Monticello Volleyball Closes Season At State Tournament

The Monticello volleyball team finished their season at the state tournament on Friday October 23. The lady Buckaroos were the #9 seed at the state tournament and opened play against #8 Tintic. Losing in straight sets 25-17, 25-16, and a close final set 26-24.

It was a quick turnaround for Monticello in consolation play they faced #16 Manila losing in a close game 25-18 and 25-21. Manila would go on to win two more games and place 6th at the state tournament.

Coach Janna Sandefur shared after the season that the trip to state gave a big growth opportunity to the underclassman on the team.

"Competing at State is always a thrilling experience. With eight of our twelve players making their debut on the big stage, stepping into such a massive, high-energy arena was definitely intimidating, but it was an incredible opportunity for growth."

The Buckaroos finished the season with a 13-14 record, going 7-1 in region play to share the region title with Monument Valley.

Coach Sandefur noted the Buckaroos battled through challenges on the season.

It was a hard season full of physical and mental challenges. I am so proud of all the girls for sticking it out until the end.”

Sandefur added the team built chemistry on the backs of their older players

"This volleyball season, we were fortunate to have four incredible seniors return to the court, bringing invaluable leadership and experience. Our main focus was blending their veteran presence with the raw energy and potential of our younger freshmen and sophomores to build unified team chemistry." 

Statistically Maron Freestone led the team with 222 kills on the season enough to rank 7th in the Utah 1A division, Jane Burton had 132 and Shelby Rogers had 114 on the season. 

In hitting percentage Rogers led the team averaging .17 percent good enough to rank #9 in the 1A. Josie Mack averaged .138 and Maron Freestone averaged .127

Mack led the team in serving aces with 69 on the season the third most in 1A, Freestone had 43 and Rogers had 39.

Rogers led the team in total blocks with 41, also the ninth most in the 1A ranks, while Mack had 29 and Katie Francom had 22 on the season.

Burton led the team in Digs with 288 on the season, 9th most in the 1A, while Mack had 277 and Freestone had 207.

Mack had 382 assists on the year, sixth most in 1A, while Sloan Flinn had 119 and Isabelle Lundelle had 111.

Ayslee Whipple led the team in receptions with 344, Freestone had 341 and Burton had 300.

The lady Buckaroo volleyball program will say goodbye to Jane Burton, Maron Freestone, Shelby Rogers, and Josie Mack, and look forward to building up a young group of players for the next few years.

Sandefur said, "The true highlights of our season weren't just the wins, but the moments we spent celebrating one another's success."