Orem • It's tough to be the team to beat.
The Lone Peak girls' volleyball team, which has reached the 5A state title game every year since 2006, knows the feeling well.
It's even tougher when you're trying to do some winning on your own for the first time: An entirely new starting lineup marched onto the court Friday at UCCU Center in Orem, knowing the expectations were high.
But Lone Peak handled it well, fighting back from a third-set deficit to defeat Northridge in four sets (25-20, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19) to advance to Saturday's semifinal against Davis.
"It's an immense amount of pressure," Brynne Sorrell said.
The win didn't come without some adjustments. Lone Peak struggled on the serve from the onset, allowing Northridge to keep it close through each set.
"We really struggled with our serving game," Sorrell said. "They were able to tip on the slot, and it really hurt us. They played smart."
Soon, Lone Peak upped its game IQ as well. When the service woes continued into the third game, Makenna Santiago came in and offered a boost, digging six balls in the third set to help Lone Peak to a 3-1 set advantage.
From there, Lone Peak comfortably extended its lead in the fourth set. A few well-timed kills from Sorrell and McKenzie Willey — the duo combined for an impressive 31 in the match — delivered the final dagger in Northridge's fourth-set comeback hopes.
Taylorsville 3, Layton 1 • Taylorsville ousted Layton in its second four-set match of the day. The Warriors will now meet Lehi in their first semifinal appearance since 2008.
Davis 3, Pleasant Grove 0 • The Darts used a dominant first set to handily defeat last year's 5A runner-up in three. Camille Walker led Davis with 12 kills, six digs, three blocks and an ace.
Lehi 3, Fremont 2 • After four nail-biting sets, the Pioneers cruised past Fremont in the fifth to advance to the 5A semifinals for the first time since 2006. A series of quick kills from Bre Bailey kicked off Lehi's dominant fifth set. —
Saturday's schedule
P At UCCU Center, Orem
• Lone Peak vs. Davis, 10:30 a.m.
• Lehi vs. Taylorsville, 12:30 p.m.
