Davis knocks Pleasant Grove out of 5A volleyball tourney

OREM — It's one thing to see potential in a team.

It is a much more difficult task, and a more satisfying victory, when a coach can convince players to see that potential in themselves.

"Our kids just played spectacular," said Davis head coach Lori Salvo after the top-ranked Darts defeated the third-ranked Pleasant Grove Vikings in dramatic fashion, 25-15, 25-21, 25-22. "We've had moments where we showed what we're capable of all season. But a complete match, this was it."

The Darts played with urgency and passion from the opening serve. They said they felt meeting such a great team in the quarterfinals was an opportunity.

"We were so excited," said junior Camille Walker, who led the Darts with 12 kills, six digs, three blocks and an ace. "We knew we had to have energy."

Both teams played well, swinging hard and making great defensive plays from stunning digs to thrilling blocks.

While Pleasant Grover hitters Delayne Daniel and Melissa Fuchs, both juniors, were powerful hitters, the Darts had some firepower of their own. In addition to Richins, Kaylie Kamahu added seven kills, seven digs and an ace, while Tani Langston added four kills, two assists, a dig and a block. Libero Baylie Henrie finished with seven digs.

Kendall Sargent, the team's sophomore setter, earned 15 assists and two digs.

Vikings' libero Mckell Staheli was outstanding as she picked up some hits that should have been kills.

But in the end, the Darts were able to keep the momentum they earned in that first game. The fact they swept such a talented, tough team helps Salvo in convincing the Darts of their potential.

"This turns a corner for them," she said. "Now they know what it's about. Now they've had that feeling."

Walker and senior outside hitter Candace Richins said they weren't intimidated by the Vikings' powerful hitters.

"We just wanted to finish it off," said Walker of the third game.

Added Richins, "To beat Pleasant Grove gives us momentum."

The reward for Davis' victory is a meeting with the defending 5A state champs, Lone Peak.

"We never talked about brackets or anything," said Salvo of the Darts' tournament prep. "We just said, 'This is who we have next.' And we have Lone Peak next."