In a match that neither team led by more than five points in any set, it was Knoxville who got the better of Pella in a 3-1 victory on Thursday in the class 4A regional semifinal 27/25, 26/24, 20/25, and 25/23. Knoxville overcame several hitting and serving errors in the first two sets to build a commanding 2-0 lead, but Pella forced set four, winning the 3rd by ending the set on a 10-5 run. However, it was Knoxville’s front row that was the ultimate difference in the match getting tip points. Coach Mollie Keitges told KNIA/KRLS Sports her front row played outstanding and became shot makers when needed.

Keitges: “We were really on their tip attempts. Our defense was crashing and I don’t think they got very many tip points. We were really giving them different looks and when you’re giving a team different looks you make it tough for them, and they did that, and I’m just really proud of these girls.”

Pella Coach Steven Sattz said while the loss stings, he was proud of his team for leaving everything on the court and never backing down.

Sattz: “The resiliency was second to none. I told them at the beginning of the match to leave it all on the floor and they did that. As a coach I’m really proud of how they stepped up.”

Knoxville was led by Brittany Bacorn with 16 kills, Melanie Sullivan had seven kills, five in the 4th set with 31 digs, Payton Horn, who’s 6th and final kill of the night was the match winner and Katie Deaver was 12/12 serving with an ace. Pella was led by Jasmine Namminga and Mia Warner with 13 kills each while Brooke Schulte had nine. Pella finishes the season at 19-13 while Knoxville moves to 26-12 and will travel to Marion on Tuesday night in the class 4A regional final.