The Knoxville volleyball squad has been away from competition for almost a week, and tonight the Panthers play in front of the home crowd for the first time this season. Their opponent is the early favorite to win the Little Hawkeye Conference this season – Class 2A No. 6 Pella Christian.

Knoxville Coach Eric Fee says his team will need to step up its game in the conference to be competitive. He says he’s pleased with the progress since opening week of practice and says the three-and-three start has given his team a great amount of confidence. He adds while Pella Christian is one of the best teams in the area, he does not want his girls to play intimidated.

Pella Christian carries a 7-1 overall record into the match and is 1-0 in the Little Hawkeye Conference, after defeating Norwalk last week.