The Grantsville High volleyball team opened region play Thursday by sweeping last year's region champs Bear River 25-21, 25-15, 25-17. It was a big victory for the experienced Cowboy team which should challenge for the region title this year.

"We started out really slow and didn't have great passing at first and Brooke (Bakker) wasn't getting her sets," said Grantsville coach Heidi Jo Heath.

Junior Annie Young came into the game and helped fire up the team with some strong passing and Bakker is a talented outside hitter when she gets her sets.

Grantsville came from behind in the first game to win 25-21. The coach said Kylee Erickson was huge in the contest with five consecutive kills to set the tone for Grantsville. Paige Allred has also stepped up the last couple of weeks.

"We're pretty tall and we have a lot of experience this year. The biggest key so far is that the team has that deep down desire to compete hard and win," Heath said.

The task become extra difficult tonight when Morgan comes to town, but Heath said her squad is ready. On Thursday Logan plays at Grantsville and coach Heath said her team is looking to sweep the Grizzlies this year after splitting matches last season.

Tooele drops match

Springville defeated Tooele Thursday 25-12, 25-19, 25-21. The Lady Buffs host Orem tonight and travel to Mountain View Thursday.

Mark Watson: mwatson@tooeletranscript.com