Utah Valley's volleyball teams talented enough to return with another state title

Once again Utah County claimed a state volleyball crown in 2005. Lone Peak took down the nets in 2003 and 2004, and Pleasant Grove grabbed the title last year.

Now the Viking's coach, Mike Daniel, has moved on to coach at Salt Lake Community College, but Pleasant Grove is still widely considered the team to beat heading into yet another tough year. Mandi Nuttall took over the coaching reigns of the state's top 5A school with hopes of repeating — even though her team lost its entire core.

Though Hailey Jeppson, Kortney Robinson, Allyce Wilson, Morgan Loyd, JaNae Mortensen and Tela Burnett all graduated, the team returns highly touted Whitney Mendivil and brings in her younger sister Danika to continue the winning efforts. Though a freshman, the younger Mendivil is already making plenty of noise for the Vikings and should lead the team for the next four years.

But the Vikings aren't the only team bringing back yet another tough squad. Lone Peak continues its leading legacy as well. The Knights came back from Las Vegas with a second place trophy, falling to Skyline in the championship match. Christie Carpenter will lead the squad with Lacey Laycock coming on strong as setter and several other players stepping right into their new shoes.

American Fork and Timpanogos should be improved and find their way into this year's state tournament as well, but all teams will be hard-pressed to topple the Vikings or Knights.

Region 7 will once again be a battle between the top four teams with only one league title to be claimed. Provo will have to be dethroned to lose the mantel of favorite, but Lehi, Springville and Orem should all put up a good fight. Payson might even set off some fireworks this year.

Region 4

PLEASANT GROVE

Head coach: Mandi Nuttall

Key players: Whitney Mendivil OH/MB, Danika Mendivil OH/S, Sarah Clement MB, Hailey Barner

OH, Kayli Wakefield MB, Brooke McAllister OH, Erin Parry DS, Katie Marsh DS, Vayann Smith S

Outlook: Even though they lost the core of their state championship squad from 2005, the Vikings are coming back strong and with plenty of firepower. The young team should again be one of the tops in Utah County and could again vie for a state title. They lost the Tournament of Champions to Brighton, just as they did last year. The Mendivil sisters will need to step up and take the place of some of last year's top players.

Predicted finish: first in Region 4