High school volleyball: Good early matchups at 4A tourney

It isn't often that the playoffs pit two ranked teams against each other in the first round.

While there are the occasional upsets, this year volleyball fans will be treated to watching fourth-ranked Springville take on fifth-ranked Dixie in one of the first matches of the day Friday at UVU's McKay Event Center.

Both teams are No. 2 seeds with the chance to really make waves at the tournament. Springville is an athletic team led by setter Jenny Scott, outside hitter Shea Aldana, outside Kristin Clark and middle Tara Andrus.

The fifth-ranked Flyers only return two of last year's second-place team, but they have been competitive, even against 5A teams.

Senior Jennika Wright and setter Jaimee Clark will be key for the Flyers who have fourth-ranked Springville in the first round.

Of course, this year's tournament has a favorite in top-ranked Snow Canyon.

The Warriors have won three straight titles and look poised to earn a fourth behind the leadership of sophomore setter Cierra Parker. McKenzie Willey, Jamaica Alisa and Taylor Murphey also return to ensure the Warriors are in the mix for a fourth straight title.

Second-ranked Spanish Fork will be tough behind the play of University of Utah commit Erin Redd and SUU commit Kylie Schofield. Setter Danee Merrell is also a key contributor.

The Dons will take on Mountain Crest in the first round, a team very capable of pulling off an upset.

Third-ranked Highland will take on Westlake, a new high school in Utah County. The Rams will rely on senior middle Niki Lolohea, outside Kave Leaatoa and sisters Sela Matemate and Lolo Matemate.

Mountain View is a squad that is playing well and the Bruins will rely on Chelsey Schofield and Heather Glassford to help them compete in the wide-open field.

Sky View isn't ranked but the Bobcats won the region title behind the tough play of Aubrey Boehme, Mariah Job, Amy Andrus and Laura Mortenson.

Olympus is a team that could make a run with players like Maline Vaitai, Karliann Ence and junior outside hitter Alli Spurrier.

The 4A state championship is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com