Jaguar Volleyball Determined to Finish Strong

By Greg James

West Jordan - The flashiest car on the used car lot usually gets all of the test drives. The West Jordan High School volleyball team feels like the practical car in the corner, just awaiting their turn to drive away with a new owner.

“It has been a roller coaster season. We lost five seniors from last year’s team, but I hope we finish strong and are able to make an appearance in the state tournament,” Jaguar head volleyball coach Jannette Larson said.

The Jaguars opened their season winning four of their first five games in the Utah Tournament of Champions at Skyline High School on Aug. 22. After that they began play in Region 3.  The season turned interesting with losses followed by wins, and the team searching to stay on top.

“I think everyone is on the same page. Our region is good: there are the top three teams, and then everyone else fighting for that fourth spot. These girls do not give up. We may not have the most talent in the state, so we build on each other. Chemistry can win over talent,” Larson said.

On Oct. 1 senior Siki Suguturaga had 13 kills and six blocks, while senior Lindsey Walker added 15 digs to help the Jaguars defeat Taylorsville 3-1.  Against Copper Hills on Sept. 15, Taylor Thompson had 14 kills and Lexi Wolfgram added 38 assists in the Jaguars 3-1 victory. 

“I feel really good about our season so far. We have some tough teams in our region, but we have been able to play with them and it has been a lot of fun. When we play our game, we can really play with anyone,” Walker said.

Middle blocker Jessi Pilivi and Suguturaga, an outside hitter, are the team captains.  Walker, Pilivi, Suguturaga and Taylor Thompson are the team’s only seniors.

“I think we are pretty scrappy and we hustle. We make unconventional plays that our opponents are definitely not expecting. I think we may not always look the cleanest, but we get the job done,” Walker said.

Walker was named to the Deseret News Academic All-State Team. To be eligible the player must be a senior that has maintained a 3.5 or higher grade point average, be a regular varsity player and be nominated by their coach or athletic director.

At press time they stand in fourth place with a 4-5 record. They have three scheduled games remaining. The results of their final three games will determine if they qualify for the state tournament. The tournament is scheduled to begin Thursday, Nov. 5 at Utah Valley University in Provo.