomplishment for Team 10.”
The loss ended Barbourville’s season at 11-21.
