High school volleyball: Vikings already in midseason form

SOUTH JORDAN — The preseason can be awkward, frustrating and even disappointing as individual players try to figure out how to play as a team.

That is not, however, an issue for the Pleasant Grove volleyball team.

The season is only a few weeks old, but the Vikings are already playing with precision rarely seen this early.

"We pretty much have the same starters with a couple changes," said Danica Mendivil, after the Vikings earned a sweep of Bingham, 25-15, 25-23, 25-17, on Tuesday night.

Mendivil finished with 12 kills and a block, while Jennifer Hamson slammed down 18 kills and added two blocks. Junior Kim Dahl also had eight kills as the Vikings' offense just overpowered a talented Miner squad.

"We finished strong and we started strong," said Pleasant Grove coach Jamie Schapper. "Now I just need to get them to play strong throughout."

The Vikings had very few lapses as they turned back any runs Bingham mustered. Viking setter Kemi McFarland finished with 19 assists, while senior setter Rae Mulitalo added 15 assists.

The difficulty teams will have with Pleasant Grove isthe athleticism and versatility of its players.

"That was the biggest thing for us," Schapper said. "I asked the girls, 'Are you OK with me moving people around so we stay a versatile team?' And they said yes. It allows us to be able to do different things like put a huge block where we need it."

Mendivil said the players don't mind changing their roles depending on the lineup or the opponent.

"All of our players are really diverse," she said. "We'll do whatever it takes to have every person's strength working to our advantage."

Most of the players shared the ups and downs of last season, including the thrill of making it to the 5A state championship match and the disappointment of losing to region-rival Lone Peak.

"We're just excited for this year," Mendivil said.

In addition to the impressive offense, Schapper said she was pleased with her team's passing, especially middle Melissa Rider and libero McKell Staheli.

"Not too many teams are going to have their middle (hitters) passing in the center of the back row," Schapper said. "She was passing nails tonight."

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com