Knights win in classic form

HIGHLAND — For Lone Peak volleyball players, the objective is always the same regardless of the team on the other side of the net.

That's why, instead of the preseason lapses so many teams have in their first matches of the year, the Knights were the model of consistency.

"I think they realize it's about the moment they're in," said Lone Peak coach Deanna Meyer after the second-ranked Knights defeated 4A's top-ranked team, Cottonwood, 28-26, 25-17, 27-29, 25-20, to earn the Gold Division Championship at the Rocky Mountain Classic. "They're goal is to do the best at whatever the challenge is, whether that's on the court of off the court. It's a mentality that we set."

Playing in the moment worked for the Knights, who went undefeated against some of the top programs in the state in the season-opening tournament. Despite losing the third game to the offensively loaded Colts, Meyer said the way her team played mattered more than the score.

"The fact that the games were so close showed they were pretty mentally tough," she said. "They didn't give up. In the fourth game, we just tried to seize opportunities and minimize mistakes."

Lone Peak did just that while showcasing their depth and versatility. Setter Lacey Laycock masterfully distributed the ball to the Knights very capable hitters. She earned 46 assists running the offense and was also key defensively with 17 digs. Aubrey Muaina earned 12 kills, while Faith Tusieseina and Cari Shumway had 13 kills each. Shumway also had 13 digs. Middle hitter Ashton Gray had a huge match with nine kills and some key plays at the net. Libero Kylie Heaps earned 19 digs in the win that showcased the talented on both squads.

Cottonwood coach Bob Berrett said his team's goal in the tournament also had more to do with the Colts than their opponents.

"We still have a lot to learn about ourselves," he said. "I think we got better as the tournament progressed, and that was our goal. We got a lot quicker defensively and they read a lot better. This was a good tournament to help us get ready for the season."

He said it was even nice playing in a "championship match" this early in the season.

"I hope they invite us back," he said. The Colts were led by outside hitter Melissa Fifita, who had 12 kills and middle hitter Racheal Altland, who finished with 11 kills. Kaili Aiono, middle hitter, had seven kills and nine blocks. Sophomore setter Emily Atkinson had 22 assists, while senior setter Caitlin Lavu earned 10 assists.

In the tournament's Silver Division, Fremont won a thrilling match against Snow Canyon 25-21, 18-25, 21-25, 25-21, 17-15.

Meyer said the tournament was a lot of work but well worth it.

"Our parents did a great job of supporting the tournament," she said. "And we came ready to play on the court. It was nice for us to actually be the winner of our tournament.

So will there be a second year for the invitation-only tournament?

"We're definitely going to do it again," she said.

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