While Cottonwood returns most of last year's 4A championship volleyball team, head coach Bob Berrett is quick to remind everyone that this is a new season.
"This team doesn't have to defend what last year's team did," he said while acknowledging there is "big-time" pressure on the Colts, who were voted No. 1 in a preseason poll of 4A coaches.
"It will be interesting to see how they handle that," he said. "I think a lot of that is just going to be me."
One challenge Berrett won't face is a lack of talent. The Colts return some impressive athletes, starting with last year's 4A MVP middle hitter Kaili Aiono, who is a senior this season. The Colts have an unusual offense where they use three setters — Emily Atkinson, Caitlin Lavu and Malia Manutai — who are also effective defensive weapons.
Those setters have a lot of options, including senior outside hitter Melissa Fifita, senior outside hitter Emily Riding and middle hitter Racheal Altland.
"We distribute the ball really well," Berrett said. "Having three setters ... gives us an added dimension that a lot of teams don't have. We're able to run a lot of different things."
Most importantly, he said, this squad still acts like it has something to prove.
"They are a fun group," he said.
The Colts will have their work cut out for them in defending that title, starting with Region 6 opponents Highland, Murray and East.
Highland returns many from last year's team, and the Rams were voted No. 4 in preseason polls.
Coaches expect a lot from two newcomers to 4A as Dixie was voted No. 2 and last year's 3A champion, Snow Canyon, was voted No. 3.
The Flyers have most of last year's squad back, and Snow Canyon has a solid core returning. Dixie's Samantha Misa, who averaged 15 kills and 10 blocks last year playing middle and outside, returns for her senior season, but she was injured early in the season. Coaches expect her to return early in region play, which should help Dixie stay among the top teams in the class.
The Flyers also return middle hitter LaKell Havens, outside hitter Kari Shorr, and libero Lindsey Benham. Setter Marli Langford, a junior, will run the offense.
Snow Canyon returns not only good athletes but a lot of experience with six seniors. The team has ample power and skill with seniors Angela Walter, Anna Nostrant, Kamee Bentley and Liz McArthur.
Box Elder rounds out the top five in the preseason poll as they return five of last year's starters. Setter Brooke Tolman, middle Mandy Munns, outside Stephanie Talbot, opposite Tiffany Wilde and libero Melanie Stieg give the team experience and athleticism that should keep them in contention for the title.
Additionally, there are a number of other 4A clubs that will not only break into the top five but will likely challenge for the championship. In addition to Murray and East, Sky View, Mountain Crest, Orem and Provo all look poised to make runs of their own.
E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com