The Knoxville Volleyball Squad hopes to end a streak that has been ongoing for the last 30 years. A win over 4th ranked North Scott tonight would send the Panthers to their first State Tournament since 1992. Knoxville swept Newton last Tuesday in the 1st round, and then knocked off #9 Nevada in four sets last Thursday. North Scott received a bye in the 1st round and easily disposed of Clinton in three sets in Thursday’s semi-finals. Again, both teams won their respective conference titles with unbeaten records. North Scott ran through the Mississippi Athletic Conference mostly unchallenged in nine matches with the exception of a five set win over Assumption. The Lancers come in with four players with over 100 kills led by 6/3 junior Abbey Hayes, who has amassed 238 kills. Defensively North Scott has 177 team blocks. The Panthers actually have more kills than North Scott (922-866) and more blocks (194-177). One advantage the Panthers could exploit is service aces at 236-to-190, plus the Panthers tandem of Ella Breazeale (278 kills) and Brittany Bacorn (237 kills) has been outstanding this season with added help from Hannah Dunkin (166) and Payton Horn (107). Serving has also been a strength for the Panthers with freshman Abbie Keitges leading the way with 69 service aces. Junior Players Payton Horn and Rylyn McCarty tell KNIA/KRLS Sports tonight is the night they have been working toward all season and their confidence is sky high.

Payton: “We’ve worked hard since day 1 and our goal is to got to State.”
Rylyn: “If we do what we’re supposed to do and play for each other then I have no doubt we’ll be successful.”

Tonight’s match will take place at North Scott High School in Eldridge with first serve at 7:00. The winner will head to the State Tournament in Iowa City next week.