The Knoxville Volleyball Squad clinched an outright South Central Conference title on Tuesday by defeating Albia three sets to none. The match was mostly uneven for the Panthers as they got down early in the 1st set and had to battle back to take the lead for good in the later stages to win 25-21. Knoxville dominated the second set 25-8 at one time leading 15-1. The 3rd set was another uneven set with Knoxville winning and sealing the match 25-21. Coach Mollie Keitges told KNIA/KRLS Sports, Albia presented her team with some different looks, and was proud of how her team adjusted and did not let the moment get too big.
Keitges: “Really proud of their composure. We got down in some sets every now and then, and they battle back and they just play volleyball, and I’ve been really proud of them for maintaining that all year.”
Addy Dunkin had 23 assists, 12 digs, and was 12/14 serving with three aces. Abbie Keitges had 16 digs and was 20/22 serving with five aces, Siena Scott had ten kills and three blocks while Mariah Ripperger had four kills and two blocks. Knoxville improves to 25-10 on the season and completes the South Central Conference with a 7-0 record. The Panthers host their season ending invitational on Saturday.
While volleyball was playing for a conference title, the Knoxville Cross Country Squads were running for conference glory. In the boys race, while Chariton out dueled Knoxville for the team title, Isaac Rankin was the individual conference champion in a time of 15:47. Connor Schultz in 6th at 17:42 and Bradley Hembrook in 9th at 17:55 also earned all-conference honors. Knoxville fell just 15 points from the Chargers, earlier in the season Chariton beat Knoxville by 50 in a regular season meet. For the girls Mary Visser in 5th with a time of 21:27 and Nicole Schultz placing 9th in a time of 21:55 earned all-conference. As a team Knoxville placed 3rd. The Panthers are off until the State Qualifying Meet next week.