The Viewmont High boys volleyball team returns five of the seven starters – including juniors Dallin Lether, Carson Tovey and Thomas MacKay and seniors Sam Higginson and Matt Welsh – from last year’s squad who placed second in Region 5 with the goal of “Making it to Saturday” to be competing in the final day of the 5A state tournament.

“This year, state will be incredibly better and I want these boys to trust the process to make that happen,” said second-year head coach Karl Lippa. “I'm excited for the season and looking forward to all of the other seven remaining members of the team to contribute.”

In its first match of the season March 4, Viewmont lost to Farmington in a five-set match 25-22, 13-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-9. The JV team lost to the Phoenix in four sets while the sophomores swept Farmington in two sets.

On March 6, the Vikings lost to Riverton in four sets 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 25-23.

“We shook off the initial match of the season with Farmington playing much better against Riverton two days later,” Lippa said. “Both of our opponents played well and helped expose skills which we will continue to work on as we enter Region play this week. I wanted to schedule strong teams in our two pre-region matches and both Farmington and Riverton had two different styles of play which I think can help us prepare for our region and future opponents.”

Tovey put away 27 kills with Welsh adding 24 on the week. Lether recorded 10 blocks with Dominic Dirkmaat recording nine. “Our most effective server has been Thomas Mackay and I have been pleased with our defense and serve receive led by Sam Higginson and Jack Veigel, who have been primary passers and defenders,” said Lippa. “In our match with Farmington, Jonathan Williquette did an excellent job coming in as a defensive specialist and passer to help us extend the match to five sets.”

In a JV/sophomore tournament at Sky View March 8, the JV team had a 7-5 record with the sophomore group taking second in their first pool. “All of the boys played well and grew in their skills this weekend,” Lippa said. “Seeing these young men make the adaptations needed so quickly shows some exciting play will continually be coming this season. Don’t count out this sophomore team – they can do great things.”

Viewmont is also scheduled to play Region 5 home-and-away matches against Clearfield, Northridge, Bonneville, Woods Cross, Bountiful, Box Elder and Roy while also competing in a Pleasant Grove tournament March 21-22.

Also playing for VHS this season are seniors Bode Bangerter, Britain Bredthauer and Curtis Gerber; juniors Hunter Allen, Michael Archibald, Wesley Crookston, Jordan Jensen, Jake Larsen, Taylor Miller, Harry Nagel and Noah Vateriaus; sophomores Justice Carbone, Joshua Cunningham, Brigham Gines, Nate Lemon, Kennard Lin, Joseph Matila, Jayce Mecham, Tyler Mishler and Alexander Rice; and freshmen Ethan Chan, Mackay Draper and Jackson Sines.

“What I tremendously love about this team, and it is incredibly refreshing, is this team’s commitment to each other and the process,” said Lippa. “They want to work, learn and try new things. I am blessed with great young men in this program outside of this sport.”

Lippa is being assisted on the coaching staff by Kristi Roy, Mike DiMaria, Stef Jensen and Mel Taurarii and managers Mary Carr, Lance Cunningham, Kelsey Lindsey, Benson Reynolds and Jaydee Webb.