The #3 in 4A Pella volleyball team is a step away from returning to the state tournament after defeating Knoxville in the regional semifinals Thursday night in a 3-0 sweep (25-16, 25-18, 25-12).

The home team largely controlled the festivities despite several runs from the Panthers. Near the end of set two, the Red Rock rivals were tied 18-18 before Pella closed the set on a 7-0 run. Knoxville would counter with a 5-0 start to set three, only for the Dutch to score 25 of the next 32 points to end festivities.

Abbie Brand led the charge with an 18 kill, five-block performance for Pella. She’ll be featured Tuesday on “Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page.” Katie Scheckel added 11 kills and Olivia Lowery tallied three services aces.

Mariah Ripperger had eight kills to pace the Panthers, with Abbie Keitges adding two aces. Knoxville Coach Mollie Keitges was proud of her team’s fight and never give up mentality.

“Couldn’t be more proud of my kids. Credit to the Dutch they have a lot of experience, but I’m so proud of my kids and how they fought and were not intimidated and just really proud of them.”

Pella improves to 30-10 overall and will host Waverly-Shell Rock on Tuesday. The Go-Hawks are 20-20 overall and swept Webster City 25-12, 25-15, 25-16 on the other side of the bracket. Knoxville finishes the 2025 season at 28-13.