VOLLEYBALL: Knob Noster takes third at Sherwood

The Knob Noster Panthers placed third in the Sherwood volleyball tournament on Saturday at Creighton.

The Panthers beat Clinton 25-17, 25-22, in the third-place match.

“The offense is beginning to come around as long as our passes are consistent,” Knob Noster coach Jennifer Goodrich said. “The ladies are starting to play with more confidence each game and are learning what it feels like to play as a team.”

Sherwood beat Knob Noster 17-25, 25-22, 25-21, in the semifinals. The Panthers won their first-round match, 25-9, 25-10, over Heartland Academy.

Knob Noster went 5-1 in pool play. The Panthers swept Appleton City 25-13, 27-26, and Lakeland 25-22, 25-14. They split two games against Drexel, 12-25, 25-9.

Christina Jones paced Knob Noster with 83 digs, 51 assists and 17 service aces.

Autumn Kolkmeier had team highs in kills (39) and blocks (17).

Katie Murphy added 79 digs, and Kolkmeier had 75.