High school volleyball: Morgan picked at top of 3A

There is no question that Morgan head volleyball coach Liz Wiscombe knows how to teach teenage girls the game of volleyball. But in addition to passing and serving skills, Wiscombe has a successful program with seven state titles because she convinces players to contribute in a variety of ways.

Her fellow coaches respect both the coach's record and the Trojan athletes this season and voted them No. 1 in a pre-season poll. Morgan may have graduated last year's 3A MVP and the Gatorade volleyball player of the year in Chelsey Garfield, but they return plenty of firepower and a solid defense, which includes Garfield's younger sister, Ashley.

The Trojans also return middle blocker Richelle Visage, libero Mikelle Kapp, outside Karly Prescott and opposite Cambree Mellott.

Hurricane has already proved to be one of the state's top teams as they took second in the Dixie Tournament last weekend. The Tigers are led by Senior setter Megan Clyde, junior outside hitter, Kara Cotter, sophomore middle Kalistina Takau and senior libero Jordan Ha.

The Tigers did suffer a set-back when junior outside hitter Kassidy Law tore her ACL and MCL last month.

"She would have started for us," said coach Daniel Mckeehan. "We figure to be solid, if we have no more serious injuries. The girls started summer play slow, but really picked it up at the Dixie College Tournament and had a fine showing."

Mckeehan said that solid teams like Carbon, Morgan, Delta, N. Sanpete, Park City and Wasatch will make the upcoming season unpredictable and exciting.

"It should be a fun year," he said.

In addition to his returning players, Mckeehan expects sophomore outside Angela Shields, sophomore outside/libero Brooke Phillips and sophomore middle Otila Opeta to make an impact for the team. He also has newcomers Sadi Hoyt, junior, Lindsay Quilter, setter, Faye Faovasa, sophomore and Chloe Fawson, junior, who will earn varsity time and who are already having an impact for the Tigers, who were voted second in pre-season polls.

North Sanpete was voted No. 3 and boasts consistent players like Shelby Earl and Shyanne Ison, as well as Tori Cox.

Carbon has already earned a spot in the top five with returning all-state setter Julia Potts leading the way. Joy Malone, a junior middle, and Britni Greenwood, a returning outside hitter also promise to have an impact for the Dinos this season.

"The girls are feeding off our second place finish from last year," said coach Cristen Johnson. "They are willing to work hard and do what it takes to make it back to the championship game. We're not tall, but we pass the ball well and we play good defense."

Delta is another squad that could make the season interesting, and the Rabbits are led by senior Jaclyn Jones. Wasatch earned a five-game victory over Grantsville in pre-season action and the Wasps could be this season's surprise, just as Delta was last year.

3A preseason rankings

1. Morgan

2. Hurricane

3. North Sanpete

4. Grantsville

5. Judge

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com