With the Morgan Trojans holding onto the No. 1 ranking most of the year, it might seem the 3A title is theirs to lose.

But this year, with some changes to regions and classifications, the tournament is really a wide-open race. The Trojans, who won the region title without a loss, seem to be getting better as the season progresses.

"We went 1-and-5 at the Lone Peak Tournament and 8-0 at the Utah Classic," said head coach Liz Wiscombe. "I hope that shows progression."

Morgan will rely on the leadership of its only senior, Angela Blazzard, an outside hitter.

"Blazzard is a quiet, confident leader," Wiscombe said. "She just builds confidence in us, and she competes really well."

Sophomore setter Ashley Gallen, and outside hitter Missy Wimer, as well as middles Ashley Garfield and Bailey Farris will make the Trojans tough to beat.

The second-ranked team in 3A is Richfield, a program that won the 2A title last season but then moved up in UHSAA's realignment.

The Wildcats have proven they can play with bigger schools, including an early season win against third-ranked Hurricane, the defending 3A champs.

Led by all-staters Brooke Bliss and Andrea Christensen, as well as Chelsea Willardson, the Wildcats had to overcome moving to 3A and losing five seniors. Even with just one senior on the roster, the team has been able compete with the state's best. Richfield could meet Morgan in the semifinals if it manages to get past Bear River and its second-round opponent.

The defending champions suffered a severe blow just days before the tournament. Hurricane's senior right side hitter Sadi Hoyt broke three vertebrae in her back in an ATV accident, according to head coach Daniel McKeehan. She is expected to make a full recovery but it will be a lengthy process.

The Tigers, who take on Park City in the first round Friday, remain a tough team with a good number of returning starters including senior outside hitter Kara Cotter, senior middle Chloe Fawson, junior middle Kalistina Takau and junior outside hitter Angela Shields.

Judge is a team that could cause some problems with powerful outside hitter Sekola Falemaka. North Sanpete is always tough come tournament time, as is Delta. Juan Diego will rely on Alex Cassel's hitting and Rachel Enloe's passing at UVU.

Judge versus North Sanpete and Juan Diego vs. Delta are two of the more intriguing first-round matches.