Fourth-ranked Bountiful outlasted Alta in five sets while Davis won all six of its matches this week. Viewmont went 2-0 this week while Woods Cross split its two matches. Farmington lost a tight match against the Vikings as they still look for their first win of the season.

Bountiful

The Redhawks defeated Alta 20-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-8 in a reverse sweep March 13.

“Alta was a tough opponent,” said head coach Sarah Chism. “I liked seeing how our boys fought and never gave up. They believed in each other and the things we have been working on, and stayed true to what we want to do on our side of the net.”

Against Roy March 14, Bountiful won 25-12, 25-12, 25-18, improving to 3-1 on the season.

Davis

Davis defeated Clearfield 25-8, 25-16, 25-19 March. 12. The Darts had 24 kills, 10 aces and nine blocks as a team. Sophomore Jack Bennett ran the offense, recording 11 assists.

Davis had an undefeated run through the Buffalo Stampede Tournament in Toole March 15-16. The Darts swept Bonneville, American Heritage and Tooele 2-0 while also beating Hunter and Park City in four sets.

Chase Valentine led offensively with 43 kills and 18 aces while Luke Mcknight added 34 kills and Jackson Kuma had 25 kills and 14 aces. Bennett recorded 51 assists with Josh Wood providing 42 with the duo quarterbacking the offense.

Defensively, Brandon Sims had 32 digs, Valentine 31, Bennett 25, McKnight 21, Josh Wood 15 and Kuma 14. Kuma was also tops at the net with 14 blocks on the weekend.

Davis improved to 7-1 on the season.

Viewmont

Viewmont defeated Farmington 25-21, 27-25, 21-25, 27-25 March 12.

“It was very evenly matched with close scores every set,” said head coach Karl Lippa. “Both teams showed early season positive growth and jitters. Farmington played scrappy defense. I was pleased with our serve-receive and passing game. Both sides showed tremendous serving runs with big offensive plays and even bigger blocks. The entire match was fun and great to watch both teams.”

Against Bonneville March 14, the Vikings won 25-17, 25-18, 25-21.

“Both teams had great rallies and the play was back and forth in the third set before we pulled away for good,” Lippa said. “Both teams continue to show promise for growth this season. This first region match was a great marker to see improvements for the rest of region play.”

Viewmont’s record through three matches is 2-1.

“We’re still so early in the season that we’re finding ourselves and our rhythm,” said Lippa. “I’m super pleased with the boys so far, and how well they have worked. They continue to grow and I see improvements every day and every week.”

Woods Cross

Woods Cross lost to Hunter 25-16, 25-17, 25-18 March 12.

“Hunter was a tough team. They were big and physical and definitely made us stand up and pay attention to what we need to improve on,” said head coach Josey Hilton. “This was a great learning game as we had not seen the type of hitting, serving and defense that they brought. Our team played well, improving over our first match.”

Senior setter Ryker Iverson was credited by Hilton for his ability to adjust to lineup changes. “He was great and going in when I asked him to change up our offense, he trusted the decision and applied what needed to be done,” Hilton said. 

The JV team lost 25-17, 25-7, 15-9 with Hilton noting the improvement of Rory “RJ” Violette. “He’s eager to get better and is a sponge when it comes to being coached,” she said. “He listens to the coaching and then applies it. He is a big presence as a middle blocker, both physically and emotionally. RJ is full of energy and excitement when he’s on the court. The sky is the limit for him.”

The sophomore squad lost in five sets, led by Lincoln Ericson. “That was the best that we have seen Lincoln play,” Hilton said. At practice, the setters have been working on getting to the ball quickly and setting it at an optimal height for our hitters to attack. He applied what he’s been learning in the game and showed great improvement with his footwork, location and even his confidence.”

In its first home – and region – match of the season, the Wildcats defeated Box Elder 25-21, 25-23, 25-23 March 14. “Hayden Poulton put on a defensive, serve-receive and hitting show,” said Hilton. “He played ‘in the zone,’ not letting balls drop on defense, passing well and had eight kills for the night. His technical and volleyball IQ growth over the past two weeks has been amazing to watch. He definitely made his presence known on the court tonight and is one to keep your eyes on.”

In the JV match, Woods Cross won 25-21, 25-22, 9-15, 11-15, 15-10, led by libero Camden Mabey. “Camden has really come alive these past two weeks and has made huge strides in defense, serve-receive and offense,” said Hilton. “It’s been fun watching him learn and get better as a volleyball player. I think he’s starting to get a sense that it's ‘clicking’ for him as well by his newfound smile he shows more often.”

The sophomores beat the Bees 23-25, 25-22, 15-11 behind the play of Grant Hamblin. “Grant pulled our sophomore coach aside and asked him if he could show Grant some of the things that he needs to work on,” Hilton said. “They worked on blocking footwork, positioning our bodies so the call is in front when hitting, and having a fast arm swing. Grant received the advice well and used those skills effectively during the game, getting us a lot of points.”

The Wildcats varsity team is now 1-2 this season.

“There has been so much growth happening during practices and I’m super impressed with how they take the information and then apply it in games,” Hilton said. 

Farmington

In Farmington’s 3-1 loss to Viewmont March 12, junior Tavin Fulton and senior Jake Connell both had seven kills to lead the Vikings while senior Brayden Peck ran the offense with 15 assists. Connell and Peck combined for eight aces from the serving line. Defensively, the team had 35 digs, led by junior Xander Crowley with six and Connell, Peck and senior Anderson Duke with five. Sophomore Yuvi Multani recorded seven blocks at the net with Peck adding five.

The Phoenix squad is still looking for its first win of the season after two matches.