The Knoxville Volleyball Squad has one thing missing from its recent resume, a state tournament trip. Last season the Panthers fell short in the class 4A regional final and they have sights set on that again this fall. However, to accomplish that goal, the Panthers will have to do it with a mix of experienced seniors and freshmen that could get a lot of playing time. Coach Mollie Keitges tells KNIA/KRLS Sports it has been interesting to watch the younger players and experienced seniors come together in just one week of practice.

Keitges: “We really have both ends of the spectrum. We have a lot of seniors who have a lot of volleyball experience, then we have some youngins who this is their first high school volleyball.”

The Panthers return five total seniors, Brittany Bacorn, Ella Breazeale, Katie Deaver, McKenzie Karr, and Anna Buttell. The Panthers will open the season next Monday in a quad at Oskaloosa. Fans can see the Panthers in an inter-squad scrimmage this Friday during the Meet the Panthers Nights at 5:45 in the high school gym.