The top-ranked Bountiful High volleyball team swept through the 5A state tournament – literally – in taking home the championship without dropping a set in its four matches. The Redhawks brought the school its first state trophy with the new mascot Nov. 6 at Utah Valley University after defeating No. 2 Mountain View 25-13, 29-27, 25-19.

“All season we were searching for the team that showed up together on Saturday,” said head coach Sarah Chism. “Every single girl had their moment to shine and they all brought it at the same time for their common vision and for each other. It was so rewarding to witness. At times throughout the championship match, I found myself just sitting back and thinking, ‘Wow, this is so fun.’ Our bench was amazing! They embraced how important their role was as well and made every point truly a celebration. As a coach, you work so hard for these moments of bringing a group of individuals together and watching them sync into one and it was just simply wonderful to be a part of.”

Bountiful was third last season, losing in the state semis, and returned all but one of their seven starters from that squad. The group was focused and motivated to go all the way this year.

In their state run this season, the Redhawks faced opponents they had already played at least once. They began their state playoff run in the second round defeating Timpanogos 25-23, 25-12, 25-19 on Nov. 4.  Against Northridge, they won 25-21, 25-22, 25-13 to reach a semifinal matchup with Woods Cross, who they beat 25-14, 25-22, 25-8. They avenged an earlier loss this season to Mountain View by defeating the Bruins in the title game.

“Each match was a stepping stone to the next and helped us learn what we needed to for what was ahead,” Chism said.

Jordyn Harvey led the way offensively for Bountiful with 67 kills in the four matches and six aces from the serving line.

Evalyn Chism ran the offense with 150 assists in just 12 sets.

Emrie Satuala had 10 blocks at the net for the tournament while Evi Chism and Taylor Harvey both recorded nine blocks each. Also defensively, Elle Burleson was tops with 28 digs in the four matches with Jordyn Harvey and Mia Ruy adding 26 each.

“Every girl did their part and I think the stats really show how we had all the collective pieces to make this happen,” Sarah Chism said. “It was such a team effort.”

Coach Chism said that her team took the two weeks prior to the state tournament to make “impactful adjustments.” “We believed with a few tweaks and adjustments, we could get to where we needed to be to get it done,” she said. “Those were the key and every player knew what they needed to do to have an impact. They each committed to improving their piece of the puzzle, and in the end, I know that was what made all the difference.”

Also on the championship team were senior Ashlee Rasmussen; juniors Claire Cook, Jane Lewis, Ashlie Simon and Ana Taulanga; sophomores Eliza Alley, Matty Anthon, Misha Eberhardt, Hailie Hewlett, Macie Johnson, Kaylee Simon, Kaloklaine Taulanga and Megan Youngberg; and freshmen Elsie Breinholt, Ellen Davis, Audrey Derrick, Darcy Hayes, Lethe Pututau, Hannah White and Rynn Willard.

Sarah Chism was assisted by Kelsie White, Sydnee Stringfellow and Taylor Jordan on the coaching staff along with team managers Smith Alley, Dresden Bowman and Ashlyn Jorgensen.

“This is a special group of girls that got along great all season,” coach Chism said. They trusted each other and trusted themselves. And it created a culture of belief that took us all the way to the top.”

Sarah Chism also noted the police escort her team received along Orchard Drive in coming back to the school. “After what has been some tumultuous times with COVID and the Redhawks’ name change, it was so great to have something for the school and community to rally around and be celebrated by our awesome fans,” she said.