WEST VALLEY CITY — If you think the undefeated Davis Darts volleyball team would slow down during an exhibition game, you’re wrong. Davis took the opportunity to fine tune their game as they defeated Woods Cross 25-16, 25-14, 25-12. The Darts brought a new intensity to this emotional day as everyone had a state title shot in the back of their mind.

Woods Cross attacked first as Davis had a hard time setting up the spike early on. But the Darts got back on track and after a pair of great kills by Kayla Walker, Davis got the lead back and scored eight unanswered points.

Though Woods Cross rallied to keep it close, there was too much of Walker as the powerful leader scored the final four points in the first set.

Defense was a big key to this game, as Amy Dunford contested every spike possible at the net.

The second set was more of the same as the Darts used tenacious defense and Walker drilled every ball into every empty pocket on the court.

The Darts did a better job of playing set up, especially from Whitnie Henrie and Lindsay Scott. The third set saw a collective finish from all members of the team as Davis closed the door on Woods Cross for good.

“We knew what we had to do today,” Dunford said.

After the game, the seniors were acknowledged amidst cheers and some tears. With a playoff atmosphere in the air, one thing was on everyone’s mind – the 5-A title.

“We are just excited to be there,” coach Jamie Fox said. “We have been waiting.”

Davis brings a very strong squad into the tournament. They are led by a pair of strong six- footers in Walker and Dunford who bring unbelievable hits and tower defensively over the net.

They are backed up by great defensive scramblers in Scott and Tara Anderson with precise setting from Henrie. Jami Johnson is possibly one of the more unknown players, but she can hit, spike and defend with the best of them and can burn any team that doesn’t pay attention to where she is on the court at all times. Every player brings intensity and excitement to this cohesive group.

“The players bring that intensity to the court,” Fox said. “My job has been to provide them with support and information about the other team.”

The leaders point to their team unity on and off the court. Their main focus from the start has to not overlook any team, which is one of the main reasons they carry a remarkable 13-0 record into the tournament.

“We need to keep our practices intense,” Dunford said about the key to staying focused.

The Davis Darts will begin their title hunt against Copper Hills (5-5) on Friday at 1:45pm in Orem at UVSC. With their dream season on the line, the girls seem poised to finish the deal.

Whitnie Henrie said it best in a decree to the packed student section on Tuesday.

“We will leave it all on the court, no regrets!”region title. I thought we could have been the dominant team in the region.”

The Falcons now have to deal with some key senior losses.

Both offensive and defensive lines will see a hit, especially with the losses of Garcia and Mike Pendergast.

They also lose fullback Jessie Kearsley who played well down the stretch. The rest of the defense sees a return of three defensive backs and linebackers Jessie Smith and Joe Mirelli in uniform next year.

The biggest notable return will be quarterback Casey Hill. Coach Johnson now looks for leadership coming into the 2006 season.

“The kids are already talking about next year, and they seem really excited,” said Johnson. “I would really like to see the seniors become stronger leaders than we have had in the past.”

Now that Clearfield has been eliminated from the playoffs, the remaining members hope to build on that excitement and motivation and carry it into summer where the Falcons look to contend for the region title once again.

One thing is for sure, they won’t mind if they don’t face the Wolverines anytime soon.



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