On Friday, Sept. 21 against South Sevier, the Lady Devils dropped all three games, by scores of 8-25, 12-25 and 22-25.
“The first two games were a blur, but then we led the whole third game and then had a lapse again right at the end,” said GCHS head coach Deb Hren. She said senior Gaby Meyer led the team with seven service points, one ace, three kills, and 13 digs.
According to coach Hren, the Lady Devils set some goals after breakfast the next morning as they practiced and prepared to face region-leading Richfield on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 22.
Against Richfield, the scores were closer (21-25, 22-25 and 16-25), but the result was the same, with Grand losing in a three-game sweep.
“Other than Nikita’s [Nelson] injury the day before our loss to Emery, I have no reason for the last two losses,” said Hren. “I still feel this team has tons of talent and depth. As we discussed the goals they came up with, I told them I had complete faith in their ability to go out and beat Richfield.”
Against Richfield, Carly Dalton led the team with one ace, seven kills and seven blocks, Hren said. She noted that Nelson is almost back to full strength after her injury, and that Meyer once again played “a great, solid game.”
This week, the Lady Devils were scheduled to play Emery at Moab on Tuesday, Sept. 25, which is Grand’s homecoming game. Next week, Grand will travel to San Juan on Oct. 4 for its first region contest against the Lady Broncos. The Lady Devils defeated San Juan during a preseason tournament in St. George earlier this fall.
“The Devils need to get down to business, as our games and time are running out,” Hren said. “We need to be successful with Emery, San Juan and South Sevier, or we may not even qualify for state.”
The team is also hosting its annual “Swing for Life” benefit contest, a non-region match against Monticello on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Hren said the athletes will be auctioning off their jerseys and other donated items, with all proceeds going to benefit breast cancer research. Anyone interested in sponsoring a jersey is asked to call Hren at 435-260-1785.