Skyline kept fighting

The Skyline Eagles had an interesting volleyball season.

They began ranked, then dropped out of the rankings after two region losses. The Eagles finished third in Region 2 but went on to have an impressive tournament run, finishing fourth in the state.

"There weren't a lot of people who believed in us this year," said coach Jami Hutchins. "But the kids believed in each other, and they kept fighting for each other."

Skyline couldn't beat Taylorsville or Brighton in region play, but Hutchins said he knew they'd do well at the tournament because of how tough they'd played even in the matches they lost.

Skyline opened the tournament by upsetting Northridge, a No. 2 seed from Region 1, and then moved on to defeat American Fork. They won both matches in three games, and despite the fact that they'd beaten Lone Peak three times earlier in the season, Hutchins was worried.

"Every player was injured," he said. "I hadn't had a healthy team all season. If we'd had a day to rest, things might have been different. But we had to play the next day."

Skyline lost to Lone Peak in four games and then lost to Fremont in consolation play.

"They were very disappointed after losing to Lone Peak ... but I was really proud of them," Hutchins said. "They just didn't have any more physically to give after that match."

Still the season had enough successes that Hutchins' team can be proud of its effort.

"It was a nice finish," he said.

Skyline loses four seniors, all starters, in Ari Logan, an outside hitter; Teresa Uipi, a middle hitter; Katie Astle, middle hitter; and Emilee Roberts, libero. Astle has signed with Utah State, while the other three are still considering offers to play in college. Uipi could play either volleyball or basketball.

And while the Eagles say goodbye to some talented seniors, Hutchins is confident they'll be contenders next season.

That's because the team returns both setters in juniors Chelsea Faalogo and Whitney Nilson and junior outside hitter Emily Dunn. All of those players started for the Eagles this season and will provide critical leadership. Junior outside hitter Zsuzsi Simon and junior libero Alex Norton both saw a lot of playing time in their respective positions.