Lady Cowboys have a historic run, placing second at state

by Daniel Gilberg

The KHS girls volleyball team made history by going undefeated in region play and competing for the first time for the state championship title. The team is pictured here surrounding their second place trophy for state. The KHS volleyball team is coached by Andrea and Daniel Gilberg, Jessika Brinkerhoff and Jake Koelliker.

On Friday, October 29, Kanab took on Waterford in their opening game at the state playoffs. In the first set it was a back and forth battle and Waterford came out on top 25-23. Kanab regrouped and flipped the score in their favor 25-23 in the second set. Kanab would cruise from there to 25-20 and 25-17 to close out the game.

The next opponent was Duchesne and Kanab would come out and play their most complete game of the weekend. It was a sweep for Kanab 25-20, 25-21 and 25-17.

With the win, Kanab advanced to the semi-finals to take on South Sevier who they had beaten three times already this season. South Sevier came out firing in the first set and would take it 25-20. The Kanab girls, as they have done so many times this year, showed great resiliency and would go on to win the next three 25-22, 28-26 and 25-19.

The win over South Sevier advanced Kanab to their first ever championship game against North Summit. Unfortunately Kanab’s dream season came up short in the championship game as North Summit came out and played a tremendous game and would take the win 25-14, 25-17 and 25-19. They have a dynasty currently as they have now won five of the last six championships in the sport.

For the weekend, Anna Cutler led Kanab from the service line by serving at 95 percent and had a team high seven aces. The offense was led by Madi Orton who had 63 kills hitting a .233 for the tournament on 159 attacks. Abbey Bateman was next with 31 kills hitting a .179 on 95 attempts. Emilie Gilberg and Hadley Barnson also contributed 26 and 15 kills respectively for the weekend. Grayce Glover totaled 135 assists for the four games in the tournament.

The Kanab defense played exceptional all weekend with four players totaling a combined 164 digs. Haylie McQuivey played an outstanding tournament leading the team with 44 digs with London Fenus just one behind with 43. Fenus, as she has all season, also led Kanab in receptions with 89 and passing at a 2.29. Bateman and Barnson led on the block with 13 and nine blocks respectively.

Kanab closes the season at 25-6 including their best ever finish for Kanab Volleyball by placing second in the state tournament!

Coach Andrea Gilberg is so appreciative of seniors Glover and Bateman who have been tremendous players over the last four years. They have contributed so much to the program and its success through their leadership and hard work, culminating with the second place finish this year and making history for the Kanab High School Volleyball program.