High school volleyball: Broncos pick up pieces, win third place

OREM — One of the toughest things to do after a loss is turn around and compete for an award most never aspire to earn.

That's the position the San Juan Broncos were in Saturday in the 2A State Volleyball Tournament. The fourth-ranked team lost to second-ranked South Sevier at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and then had to play third-ranked North Summit for third place at 3:30 p.m.

"My dad said to me, 'This is a lesson you haven't had to teach for a while'," said Broncos coach Cassy Moon after the Broncos swept the Braves 25-23, 28-26, 25-19. "And I haven't, for five years, I haven't had to do this. ... It's hard to tell the seniors, Everybody is hurting, but we've got a game to play."

She acknowledged their pain and told them that she was also heart-broken not to be playing for another title. Disappointment, she told them, is just part of life.

"Every day we get up, we win," she said. "The people who quit are the ones who lose."

The Broncos didn't just show up for their consolation match against a tough Braves team, they fought hard for every point. The squad was led by senior setter Sagan Shumway, who earned 40 assists, while sophomore middle Kelsi Meyer led the team offensively with 13 kills.

Junior Brooke Bowring added seven kills, junior Alisha Tate put down five kills and junior Alyssa Simpson earned nine kills in the win. Junior Briona Laws made it a team effort with 12 kills, and libero Shaylee Grover picked up 13 digs. Moon also praised the play of defensive specialist Cassi Hosler, whom she said, "Caused all kinds of problems for (the Braves)."

Moon said one of the highlights for the squad was when senior hitter Heather Meyer was able to play in their semi-final match against South Sevier. She injured her knee in July and was just recently told by a doctor she could probably play a little.

The coach had reservations, but Meyer was persistent got in a few games during the tournament, although not the final win.

"She got to play one more time," said Moon. "Kids were giving up their spots to let her play."

The Broncos had to replace four of their five starting hitters this year and improved a lot from the beginning of the season. Moon said ending the year with a win is important because it sends the seniors out on the right note and sends a message to the team's younger players.

"It gives the seniors a good memory to know they are tough," she said choking back emotion.

The Braves lost in the semi-finals to Richfield and played well in their loss to San Juan. They were led by senior setter Jenessa Williams and senior outside hitter Sofia Stephens. They finish in fourth place.

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com