Fremont not satisfied yet

OREM — A lot of teams make their first trip to the state tournament only to find the experience overwhelming, while others are so happy just to make the playoffs, they don't achieve much more than that.

"We're definitely not just happy to be here," said Fremont volleyball coach Tammy McKean, after her team defeated Timpanogos in the quarterfinals 25-20, 25-20, 16-25, 25-14. "We've built for this season for the last three years, so we're not just happy to be here."

The Silver Wolves looked like tournament veterans in their match against Timpanogos, but they started the day a little more shaky against Alta.

"They weren't breathing," said McKean laughing. "They played great, but they were nervous."

Junior outside hitter Analaine Pelaez, who led the team offensively with 21 kills, said the players quickly got over their jitters as they began playing their brand of volleyball.

"Earlier we were a little nervous," she said. "But we didn't make it here last year, so this is so fun."

Pelaez has been the team's leading hitter since she was a freshman, and is the squad's general on the court when she needs to be. She said the older players don't treat her advice any differently because she's a bit younger.

"They're really nice like that," she said. "And it helps that we've been playing together for a long time."

Pelaez also had three solo blocks, six aces and was impressive on the back row with 10 digs. Middle hitter Erica Nish also played well with 10 kills, 11 blocks and four aces. Opposite hitter Bethany Wray added 11 kills and three digs in the win that will send the team to the semifinals where they will play top-ranked Brighton.

The Bengals swept both teams they played in Friday's first two rounds, including a 25-14, 25-19, 25-12 win over defending 5A champion Pleasant Grove. The Vikings and Timpanogos will play in the consolation round at 10:30 a.m.

In the lower bracket, Lone Peak defeated Davis 25-16, 25-22, 17-25, 25-22 with a very balanced offensive attack. Setter Lacey Laycock earned 37 assists and 11 digs, while Lacey Cramer finishd with 12 kills and 12 digs. Christie Carpenter added 11 kills and 16 digs.

The Knights face Skyline in the semi-finals at 12:30 p.m. Saturday after the Eagles swept American Fork 25-21, 25-12, 25-22 in the quarterfinals. Davis and American Fork will square off in consolation play at the same time.