WILLIAMSBURG — Whitley County’s historic volleyball season continued Monday as the Lady Colonels captured their 37th victory and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 KHSAA State Volleyball Tournament.
The Lady Colonels (37-4) turned in another impressive performance, defeating Letcher County Central (29-8) in straight sets, 25-11, 25-16, 25-20, in first-round action.
“Our girls came out with great energy and focus from the first serve,” Whitley County. Coach David Halcomb said. “I thought our preparation was outstanding and our girls carried out our game plan flawlessly. Our serving was really good and defense was on another level.
“I believe we played one of our best matches of the season and to do that in front of a such a huge crowd was spectacular,” he added. “A special moment for our girls and one they will never forget. We want to thank everyone who came out and participated in our block party and then made their way into the gym. I told people all day our girls wouldn’t disappoint and they didn’t. We will get back at it tomorrow and prepare for our Elite 8 match with Bowling Green. Go Colonels.”
Whitley County had already established a new program record with its 36th victory of the season and added another win to its historic total Monday.
Halcomb’s squad wasted little time taking control of the match, dominating the opening set with a 25-11 victory. The Lady Colonels established momentum early and never allowed Letcher Central to seriously threaten.
Whitley County continued its strong play in the second set, racing out to a commanding 12-2 advantage before Letcher Central attempted to battle back.
The Lady Cougars trimmed the deficit to 15-10, but Whitley County maintained control and closed out the set with a 25-16 victory to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
Letcher Central showed more fight in the third set, grabbing its first lead of the match at 2-0.
The Lady Colonels weren’t quite as sharp as they had been during the first two sets, allowing Letcher Central to remain within striking distance.
But Whitley County responded when it mattered most, securing a 25-20 victory to complete the three-set sweep.
Whitley County will now face Bowling Green in Friday’s state quarterfinals at George Rogers Clark High School.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.with a berth in the state semifinals on the line.
