The loss of life of a South Sevier Excessive College pupil earlier this week left a group in ache, however individuals nonetheless rallied across the college’s volleyball group.
South Sevier defeated Draper APA 25-23, 25-19, 25-17 and Duchesne 27-27, 25-27, 23-25, 25-21 Friday in Richfield through the 2A state match to advance to the match semifinals on Saturday.
“It’s been a tough week locally, so this feels good,” stated South Sevier coach Sharie Bigelow. “They performed unfastened and had somewhat enjoyable with the sport.”
The Rams got here into the match because the thirteenth seed, and ended up booting each the No. 4 and 5 groups out of rivalry Friday.
Kenzie Parsons as a freshman has been one of many group’s go-to gamers this 12 months, and Friday’s matches have been no exception as she swatted away a number of pictures on the web.
“Kinley Jenson, our different center blocker has additionally been nice,” Bigelow stated. “She’s sensible and might bounce excessive.
“We’ve been telling all of them season that their document doesn’t replicate how good they're. We informed them that is their likelihood. They've a possibility right here and I hope they take it. Now we have nothing to lose. Nobody anticipated us to be right here, so we could as nicely play our hearts out.”
South Sevier will likely be going through Parowan within the semifinals Saturday.
Parowan got here out on high in a four-set match towards North Sevier Friday, even after shedding the primary set huge, 25-13.
“They gave us a scare,” stated Parowan coach Macey Yardley. “We didn’t anticipate the primary recreation to look the way in which it did, however I’m happy with the ladies for having the ability to bounce again.”
Parowan gained the subsequent three 25-22, 25-20, 25-20.
“We at all times preach to them that’s the very best factor about volleyball,” Yardley stated. “They'll beat you by 25, however the subsequent recreation begins at zero and it’s a brand new mentality.”
Whereas Parowan earned the highest seed within the match, it included a bullseye on its again, Yardley stated.
“We're very conscious of South Sevier,” Yardley stated of her group’s subsequent opponent.
Earlier within the 12 months, South Sevier was capable of stand up on Parowan 2-0, in order that they symbolize a menace.
“Parowan volleyball hasn’t had a whole lot of success, so having this strain on their shoulders has been huge,” Yardley stated. “They're weathering the storm very well. I’m actually happy with them.”
Paige Felder, a sophomore, has been a key element for Parowan as she has hit the 30 mark on kills a number of occasions this season, and Yardley stated Maddie Adams “has been an absolute defensive monster for us.”
As well as, setter Lanie Williams has additionally been an element, retaining the opposite facet guessing as to the place the subsequent shot may come from.
In different motion Friday, No. 2 Kanab took care of enterprise by defeating Rowland Corridor 25-9, 25-7, 25-11 and Waterford 25-19, 25-15, 25-12.
“Something we are able to management, we work on,” stated Kami Houston, Kanab’s head coach. “Now we have a tricky area,” Houston stated. “We and Parowan cut up, so it’s been a whole lot of enjoyable.”
Houston stated her gamers like to play volleyball and compete.
“I’ve been teaching the juniors within the feeder program for years,” Houston stated, which has began to repay.
“It’s actually been a group effort for us,” Houston stated. “We’re simply going to maintain battling for every ball and every level and hope that it goes our means.”
Kanab will face North Summit in Saturday’s semifinals.
No. 3 North Summit outlasted Millard in a brutal five-set match Friday evening to safe its spot within the semifinals.
That got here after Millard swept North Summit earlier this season.
“We knew it was going to be a battle,” North Summit coach Samantha Stephens stated. “They're an ideal group.”
North Summit gained the primary recreation 25-18 Friday, however the Eagles gained the subsequent two 25-21, 25-15.
North Summit was capable of cement the win with a 25-20 victory within the fourth, after which a dominant 15-7 cap.
“In that final recreation they realized they wished to take management and never simply let issues occur,” Stephens stated.
With 5 sophomores on the court docket, North Summit is counting on a younger slate of gamers by way of this season.
“We’ve had some ups and downs,” Stephens stated. “I’m simply actually proud they got here again and labored arduous.’
Presley Peterson, a junior, has been main the group in kills, particularly when she will be able to get an excellent arrange. Avery Judi, a senior, and Hayzlyn Murdock additionally did nice work on the web going through off towards some very powerful blockers from Millard, Stephens stated.
North Summit additionally defeated Wasatch Academy 25-18, 25-11, 25-11 earlier within the day.
The match is about to conclude Saturday on the Sevier Valley Middle in Richfield.