The Knoxville Volleyball Squad found out before the season opening quad that the Panthers were preseason ranked #13 in class 4A by the Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union. They went out and promptly swept Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, and Carlisle to go 3-0 to begin the season. Brittany Bacorn had 29 kills on the night while Ella Breazeale put down 19 kills and had seven blocks. Hannah Dunkin dealt out 40 assists, while older sister Emma had 33 digs and was 34/35 serving and Melanie Sullivan also had 33 digs. Both Dunkin and Sullivan tell KNIA/KRLS Sports Monday night was a good sign of things to come for the Panthers this fall.

Emma: “This year we’re really clicking, and we have so many relationships with everyone, we just get along so well.”
Melanie: “I think tonight was a night to get our nerve out for the upcoming games, and to refine what we need to do in practice.”

Knoxville is 3-0 on the season and will be off until next Tuesday when the Panthers start South Central Conference play at Albia.

Photo from Ryan Northcote