Despite falling in a play-in game that would have sent them to the state tournament, the Intermountain Christian volleyball team considers the recently completed season a success. The Lions, who only competed with 11 players, finished with a 17-13 record, including a 7-5 mark in Region 17, but the team feels the record doesn't tell the entire story.

"This season was really a journey," said senior Abby Moore, who was named to the all-region team. "We learned over the season to value winning as much as relationships and what we could learn from each other. We obviously wanted to win each match but things became more clear at the end of the season looking back about what was important."

The journey began when only 11 players signed up for the volleyball team, which is five fewer than the team's previous low of 16 players. The low number concerned the Lions.

"Looking at the size of the team, we knew it would be a challenge and wondered how it would work," said junior Emily Horak. "Only having 11 challenged us to step up and pushed us to work harder. I really think it motivated us."

During the course of the season injuries plagued Intermountain Christian and at one point, three players were unable to play. With a shorthanded team becoming even more restricted, coach Melisa Blanken turned to three freshmen and three sophomores to fill the gap.

"With the injures, we became even more limited and lost a lot of experience," said Blanken. "It was very encouraging to watch the freshmen and sophomores step up and compete."

The Lions hobbled into a late season match against region power Layton Christian. Intermountain Christian lost the first two sets, but stormed back to win the next two. The Lions lost the final set but Blanken said that game showed how far the team had come.

"The Layton Christian match helped the team understand what they are capable of," said Blanken. "Battling back from being down showed the girls what the future can hold."

The future does look bright for Intermountain Christian volleyball. With Moore being the team's only senior the Lions will return 10 varsity players in 2012.

"We have high hopes for next season," said Horak. "Ending this season with a loss has me even more excited for next year." —

Big Number • 11 Number of consecutive shutouts posted by the Taylorsville volleyball team. The Warriors begin state tournament play on Friday at UVU.

Player • Dylan Daugherty Skyline running back. Daugherty ran for 145 yards and one touchdown in the Eagles first round victory.

Game • State quarterfinal football: Bountiful at Olympus Friday, Nov. 4 and Skyline at East, Friday Nov. 4.