Font ResizeOrem » For the first time in her four trips to Utah Valley University for the Class 1A state volleyball tournament, Piute senior Amanda Bagley feels comfortable and confident.
"This is the first time I haven't been so scared. I've been so nervous [in the past]," Bagley said. "I know we can go and play in big games."
Bagley certainly played big in Piute's 25-19, 25-20, 25-21 win over Monticello in the quarterfinals at UVU on Friday. Five of her eight blocks were in the crucial third game and she helped lead the team with 15 kills.
"I knew if I took some stuff off the net, our defense wouldn't have to work so hard," Bagley said. "I was just following their middle [Swayzi Slade]."
The Thunderbirds had control in the first game but Monticello started to take the momentum in the second. Down 18-10, the Buckaroos managed to close the gap to 21-20 behind Monticello's main three hitters -- Slade, her sister Mersadez Slade and Kendyl Boyd.
"When they got going, we got down a little big but we were just scrappy," said Kandice Gleave, who also had 15 kills for Piute. "We played for every ball and trusted each other."
Though Monticello rallied in the second game, 21-20 would be the closest they would get. Bagley recorded a kill on the next play and the Thunderbirds held on for the win.
With a three-game sweep over Monticello, Piute will play Altamont in the Class 1A semifinals today.
