3A high school volleyball: Morgan returns to top

OREM — When Ashley Garfield was a freshman, the Morgan Trojans won the 3A State Volleyball title.

But when her older sister, Chelsey Garfield, wanted to help her order a championship ring, she declined.

"She said she wanted to earn her own," said Morgan head coach Liz Wiscombe.

It took Ashley a little longer than she expected, but Saturday night in the last volleyball game of her senior season, she definitely earned that ring as she and her teammates defeated Juan Diego 25-13, 25-14, 25-17.

"It's amazing," said Garfield of earning another title for the storied program. "I can't describe it. We did not want to lose. We five seniors wanted to win a championship."

Garfield had a solid outing for the Trojans with 12 kills and nine digs, while junior Bailey Farris led the team's offense with 17 kills, four solo blocks and five digs. Marissa Wimer added three solo blocks and five kills, and Jaysee Dye earned nine digs on defense.

"We practice so hard so we could take state," said Farris. "It's so much different from last year."

Last year, the Trojans were ranked No. 1 and expected to roll to a 3A title. Instead, unranked North Sanpete caught everyone by surprise and upset the Trojans to claim the championship.

Farris said it was a shock to lose the title last season, and as painful as it was, they learned a valuable lesson.

"(We learned) we're not going to get it handed to us," Farris said. "We have to earn it."

They also learned that no matter what they're ranked, playing in a Trojan uniform means every opponent brings its best.

"There is pressure," said senior middle hitter Marissa Wimer of playing for the perennial power. "Every practice is hard. Sometimes the practices are more fun than the games. They're intense; we work hard, and they're really competitive."

Wiscombe said it's the players who've built the powerhouse.

"The kids have earned that reputation," she said. "We couldn't do a program of this magnitude without a lot of great people — the parents, the assistant coaches. Little kids come down here dreaming of playing Morgan volleyball."

Wiscombe said any tears she shed were an expression of joy that her players were able to realize a dream.

"I'm so glad when they can win it," she said. "We've beaten some very good teams to get here. Juan Diego was a very good team."

The Soaring Eagle's only region losses were to Morgan. Juan Diego was ranked fourth, but the school had never made it to the volleyball championship match.

"It feels so great," said head coach Mim Nellermoe. "I was so proud of them. Every match, we kept beating our team goals. They are like sisters; there is no drama. They're pulling for each other, supporting each other. It's been a great pleasure to coach them this year."

The Soaring Eagle was led by junior Rachel Enloe, who earned 47 kills, 49 digs and six aces in the tournament's four matches. Sophomore setter Jessika Long finished the four games with 17 kills, 18 digs and six aces. Senior Camille Tua earned 48 kills, 36 digs and six aces in the tournament, and junior Courtney Nagore had nine kills, four blocks and 8 aces.

Nellermoe said her team played well against the Trojans, who've bested every other Utah team they've played.

"We didn't give it to them," she said. "They won it. It was fantastic to be the first team in Juan Diego history to be in the finals."

She also credited her "amazing assistant coach" with helping her build something special at Juan Diego.

"We're just rising," she said. "Look out next year."

For Wiscombe and the Trojans, next year holds a lot of promise as well, but she's savoring the sweet taste of success that is finally washing away the bitterness of last year's defeat.

"Til we get the state trophy," she said of how long the sting of last year lasted. "But I sure have enjoyed the journey."

3A All-Tournament Team

MVP: Ashley Garfield, Morgan

Bailey Farris, Morgan

Ashlee Gallen, Morgan

Rachel Enloe, Juan Diego

Camille Tua, Juan Diego

Jessika Long, Juan Diego

Brooke Bliss, Deseret Hills

Shania Hurst, Hurricane

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com

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