High school volleyball: 4A preview - Snow Canyon still the team to beat

The Snow Canyon volleyball team's success has raised not only the profile of the program but the expectations of both fans and foes.

"The pressure is real," said head coach Alaina Parker. "Our student body is rabid. The girls are already being asked, 'Are you going to four-peat?'"

It isn't just the student body that expects more of the same from the three-time state champion Warriors. Snow Canyon was the overwhelming favorite in a preseason coaches poll, but that doesn't mean there won't be some surprises.

Snow Canyon is definitely the team to beat as the Warriors return a talented core of players this season. Parker will give the group plenty of opportunities for growth as she's created a tough preseason schedule that includes the state's No. 1 team, Lone Peak, as well as a tournament that includes most of the top programs in 2A through 5A.

"We hope to live up to our reputation," said Parker. "We have the potential to be the best team we've ever had at Snow Canyon. That is if they progress and develop the way they should."

The Warriors start just one senior and that's Jamaica Alisa, who returns as one of the team's middle blockers. Sophomore Leah Hager is the team's other middle and Alexa Esplin will start as the team's libero.

Sophomore setter Ciara Parker will run the offense, while junior Taylor Murphey and freshman McKenzie Wille will handle outside hitting duties.

"Four of them have good varsity experience," said Parker. And while many of them have played club volleyball, the coach said representing a high school is a lot different for many of the girls.

"The stakes are a lot higher when you come into that high school gym," she said. "The discipline is much different."

Another St. George team, Dixie, was voted No. 2 in pre-season polls. That ranking may have something to do with the fact that Dixie and Snow Canyon have played for state titles against each other for the last three years — in both 3A and 4A.

The Flyers are not the only contenders, however.

"There are going to be some surprises in 4A," said Flyers head coach Stacy Leavitt. "Spanish Fork, Springville — they look great."

She said this year's team has a lot of holes to fill, but she's confident the players will adapt.

"We don't have a lot of height," she said. "We're going to have to convert and create on offense more this year. They work hard, and they have no fear."