High school volleyball: Dynamic tourney awaits 5A spikers

With the same team at the top of the rankings most of the season, it would seem the 5A tournament should be more predictable than it is.

Changes to regions and the classification, however, ensure this tournament will be a thriller from the opening round Friday at UVU's McKay Events Center.

"It's one of the strongest years in 5A that I've seen in a long time," said Lone Peak head coach Deanna Meyer. "Everyone has beaten everyone else. It's kind of exciting to get in there and play and just see what happens."

The Knights are defending state champions, but they lost twice in region play to top-ranked Pleasant Grove, the same team they beat in last year's state tournament.

"It's so dynamic this year," said Meyer.

The Vikings returned nearly all of last year's second-place squad, and they've only dropped three matches all year. They're led by ASU-bound Danica Mendivil, Jen Hamson, Kemi McFarland, Rae Mulitalo and Kim Dahl.

The Vikings face Weber in the first round of the playoffs, while the fifth-ranked Knights will take on the only Utah team to beat Pleasant Grove — Taylorsville.

The Knights have had players out with the novel H1N1 influenza, but they're hoping to be healthy by Friday. The team will rely on Coralie Jarema, her twin sister Chloe Jarema, outside hitter Cami Richan, setter Kix Adolpho, right side Whitney Johnson and outside Ashlan Rogers.

The Warriors have some promising young players who will make that first round interesting. Taylorsville relies on Miceala Seaman, Trinity Taylor, Maia Sears and Sam Staker.

Second-ranked Hunter will take on Davis, while third-ranked Bingham faces Alta in the opening round. The Wolverines have some impressive hitters who led them to a first-place tie for the region title. They're led by Lusia Angilau, Innie Pataialii, Tagia Alofipo, Adelaide Kaufusi and Faye Vaovasa. The Miners are athletic and deep and could also compete for top honors. They're led by Rachael Gines, Dankia Youngblood and Aubree Williams.

Fourth-ranked Northridge will play Murray in the first round, a team that is new to 5A.

The Knights are led by three-year starting setter Sierra Hansen.

"We really look to her for leadership," said head coach Shauna Haney. The team also relies on the leadership and athletic ability of senior outside Candace Clifford and senior outside/middle hitter Kelsey Cate, who missed a week due to a shoulder injury.