3A volleyball: Morgan cruises to second consecutive title

OREM — Morgan head coach Liz Wiscombe exclaimed the word "Unbelivable!" as the Trojans claimed their second straight state title in a surprising three-game sweep over Snow Canyon.

Wiscombe was "Totally surprised" to win in three straight games. "It was a total-team effort" she said of the Trojans' performance. "I told them before the match that we need to stay together, no matter what happens."

Morgan's senior leader Bailey Farris "wasn't nervous at all" as she led the Trojans with 26 kills, five solo blocks, four digs, and four serving aces.

"It's a really good feeling to end my senior season like this," Farris explained.

Farris says that the win didn't hit her until right at the very end, even though Morgan controlled the entire match. She will continue her volleyball career at Utah Valley University next year.

Ashlee Gallen also played a big part in the Trojan victory with 36 assists.

Snow Canyon was the five-time defending 4A state champs and had looked very strong as it played its way through this year's tournament.

Snow Canyon had only lost six sets all season, including one in the semifinal round against Juan Diego before dropping three straight in the championship.

The Warriors could not find an answer for Morgan's powerful serves and their UVU-bound senior in Farris.

"We lost, but we still have a lot of pride," said Warriors coach Alaina Parker as the large group of Snow Canyon students behind her chanted "Warrior Nation!"

Parker acknowledged "It hurts" that Snow Canyon's five straight title run is over, but says that good things are yet to come and the Warriors have strong underclassmen. Parker also mentioned that "It's a big deal" just to be in a position to be able to compete for the state title.

The Warriors took a tough loss, but did have some bright spots. Leah Heger recored seven kills and future BYU Cougar Ciara Parker recorded 12 digs and 13 assists.

The final score was 25-21, 25-19, and 25-13. The first set was neck-and-neck until Morgan went on a run to take a 17-13 lead and to eventually win the set.

The second set followed the same pattern with Morgan going up 18-13 and then trading points with the Warriors. The Trojans rode the momentum from their two previous wins to jump out to a 15-4 lead in the third and clinching set.

All -tournament team

Cierra Parker: Snow Canyon

Jenna Bradfield: Delta

Kennedy Springer: Delta

Jessica Long: Juan Diego

Bailey Farris: Morgan

Ashlee Gallen: Morgan