Union’s Avery Knoop pictured during one of five sets played against Wapsie Valley back on Sept. 12. During the road match with the Warriors, Knoop, a junior, completed her 2,000th high school career assist. PHOTO BY KAYLA ROBB

FAIRBANK – On Sept. 12, the Union Knights volleyball team took on Wapsie Valley in a road matchup, beating the Warriors in five intense sets, 3-2, that saw junior setter Avery Knoop record the 2,000th assist of her high school career.

In the conference matchup against 2A No. 11 Wapsie Valley, Knoop recorded 54 assists against the Warriors while marking the milestone. She also had seven kills out of 12 attempts, three blocks, and 10 digs, while sending two aces across the net from the serve line.

Senior Gracie Klima helped Knoop lead the offense for the Knights against Wapsie Valley with 24 kills out of 52 attempts.

On defense, sophomore Reagan Glenn and Ava Mehlert led the Knights with 14 digs apiece, while Dena Robb notched six blocks. Robb and Glenn both had two aces.

As of Monday, Knoop was No. 2 in Class 3A for assists with 483 behind No. 1 Sophie Sanders of Anamosa (554), while Klima was No. 2 for kills (234) behind Jayden Kuper of Monticello (247).

Knight setter Avery Knoop (front row third from left) pictured alongside her teammates on Sept. 12 following Union’s game with Wapsie Valley. Knoop notched her 2,000th career assist during the five sets with the Warriors. PHOTO BY KAYLA ROBB

Glenn was No. 3 in both serve successes and serve attempts.

During last weekend’s tournament in Janesville, the Knights beat Iowa Falls-Alden, Mason City, and Dunkerton, while falling to Janesville and 2A No. 3 Grundy Center.

Heading into this week, the Knights were No. 4 in Class 3A – up a spot from the week prior – and 18-4 on the season.

After facing Jesup on the road Tuesday, the Knights are scheduled to take a week off from competitive play before facing 2A No. 4 Sumner-Fredericksburg at home on Tuesday, Sept. 26.