The Union Knights volleyball team celebrates taking a hard-fought rally over Dike-New Hartford during the second night of the NICL Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 9, in La Porte City. The Knights ultimately lost 2-0 to DNH before later sweeping Gladbrook-Reinbeck for third place. From left, Hinley Mast, Bianca Grimm, libero Emily Anton, Abbie Estling, Reagan Glenn (front), and Taylen Smith (far right). PHOTO BY DEVIN BAAS

LA PORTE CITY – After succumbing to Class 2A No. 2 Dike New-Hartford here on Thursday evening to open the second night of play in the NICL Tournament, the 2A No. 6 Union volleyball team swept 1A No. 7 Gladbrook-Reinbeck to earn third place in what has been coined ‘the toughest conference tournament in the state.’

The evening began with Union losing the semifinal round in straight sets (25-12, 25-13) to the powerful Wolverines. In the second set, the Knights managed to square it up early on at 5-5 before trailing in the remainder. Union uncharacteristically seemed to have trouble responding to DNH’s offense that evening, offering up no reaction to several strategically-placed kills. The Knights did win two massive rallies for their ninth and 13th points but it wasn’t enough to stop the Wolverine train. With the 2-0 sweep over Union, DNH moved on to the championship match which took place later that night (losing to top-ranked Denver 2-1).

Following the Knights loss, G-R faced 2A No. 1 Denver for the evening’s second matchup. The Rebels lost 2-0 (25-19, 25-22) to the Cyclones but managed to keep pace with the Class 2A reigning state champs for much of both sets.

One six-minute warmup later, Union and G-R returned to the floor to battle for third place in the tournament; the Knights ultimately triumphed 2-0 (25-19, 25-16) over the Rebels. (Union’s statistics were not available in time for publication.)

The Knights entered this past week 30-9 (4-0) and at the top of the NICL-East Division as they barreled toward the postseason. After a first-round bye, Union will begin regional play at home on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in a Class 2A Region 6 quarterfinal against the victor of Monday evening’s (Oct. 20) Pleasantville (15-18) v. Central Decatur (9-13) match. If the Knights advance to the semifinals set for Oct. 27, they will again play at home against either Grand View Christian (14-17) or Interstate 35 (6-15). The regional final will be played

Knights senior outside hitter Reagan Glenn goes up for the tip during Night 2 of the NICL Tournament on Oct. 9 in La Porte City. After losing to Dike-New Hartford, the Knights swept G-R to earn third place. PHOTO BY DEVIN BAAS

on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at a neutral site. Region 6 also includes No. 11 Wapsie Valley along with Lisbon, West Branch, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, and Sigourney — all unranked.

PHOTO BY DEVIN BAAS