This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Highland • Tuesday's volleyball match between No. 1 Lone Peak and No. 3 Pleasant Grove had instant classic written all over it, but the Knights showed some championship moxie by coming from behind in the first and third sets for a 3-0 home victory.
McKenzie Willey recorded 14 kills but got some help from Jaiden Ackerman, who notched 13 kills, to help Lone Peak post a 26-24, 25-16, 27-24 win.
"We've really been practicing hard, and I think that effort transferred to tonight's game," Ackerman said.
While the 3-0 result may sound like the Knights rolled, Pleasant Grove had a 23-21 lead in the first set. But Lone Peak responded, as Ackerman and Willey both notched kills to tie the set. Willey then responded with a timely dink before the set ended on a Pleasant Grove hitting error.
"I'm really proud of these girls for not losing their composure," Lone Peak coach Deanna Meyer said. "We've been behind late in a few games this year, and they always seem to find a way."
Pleasant Grove fell behind 14-6 in the second set, and despite some big hitting from Melissa Fuchs, it never regained its composure.
Both teams played well in the final set.
Pleasant Grove led 25-24, but a Vikings service error tied the set. Outside hitter Brooklyn Langhaim won a point at the net to put the Knights up by one, and Willey ended the match with a well-placed kill.
"I thought we struggled with our serving errors in Game 1, but we cleaned that up the rest of the way," Meyer said. "Defensively, I thought we dug out some tough balls and that helped." —
Lone Peak 3, Pleasant Grove 0
R Jaiden Ackerman and McKenzie Willey combine for 27 kills to lead No. 1 Lone Peak to the win.