Rich earns 8th straight championship

OREM — Those who live in Rich County appreciate its quiet country nights.

They also know that one night each fall that silent night will erupt into a celebration with the regularity of Daylight Savings Time clock changes.

"We're going to have fireworks tonight," said senior outside hitter Amanda Peart, after the Rich Rebels won their eighth 1A volleyball state title in a row and their 13th in school history with a 25-11, 25-12, 23-25, 25-15 win over Piute at UVSC Saturday. "We'll have the fire trucks and have a honk out. We'll wake everybody up."

This year's squad was so dominant they had to drive to Salt Lake City and play 5A teams to even find a squad that could challenge them.

"Every year is different, but this team is probably my most athletic," said Rich coach Cindy Stuart, who cries every year when her players accept the trophy. "I mean, four 6-footers, who has that in 1A? They're smart, they have great skills and they're a fun bunch."

She said the winning never gets old.

"How could it?" she said with a grin. "They're all different girls each year, and I'm just happy for them."

The team was loaded with tall, athletic players, eight of whom are seniors. They're so versatile, Stuart could move them around depending on the opponent.

Senior middle hitter Sami Cornelison was the Deseret Morning News All-Tournament MVP with 11 kills, 15 digs and six blocks. Despite helping her team win other titles, she was especially sentimental about her senior season's victory.

"I'm going to be gone, and I'm going to miss the younger players," she said through tears. Asked to describe this year's team, she said, "Just a big bunch of friends."

Outside hitters Kristan Cornia and Peart led the team's offense with 19 and 18 kills, respectively. Setter Anne Wilson joins the big guns on the All-Tournament team for an outstanding performance. She distributed the ball well and mixed up the offense when necessary.

Piute did what no other squad did in the tournament when they won Game 3. Stuart put her juniors and sophomores into the game until the score was 7-14. She didn't do it for the Thunderbirds, and it wasn't a coaching strategy, but simply a chance to let the younger players get into a state tournament game.

Lacee Gleave led Piute with 12 kills and 18 digs. She joined Emily Lee on the All-Tournament Team.

Allen said they knew they were fighting an uphill battle, but she's proud of her team's effort this season.

"It's been a great year," she said. "We've overcome some obstacles. We've never really had a great showing at state, but we did some good things this year ... They're a great bunch of kids, they work hard for me and they're good people."