The third-ranked Bountiful High boys volleyball team defeated No. 2 Olympus in four sets – 19-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20 – in the 5A semifinal match to reach the state title game against Maple Mountain, the state’s top team on May 18 at Utah Valley University. The Redhawks lost in three tight sets 25-20, 25-23, 25-22 to take second place in the first year of the sport’s sanctioning under the Utah High School Activities Association.

“State was such a great experience!” said head coach Sarah Chism. “Our team really shifted gears heading into the tournament. They trusted the work and training they put in, but more importantly they trusted each other. I could really see them believing in each other, and that was especially evident in the semifinals with how much fun they had playing together and finding their swing as a team. Although the championship match didn’t go the way we hoped, we played some of our best volleyball of the season, and I couldn’t be more proud of this team.”

After a bye in the first round of the state tournament, Bountiful defeated No. 14 Brighton 25-14, 25-21, 25-21 behind sophomore outside hitters Connor Burleson and Landon Chism with 14 and 13 kills, respectively. Senior middle blocker Mason Allen added eight kills in the win.

In the quarterfinals against No. 13 Clearfield, the Redhawks again swept the match 26-24, 25-18, 25-23. Sophomore outside hitter Connor Burleson led with 14 kills with Landon Chism adding seven and junior middle blocker/right side hitter Jacob Bremner had four. 

“What an incredible first year for boys volleyball as a sanctioned high school sport,” coach Chism said. “The level of play just got better and better and anyone who had the opportunity to watch a match came away seeing just how athletic and talented these players all are, and hopefully they can’t wait until next season to watch it again!”

Viewmont

Ninth-seeded Viewmont reached the quarterfinal round in the 5A state tournament, losing to the eventual champions Maple Mountain 25-10, 25-15, 25-17 and then No. 4 Wasatch 25-23, 25-16 in the consolation bracket May 18 at UVU.

“Maple Mountain had a strong performance and won the state championship without dropping a set in the entire tournament,” said head coach Karl Lippa. “Their offense was strong with tremendous defense, and I am proud of our boys for continuing to improve each set against a very formidable opponent.”

In the first round of the 5A state tournament May 14, the Vikings defeated No. 24 Taylorsville in straight sets 25-13, 25-18, 25-10.

Against No. 8 Alta in the second round, Viewmont pulled out a 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 23-25, 16-14 win.

“It was an exciting five-set thriller,” said Lippa. “We were down 4-9 in the final set and came roaring back to lead 14-11 before things got extra exciting. The final point came down to an incredible block by our front line to send us into the state quarterfinals.”

Lippa recognized his seven seniors – Brandon Groethe, Aaron Harkness, Christian Hirst, Michael Kabo, Ty Philips, Daren Tovey and Ryker Zeh – for the “tremendous role models” they have been this season for the Vikings program. “They are a special group of young men, and I am so excited to watch them go on to great things in their life,” said Lippa.

“I am incredibly pleased with the first season of Viewmont volleyball for these boys,” Lippa said. “To go 19-12 overall in our first year and to finish as a state quarterfinalist, especially for a team that was picked in the pre-season to finish sixth in the region, is something I am incredibly proud of these young men for. To watch where they started Feb. 26 until the final day of the state tournament was exceptional, but more importantly, fun. I had a great time, and this first group of young men were incredibly fun. This Varsity team was the best team I have ever coached in a high school sport. The boys were committed to each other to work hard, hold each other accountable, and to just enjoy themselves along the way. Their camaraderie and cohesiveness were by far something as a coach I was truly grateful for. I am proud of each of these boys from our 9th to 12th graders, and I am looking forward to the foundation set by this year’s group of Viewmont mens volleyball.”

Woods Cross

No. 16 Woods Cross fell to No. 17 Box Elder in the first round of the 5A state tournament May 14 25-23, 27-25-, 25-18.

The Wildcats ended its inaugural season with a 10-18 record.

Farmington

After a first-round bye in the 6A state tournament, No. 12 Farmington lost to fifth-seeded Lone Peak 18-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-21 May 16.

In the consolation bracket, the Phoenix squad defeated No. 13 American Fork 25-18, 26-24 and then No. 8 Davis 25-21, 25-21. 

In the sixth/eighth place match May 18, Farmington lost to sixth-seeded Riverton 25-17, 17-25, 25-16.

Davis

Davis also had a first-round bye in the 6A state tournament and then faced ninth-seeded Skyridge in the second round May 16, losing 18-25, 32-30, 25-13, 27-25.

The Darts then defeated No. 16 Lehi 21-25, 25-21, 25-23 in the consolation bracket before losing to Farmington in straight sets.

“Overall, the state tournament was a great experience for our young team,” said head coach McKay Barker. “We were able to see that we can compete with any team, which makes us even more excited for next season. This season the boys have completely won me over! As coaches we have had an absolute blast coaching these incredible young men. Unfortunately, we will be losing three incredible seniors, but are very confident with the players we have returning and can’t wait for next season.”