No real favorite in 4A volleyball state tournament

OREM — Usually there is a favorite, that Goliath, that one team that every other squad dreams of upsetting in the state tournament.

But this year, the 4A state volleyball tournament has no favorites — and most coaches see that as a good thing.

"It's wide open, absolutely," said Box Elder head coach Kris Harding. "There are definitely some strong teams, but everyone has a great chance. … We've just got to play consistent and get hot."

Third-ranked Box Elder tied for the region title with Sky View but had a better record when it comes to games won, so the Bees earned the top seed.

"I don't think we have to play out of our minds to win," she said.

It's often said the title is up for grabs, but this year it's more true than it's been in about six years.

"I really do feel that anyone is capable of beating anyone," she said.

The Bees open with Westlake, a team Harding said is similar to her own squad. The team is led by Sommer Reader, Lacey Farley and Savannah Jones.

The top-ranked team in 4A is Skyline, the only team to navigate region play without a loss. The Eagles open with Mountain Crest and have veteran experience. The team is led by Nichol Powell, Anisa Mughal, Madison Hunt and Elsie Noorda.

Region 8 may epitomize the parity in 4A this season. With Dixie and Snow Canyon returning to the 3A ranks, the title race is wide open.

The classification's second-ranked team is co-Region 8 champion Salem Hills, a team that opens the tournament with Timpanogos, from its own region. Region 8 got an extra team in the tournament due to the fact that it has eight teams.

Salem Hills was upset by Mountain View in the last game of region play, but has a talented lineup with players like Kayla Palmer and Macky Treanor.

Timpview tied with Salem Hills for the Region 8 title, but ended up with the No. 2 seed. The fourth-ranked T-Birds open the tournament with Cyprus, and are led by Jessie Jorgensen and Megan Huddleston.

Woods Cross broke into the rankings and earned the No, 1 seed from Region 6 after beating Bountiful in the last region game of the season. The squad takes on a tough Orem team in the opening round of the tournament.

The Wildcats are led by Chole Hirst, Natalie Parsons and Alexa Leavitt.