The Corner Canyon High volleyball team were the fifth-ranked team heading into the 6A state tournament this season and came out even better. After a tight four-set semifinal loss against Skyridge, the Chargers outlasted Bingham in five sets 25-17, 23-25, 27-25, 19-25, 15-4 Nov. 4 at Utah Valley University to place third.

“The semifinal match was a close match and came down to executing at key moments,” said head coach Mindy Ricks. “It was a tough loss, but then the girls came back to play immediately for third place and showed true grit and determination. Playing back to back matches at the end of a tournament is tough.”

“It was a fun achievement for us to place in the top three against other really strong programs,” said first team all-region outside hitter/libero Brielle Bodily. 

“We all became a family and learned that we can do hard things. We really came together and I believe that showed in how we played in the state tournament,” said senior captain Mia Palmer, who earned second team all-region honors. 

After a first-round bye at state, Corner Canyon swept Westlake in three sets before a 25-22, 29-27, 26-24 win over Pleasant Grove in the quarterfinal round to reach the semis.

“We made a great run at the state tournament and had a great season,” Ricks said. “The girls worked hard every single practice and were dedicated to our team goals.”

Corner Canyon was led this season by first team all-state outside hitter – and BYU signee –  Elina Mortensen who put away 525 kills on the year. The senior captain also recorded 241 digs, second on the team. Bodily led the team on the defensive line with 328 digs while senior captain Palmer had 71 aces to lead the Chargers in serving. “They became the true leaders on the court,” Ricks said, also crediting her seniors for their contributions the past four years. “The seniors we have had in our program are absolutely amazing,” she said. “They have been our leaders on the court and will leave some big shoes to fill. Each senior played a crucial role for our team and we will miss them.” 

Other CCHS players recognized on the all-region team this season were junior Brooke Stauffer and sophomore Halle Bills on the first team; senior Kyra Curtis on the second team; and senior Bella Morgan, juniors Julies Barber and Madi Newbold and freshman Berkleigh Minnick as honorable mention.

“With a strong group of seniors and amazing younger girls who really stepped up and contributed, we created a desire to play for each other,” Bodily said. 

“Every single player was key for us to perform at our highest level. We had multiple younger athletes that also played a huge role with our success,” Ricks said. “We had a lot of depth this year and that allowed us to use different lineups for what we needed. Every single athlete on our JV/Varsity roster was critical.”

Also playing for the CCHS program this year were seniors Kyra Curtis and Ember Hunt, along with Maicyn Allan, Kathryn Armendariz, Sadie Brown, Kinsey Byrge, Emmie Constantine, Avery Finley, Bella Good, Paige Goodbar, Meliana Haungatau, Sophia Jeffs, Saryn Kirkham, Shayla Kirkham, Faith Kittel, Kallee Klingler, Lyla Lewis, Tori Miller, Ava Morgan, Victoria Page, Reagan Parkin, Bently Paynter, Emerson Purser, Shaylee Quintana, Libby Taylor, Adri Tebbs, Elle Tolley, Mille Van Horn, Elyse Wakumoto, Paige Wakumoto, Tess Walker and Reagan Williams.

“This season was so special because every single coach and player gave everything they had every single day,” Palmer said.

“I can’t emphasize enough how important every athlete is to our team,” Ricks said. “They push each other and hold each other accountable to do their very best in every single practice. That growth mindset and attitude are what impress me the most with these athletes.”

Ricks was assisted on the coaching staff this season by Kazna Tanuvasa, Nina Mortensen, Michael Burke, Nigel Wood, Ana Perkins and Lindsey Crook.

 “We had amazing coaches that believed in us and gave us the tools to be optimistic and driven,” Bodily said. “This year was definitely a special year for Corner Canyon!” λ