Bingham disposes of West Jordan in 3 games

WEST JORDAN — Because a volleyball team has to win three games to take the match, it's hard to say one game is more important than the others. But for the Bingham Miners, winning a thrilling Game 2 made sweeping the Jaguars a whole lot easier.

"Humongous," said Miner coach Melissa Glasker when asked of the importance of winning Game 2, 28-26, after winning Game 1, 25-15, and Game 3, 25-13. "We didn't want to go four or five games with this team. West Jordan is a really good team."

Bingham won the first game easily, but the Jaguars made the Miners earn every point in the second game, which both coaches believe could have changed the outcome of the match.

"It's not what I expected from us," said West Jodan coach Jannette Larson. "If we could have won Game 2, I would hope it would have been a different (match) ... We're better than three games."

The Jaguars left no doubt about their abilities in the minds of third-ranked Bingham.

"Their defense is solid," said Glasker. "Their outside hitter is smart. They're very well-coached. They are a good team."

Outside hitter Jessie Smith had a great match for the Jaguars, testing the Miners' defense with well-placed tips and some scorching hits.

Bingham's defense answered most of the time, and the two squads displayed some lengthy rallies in their first region meeting. The Miner defense was led by middle hitter Camilla Phillips.

Senior outside hitter Camrie Copier and senior middle hitter Megan Marks led the offense with nine kills each. Libero Keano Maumau earned 12 digs.

Senior setter Lexe Jacobs, who verbally committed to play basketball at Dixie State College on Monday, said the team may have let their success get to them in the second game.

"We didn't have a game last week, so we were all excited to get going," she said. "After the first game, I guess we kind of got a little big-headed."

She and her teammates said they will take a near-miss as a warning.

"We can't overlook anybody," she said. "We have to fight for every win. We're all seniors and we've noticed when we get a little relaxed. We have to play as hard against every team."

In other prep volleyball action Tuesday:

REGION 1