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.