Four-time defending 52nd District champ Harlan opened district play Tuesday with a 23-25, 25-20, 25-15, 25-16 victory Tuesday over visiting Bell County.

Natalee King led Harlan with nine aces, 18 digs, six blocks, four assists and five kills. Hannah Jones had five aces, 17 digs, four kills, two assists and five blocks. Lauren Nunez had five aces, two assists and 10 digs. Haven Saylor added five aces, 44 digs, four kills and two digs. Madelyn Haynes contributed four aces, 28 digs, four assists, four kills and six blocks. Emma Fisher had two aces, 25 digs, two assists and four blocks. Kailey Cornett had six digs, five blocks and one kill. Emma Owens The Lady Dragons opened the season with a four-set loss to visiting Knox Central on Monday. The Lady Dragons won 25-22 in the opening set before KC bounced back to win 25-12, 25-14, 25-16.

Harlan (1-1) plays host to Pineville on Thursday.

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Harlan County opened its season Monday with a 25-5, 25-7, 25-10 loss to visiting Letcher Central.

Olivia Minor led HCHS with three blocks and four digs. Paighton Freeman had two kills and two digs. Lilly Caballero had two assists and two digs. Dixie Ewing had two aces and one kill. Carlee Stephens had two blocks. Brenna Early added three digs and a kill. Serenity Whitehead contributed three digs.

Letcher won 21-3, 21-12 in junior varsity action.

The 0-1 Lady Bears will be at home Monday against Harlan.