Pleasant Grove • As the 5A volleyball tournament tips off this week, Pleasant Grove coach Allyce Jones figures her Vikings are one of about eight teams with a realistic possibility of winning it all.

The Vikings came from nowhere to finish second in the 2010 tournament, and players and coaches alike figure the experience of a previous deep run can't be anything but a benefit.

"It's a different pressure because we weren't the ones to beat last year," said setter Sydney Johnson. "We're one of the favorites, so we expect there will be some pressure."

If any team is battle-tested, it's the Vikings, who played several tuneup events in preparation for their region season. Pleasant Grove defeated longtime nemesis Lone Peak twice in early-season events, but the pair split their region contests. Throw into that mix a tough Lehi squad, and the pace-setters in Region 4 found themselves in an ultracompetitive situation at least once a week.

"It's extremely difficult to get a win at either Lone Peak or Lehi," said junior outside hitter Delayne Daniel. "It will be good to play on a neutral court, and that should show who is the best team."

Lehi, Lone Peak and Pleasant Grove tied for the region title with 8-2 records. Lehi won the coin flip while Pleasant Grove finished second. The Vikings know they have to be ready to play anybody, but don't think a potential quarterfinal matchup with 26-4 Davis hasn't caught their attention.

"I love the competitiveness of this tournament and I know that whoever comes to play us will have to play their best match," said Jones. "I'm just excited to see that Utah teams have taken their programs to an elite level."

Players and coaches agree the key to a long and successful run in the 5A tournament starts with the fundamentals.

"Attacking in our serving game and passing with precision," said Johnson. "When we serve hard and pass like we know we're capable, we are pretty good."

Jones points to the play of libero McKell Staheli, who has 430 digs and typically passes to a point just inches from absolute precision.

"I just like getting on the floor and preventing someone from getting a kill," said Staheli. "These last four games are huge and I feel like I've been preparing for them all four years. … Our ultimate goal is to just come out successful." —

Pleasant Grove won't sneak up on foes this year

R A relative unknown in the 2010 tournament, the Pleasant Grove Vikings finished second in the 5A tournament after a gigantic upset of Bingham in the semifinals.

At 23-5 and a No. 2 seed from Region 4 (coin flip), the Vikings will open against Kearns on Friday before a potential matchup with a 26-4 Davis squad in the quarterfinals.

Outside hitter Delayne Daniel leads the team with 336 kills, 204 digs and 46 aces. Senior libero McKell Staheli has 430 digs on the year; that accentuates her near-perfect passing.