Prep volleyball: Lehi prevails over Herriman

Prep volleyball • Pioneers shift momentum back in its favor after dropping game 3.

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Herriman • One of the tests of a good team is how it responds to adversity.

Lehi's volleyball team embraced it head on Thursday at Herriman, overcoming a failed match point in game three to put away the Mustangs in four, 25-16, 25-18, 24-26, 25-19. With Herriman riding a wave of momentum, Lehi seized it back by opening a 13-5 lead in the fourth game.

"We're used to going five games, but we knew it's so important to come out strong," Lehi's Cydney Lund said. "We just had to play smarter and look for smarter places to put the ball. We had to come out strong and show how we play."

As easily as Herriman could have carried the momentum through the remainder of the match, Lehi (5-1 region, 12-2 overall) didn't let that happen. The Pioneers served four of their 17 aces in the fourth game. Though the Mustangs came within 23-19, Lehi capitalized on match point the second time around.

"More than anything, as a coach, you remind the kids to do what you know and trust each other," Lehi coach Jamie Ingersoll said. "It's not always about playing the hard kill. You've got to take easy kills to take the momentum back. It's a matter of setting the tone and tempo. You don't see yourself beaten."

Lehi never trailed in winning the first game and rallied from an 11-7 deficit in the second game to take its first lead at 16-15. Lehi didn't squander the lead from there, ending the second game on a 12-3 run that included eight straight points.

Not to be outdone, Herriman (3-5, 22-5) overcame seven lead changes and match point to prevail in the third game. Lehi led 24-23 before the Mustangs reeled off three consecutive points, with a block at the net extending the match.

The Pioneers already have played three five-game matches in region, defeating Lone Peak and Riverton and losing to Pleasant Grove.

Those battles made Lehi stronger, Ingersoll said.

"One more down," the veteran coach said. "Everyone is good [in region]. You have to be ready every Tuesday and Thursday."

Lund and Sydney White both led long serving rallies for Lehi, while McKayla Houghton had 16 kills and Rylin Roberts had 13. White served five aces, and Lund had 27 digs.

Lehi travels to Pleasant Grove for a rematch Tuesday, while Herriman plays at neighboring rival Riverton.