Union volleyball’s senior members were honored last week Tuesday during the team’s home match with Sumner-Fredericksburg. 2023-24 seniors include (l-r) Sydney Schmuecker, Jaimi Hilmer, Ava Mehlert, Dena Robb, and Gracie Klima. PHOTO BY KAYLA ROBB

LA PORTE CITY – Union volleyball was crowned the NICL East Conference champions during a thrilling, five set match against 2A No. 5 (now No. 4) Sumner-Fredericksburg last week Tuesday, Sept. 26.

The Knights beat the Cougars 3-2 (25-17, 25-21, 16-25, 19-25, 16-14) while playing in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd packed inside the main gym.

As part of the evening’s activities, Union also celebrated the team’s five senior players including Jaimi Hilmer, Gracie Klima, Ava Mehlert, Dena Robb, and Sydney Schmuecker.

Klima helped lead the Knights’ offense against the Cougars with 14 kills (six errors), while her teammate, junior Avery Knoop had 42 assists and five kills.

On defense, libero Mehlert led the team with 20 digs. Robb notched three blocks and a dig.

At the serve line, Knoop, Emily Anton, and Bianca Grimm each had one ace apiece.

Heading into this week, the Knights were 20-4 (4-0) on the season and ranked seventh in Class 3A. The team was scheduled to host the 2023 NICL Volleyball Tournament in La Porte City on Tuesday and Thursday this week – taking on the unranked Columbus Catholic Sailors (13-18) in their first-round match Tuesday evening.