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Silverwolves Hope to Advance to State Tournament

Oct 06, 2016 03:08PM ● By Greg James

Riverton senior Maryn Davis averages 6.3 assists per match for the Silverwolves. (Dave Sanderson/dsandersonpics.com)

By Greg James |  [email protected]


The Riverton High School girls volleyball team started this season on a roll, but head coach Diane Struck feels it hasn’t capped their potential.

“I feel OK about our season so far,” Struck said. “We have a good group of girls. I do not think we have reached our peak yet. We have a lot of work to do, but I feel optimistic with this group.”

The Silverwolves won their first four matches to start the season. This included a 3-2 win over Westlake in their first region match. After a loss to Lehi, they rebounded to beat Herriman at home 3-0.

“This is a great region,” she said. “Every single game is a battle. It just makes us better and we have to work that much harder. We can play with any of these teams, but we cannot overlook anyone.” 

Maxpreps ranks the Silverwolves as the ninth best team in the state. 

Senior Callisa Candalot leads the team in kills with 77, that is among the top 30 players in the state. Sophomore Briana Averett is close behind Candalot with 62.

“That is one of our team strengths—we do not have one player that is exceptional,” Struck said. “Everyone has to rise to the top level. Every time each of them step on the court they are important. We also have great team chemistry. These girls have played together for a long time.” 

Riverton cruised to victory over the neighboring Herriman Mustangs on Sept. 15, 25-19, 25-20 and 25-18. Candalot scored 13 kills and five service aces, but the team defense held its own, as they only had two ball-handling errors. 

“The girls get really excited when we play Herriman, and more students come out to watch that match,” Struck said. “We want to play well against them. Our girls have friends on that team, but with club volleyball and social media, they have friends on almost every team we play. That can make for a fun element of the games.” 

Stuck is starting her second year as the Silverwolves head coach. Last season they qualified for the state tournament and placed eighth overall. 

Seniors lead the in all the major statistical categories. Candalot leads in kills; Ari Tuaitanu has 18 blocks, Katrina Weeks has 94 digs and Maryn Davis has 132 assists.

 “This season we are taking it game by game,” Struck said. “We focus on our next opponent and what we need to do. We try to play well in every match, and hopefully that will get us where we want to be.” 

Struck said she is impressed with this group of girls.

“I have coached for 10 or 11 years, and this is the best group I have ever had to work with,” she said. “They are all good girls and very coachable. It is an honor to work with them.” 

The 5A state volleyball is tournament is scheduled for Nov. 4–5 at Utah Valley University.