From Deseret News archives:

Get set: Volleyball position is as key as point guard in basketball or football's quarterback

Published: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2005 12:41 p.m. MDT
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ALLYCE WILSON/JANAE MORTENSEN, PLEASANT GROVE: The Pleasant Grove Vikings are one of the favorites in the state to take the 5A crown this season, and much of the reason is the reliable game and decision making by its two setters. Though Wilson and Mortensen do split time at setter, Wilson gets most of the action this season at the spot as the team has gone from a 6-2 team to mostly a 5-1 team this season, which leaves 5-foot-2-inch Wilson in through the entire rotation, even in the front row.

Though Wilson admits to being "vertically challenged," she has also worked on her jumping ability and has been known to rise above the net for a block on occasion.

"There's no harm to having her rotate into the front row. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks" of having Wilson roam at the net, said Pleasant Grove coach Mike Daniel. The senior was named most valuable player at a tournament in Las Vegas and has received a scholarship offer to Snow College.

Her teammate Mortensen, who also plays defensive specialist, has another specialty that makes her invaluable to her team. The Vikings depend on her strong serving ability.

ASHLEY HAMILTON, LONE PEAK: According to her coach, Hamilton is not only an all-state setter but is also one of the valley's top all-around players. The hardworking motivator has already accepted a volleyball scholarship to the University of Arizona, which is in one of the country's toughest volleyball conferences.

"She's the core of our team," said Meyer. She touches the ball on every play. She's been making smart choices and is doing really well."

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Though Hamilton runs the team and puts the ball in the perfect place for her teammates to hit it, she provides yet another option most setters lack, she can put up a nearly perfect block. She's been a team leader for all of the Lone Peak success and is hoping to bring back the three peat of another state championship.

MARIANNE WHITE/RACHEL GLASSFORD, MOUNTAIN VIEW: The Bruins are putting together a great season based around some good arms, teamwork and the setting abilities of their two-headed setting duo.

The senior White has a little more experience than her sophomore counterpart, but Glassford has learned on the job. Both girls can put up a great ball, and their hitters are benefiting from some good ball placement and decision-making.

JHORDAN TE'O, TIMPANOGOS: This team has come together after a couple of difficult years, and part of the credit can go to new setter Te'o, who transferred from American Fork.

"She's a team leader. This is her first year setting, and she's doing really well," said Timpanogos coach Lala Mulitala. "She's a smart player with a lot of ability."

And her teammates trust her to put the ball where they can hit it at a perfect time. Her setting and the team's newfound trust in each other are leading to much improved results over the past two years.

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Dan Lund, for the Deseret Morning News

American Fork's Jenna Toone flips the ball back over the net during a game at Provo. She can play several positions well.

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