| The Emery volleyball team spreads their team spirit. |
New head coach Melissa Esplin is finding success on the floor slower than she would like as the 2007 season begins. “In every game we have played, with every team we have faced we have just not found a way to win,” she said.
Melissa took over the program this year after serving as an assistant last season. She believes the volleyball program “is improving and the ladies are working really hard.”
To open the season, the team went to St. George for a tournament. They defeated Union to open the tournament and then lost games against San Juan, Hurricane, Piute and Park City.
The team then came home for the opening match of the year and hosted Uintah. The Emery sophomores lost 19-25, 21-25, 16-14 and 7-15. Playing for the sophomores are Nikki Rogers, Jessica Murray, Kristiann Grange, Ashley Alger, Markette Tanner, Michelle Oliver, Brooke Jensen and Taylor Mann.
The JV then took the floor and won 25-16, 20-25, 11-15, 15-8 and 15-11. JV starters are Frankie Komar, Sierra Bridgewater, Lacey Montgomery, Markette Tanner, Michelle Oliver and Danavin Reed.
The varsity then lost their match 25-22, 19-25, 22-25 and 20-25. Starters are Meagan Pearson, Jalee Jensen, Abbie Kay, Jodie Robertson, Chelsea Skinner, Sierra Bridgewater, Madison Jensen and Frankie Komar.
The team then went to Weber High for a tournament on the weekend. Emery defeated Grantsville and Cyprus and lost to West, Bonneville, Hillcrest, Weber, North Summit and Roy. In the tournament, Komar injured her wrist. Komar is the best setter on the team.
Despite the record, Esplin and the girls “know that we can get better, we know the things we need to work on.”
The team travels this week to Salina and Richfield and will be home again on Sept. 11 when they host Duchesne.