Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
OREM — Seven championships since 2017 is what you call an empire; five in a row is a dynasty.
Lone Peak defeated No. 1 seed Pleasant Grove to secure its fifth consecutive state title to stand alone at the top again. Not only were the Knights a whole new team, they also had a whole new coaching staff, as well.
"It always feels special," head coach Matthew Moeai said. "It is a different group, but it is more special."
The Knights used a reverse sweep over Mountain Ridge in the semifinal to get to the championship where its star took over.
Sophomore Ava Burgess recorded 20 kills, 20 digs, and two blocks while hitting .300 in the championship game, allowing the Knights to win 3-1 (25-19, 25-18, 14-25, 25-20) to crown the team champions for her second time in her young career.
In the first set, Lone Peak started hot, taking a 12-7 lead that grew into a 19-13 lead, prompting a Pleasant Grove timeout. The Knights lead was enough for them to cruise to a 25-19 victory in the first set.
The second set was just as dominant for the Knights, opening up with a 9-3 run. Before the Vikings had time to breathe, Lone Peak's lead swelled to 21-12, which eventually resulted in a second set victory.
But that's when the Vikings awoke.
The No. 1 seed was destined to fight. Pleasant Grove took a strong 12-2 lead to start the set, and grew it to 21-9, where it looked like all the momentum was swinging their way.
"PG is a phenomenal team and they know us better than anyone," Moeai said. "They had players who matched up with our players, and it made us a little uncomfortable. We just had to go back to our plan."
The plan worked.
The fourth set consisted of back-and-forth play throuhgout, with both teams trading blow for blow. The highlight came when Burgess reached over her team's bench to save a ball that resulted in a point, which propelled the Vikings to a 19-17 lead.
The lead was enough for Lone Peak to take the fourth and final set, securing the victory.
"My sister was a really big part of last year, but it pushed me to be just like her. It pushed me to the next level," Burgess said, speaking about, Zoey Burgess, who was named Ms. Volleyball by the Deseret News last season. Ava and Zoey are also the daughter of BYU basketball assistant coach Chris Burgess.
The Knights reigned victorious once again, and will look to make it a six-peat next season.
