"They've got a very good team," Skyline coach Jami Hutchins said. "We had trouble stopping them one-through-25 today."
Lone Peak did have there fair share of problems with Skyline in the first set. But what hurt the Eagles' chances of winning the opener only foreshadowed how the remaining two sets would play out.
Trailing 24-21 in the first, Skyline's Lisa Dickson's serve went long to give the Knights the momentum. It was only one of many errors Skyline would commit against Lone Peak. In all three sets, it was Skyline did plenty to beat itself. But it's to be expected, considering the Eagles are in a transition year with an entirely new lineup after their 5A runner-up finish last season.
It can be seen the Eagles are making progress. Although it wasn't radiating on Tuesday's scoreboard, Hutchins' players are getting better.
"This team shows moments of greatness . . . we just need to quit making silly mistakes. But we're young and that's going to happen," he said.
Lone Peak however, is a team poised to win now.
The Knights' play against Skyline showed no reason to think they won't be able to defend their 5A title. With Whitney Johnson, and Twins Chloe and Coralie Jarema patrolling the net, Aubrey Muaina supplying the kills, and setter Heather Hanneman providing leadership, they'll be tough to beat.
With the win, Lone Peak closes its nonregion schedule with momentum. Despite the domination, Hanneman says they're not in stride just yet. Acknowledging Lone Peak always want to come out and play well, especially the nonregion games.
But she says her squad has a lot of potential to fill before the season's over. Just like Skyline.
