Bengal's first title is sweet for team and former coach

SANDY — After three frustratingly close finishes, the Bengals finally earned the school's first volleyball title.

After the Bengals swept Lone Peak for the 5A crown, former Brighton volleyball coach Kathy Mendenhall embraced current coach Jeremiah Larsen in a tearful hug and mouthed the words, "Thank you."

It wasn't just because she has two daughters playing in Brighton's program, but because he helped the school she loved accomplish the ultimate goal.

"I just can't say enough about Jeremiah," said Mendenhall, who coached the Bengals for five years. "For as young as he is, he really knows how to get a team polished. Every match they were just focused on what was at hand. They peaked just when they needed to. He did a fantastic job. And the girls played great."

Brighton earned the Region 2 title, and then seemingly cruised to a 5A state title without losing a game. The Bengals didn't lose an in-state match this season with Brighton's only losses coming at an out-of-state tournament to nationally ranked teams.

The squad was loaded with height, talent and athleticism, but graduates seven seniors and loses a junior to a transfer. Senior outside hitter Krista Kelley, libero Leigha Dangerfield, libero/defensive specialist Jen Dangerfield, defensive specialist Christina Pazzi, outside hitter Kelsey Price, opposite hitter Cassandra Ricketts and middle blocker Ericka Wardell all graduate this spring. Ricketts will play at American University, while Kelley heads to Santa Clara University.

Junior setter Missy White has transferred to Waterford, which is a private 3A school, for more challenging academic classes. She has already committed to play volleyball at St. Mary's.

The team returns a number of talented athletes, led by sophomore middle hitter Aurie Robinson, who started this season for the Bengals.

The Skyline Eagles finished third behind Taylorsville, but went farther in the tournament than the Warriors. The Eagles beat Northridge and then American Fork before losing in the semifinals to Lone Peak. They went into consolation brackets, where they lost to Fremont and finished fourth in the state.

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

"It was a nice finish," he said.