LONDON — Knox Central survived a determined effort from Harlan County Saturday, pulling out a dramatic five-set victory to advance to the semifinals of the 13th Region Volleyball Tournament.
The Lady Panthers improved to 20-12 with the 25-14, 29-31, 25-12, 18-25, 15-12 victory, while Harlan County closed out its season at 10-20.
Knox Central appeared to be in control early, taking the opening set 25-14, but the Lady Black Bears had other plans.
Harlan County battled through a tightly contested second set, fighting off the Lady Panthers for a 31-29 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
Knox Central responded with its most dominant performance of the match in the third set, cruising to a 25-12 win to regain a 2-1 advantage.
Once again, Harlan County refused to fold.
The Lady Black Bears answered with a 25-18 victory in the fourth set, forcing a winner-take-all fifth set with a trip to the regional semifinals hanging in the balance.
Knox Central delivered in the final set, holding off Harlan County 15-12 to secure the hard-fought victory.
