Bountiful

The number one team in 5A faced third-ranked Woods Cross Sept. 12 and the matchup lived up to its billing with the Redhawks pulling out a five-set win 26-24, 26-24, 20-25, 21-25, 15-11.

“This was a great match by both sides,” said head coach Kelsie White. “We have known for a long time that Woods Cross was going to be one of our toughest opponents. They have a lot of key returners that improve all the time. They are an overall great team and always do a great job and ALWAYS give us a battle.”

Region 5A MVP Taylor Harvey again led Bountiful. “She is always a key player for us, and she continues to exceed expectation and put the team on her back,” White said. “She was crucial for us in the front and back row, putting balls away from every position.” 

Junior outside hitter Milika Satuala put away match point, “showing up right when we needed her with a great swing,” according to White.

Junior setter Adelaide Stevenson has been acclimating to a new position in running the Redhawks’ offense. “She has been working so hard and is getting more comfortable running the floor, as well as getting us an awesome serve every time,” White said.

Senior middle blocker Abby Orme had a key tough serve and “huge block” in the final set that White credits as a turning point in the win.

Junior libero McKinley Durea “picked up tips and swings from every direction and made it possible for us to run our offense,” according to White.

White also noted the contributions of senior Mae Johnson, who is new to the sport, with some “great instincts that made a big difference for us defensively,” and seniors Elsie Breinholt and Hannah White with their leadership. “They both came in and did their job and gave us an extra edge.”

Additionally, freshman Paisley Gosney right side hitter was big on offense and defense. “Our bench stole the show and kept the energy high and electric in the gym,” Coach White said. “Overall, a whole team effort that I was so proud of.”

Bountiful is now 8-2 overall this season and 2-0 early in Region 5 play.

Woods Cross

Third-ranked Woods Cross defeated Northridge 25-22, 25-21, 17-25, 25-19 Sept. 10.

“The Knights are an aggressive hitting team so this was a good matchup for us to see how we would start off region play,” said head coach Josey Hilton. “After losing the third set, it was good to see the girls fight back and take the fourth set as mindset is something that we have been working on and how we recover from losing a set.”

Junior Avery Poulton had 19 kills and 17 digs to lead the Wildcats. “Avery played some amazing back row defense, not to mention her hitting skills, reaching high above the blocks and utilizing her hitting toolbox to keep Northridge out of system.”

Junior libero Madison Schaerrer recorded 10 digs on the back line. “Madison has been working hard on her serve receive and defense and that hard work paid off where she was passing and digging really well.”

Also named Player of the Match by Hilton was junior Adia Cook. “Adia is a great defender back row for us and also had some great serves,” Hilton said. “This is one of her most ‘complete’ matches this year, making minimal mistakes. She always has a smile on her face and she is a great teammate.”

Sophomore setter Zamari Christensen also recorded a double-double of 26 assists and 15 digs while sophomore Ella Hinton had 16 digs and Poulton and sophomore middle blocker Alisi Tapa’atoutai combined for eight blocks at the net.

In the JV match, Woods Cross lost 26-24, 25-12, 6-15, 15-13 with Amelia Gale named the player of match. “Amelia’s energy on the court can change the entire trajectory of the game,” Hilton said. “She was always there with a smile and was the loudest one on the court. She also had some kills in crucial times.”

The sophomores lost in three sets 25-19, 25-15, 15-8. Hilton credited Cammie Laing for stepping into a new position at game-time. “She went into it with a great attitude, determined to do what was best for the team and she did it with a positive attitude,” Hilton said. “We love the fact that she was improving on every point and wanted to continue to learn and grow the whole game.”

In the five-set loss to Bountiful Sept. 12, the Wildcats hit a season-high .315 as a team. “We struggled with serving and serve receive,” Hilton said. “There were also some REALLY bad calls made by line judges, most particularly when they called a touch in the first set when we were up 24-23 in which game film clearly shows there was no touch. However bad calls happen, and we need to learn to finish a game. We had our opportunities to win. Unfortunately, we didn’t capitalize on them.”

Tapa’atoutai was named Player of the Match for her 15 kills – hitting .500 – and three blocks. “Alisi served tough, with four aces, and also does a good job for us playing back row, getting some crucial digs.”

Poulton had a double-double with 26 kills and 13 digs while Christensen recorded 42 assists in running the offense.

In the JV match, Woods Cross won 18-25, 25-20, 15-8, 15-12 with Libby Phillips as the standout. “Libby was unstoppable in the front row,” Hilton said. “She was getting blocks and kills left and right! Her energy on and off the court was contagious and critical in getting the win!”

The sophomore squad lost in three sets 25-15, 25-20, 15-13. “Elyse Young was so aggressive all game long!” Hilton said. “She leveled up her team by her attitude and effort the whole match! It was the best match we have seen her play this season.”

The Wildcats are now 7-3 this year and 1-1 in Region 5.

Viewmont

Viewmont lost to Riverton 25-15, 25-22, 25-18 Sept. 10.

“This match was tough as Riverton served incredibly well to shake us off our passing from the beginning,” said head coach Karl Lippa. “Our kids made some good adjustments in set two and almost pulled it out, but they capitalized offensively where we couldn’t quite overcome the end of the set.”

Against Clearfield Sept. 12, the Vikings swept the Falcons 25-23, 25-17, 25-15.

“It was a great first set for both teams, trading some great rallies, especially the final rally of the set,” said Lippa. “Clearfield came to play and covered their hitters well. They ran a fast offense, and I thought their setter did an amazing job to run their offense. On our side of the net, I thought we served well and our serve-receive had some positive spots. We will need to find answers for their offense the next time we play them to have better success.”

Sophomore middle blocker Klancee Larsen led offensively with seven kills while sophomore middle blocker Summer Dirkmaat served up three aces. Senior setter CJ Johnson helped run the offense with nine assists while on the defensive side, junior setter Miya Edgington had six digs with Larsen and Johnson each recording five digs and Larsen, Dirkmaat and senior middle blocker combining for six blocks at the net.

Viewmont is 2-3 so far this season and 1-1 in the Region 5 standings.

Davis

Davis lost to fourth-ranked Mountain Ridge in three sets 25-15, 25-21, 25-14 Sept. 10.

Senior Paige Halliday led the Darts with six kills while senior Leah Tuft, junior Alex Harris and junior Mirella Gonzales Carrillo each had five. Senior Avery Jensen served up four aces while Carrillo and junior Zoey Walsh were tops defensively with 11 digs each.

Davis fell to 6-11 so far this season.

Farmington

Farmington lost to #2 Corner Canyon in four sets 25-22, 25-18, 16-25, 25-23 Sept. 10.

“It was a great match,” said Kate Hawkes.

Against East Sept. 12, the Phoenix squad won 25-22, 21-25, 25-9, 25-17.

Farmington currently has a 5-8 season record.