Last year, the Cottonwood volleyball team went 0-13 under the direction of then first-year head coach Michaela Hatch. But, as the great Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “the only constant is change.” 

“Our first win against Highland was a great start to the season,” said Hatch about the Colts’ win, Aug. 10. “The girls have trained incredibly hard through all of last season, and in the off season, and they are now getting the return on that investment.” 

Cottonwood [1-0] won the first game, 25-21. But, Highland bounced back to take the second game, 25-21. 

The Colts galloped on, winning the third game 25-22, and then closed out the home opener by taking the fourth game from Highland, 25-21. 

“Sophomore Saris Rengifo and Mariah Stolp, a senior, went on several aggressive serving runs throughout the night,” Hatch said. “And we've got a strong right side block between opposite Eimi Vatuvei, a sophomore, and our middle blockers, freshman Ellie White and junior Abby Salisbury.” 

It was Cottonwood’s first win under coach Hatch. And the Colts are off to a 1-0 start with this nonregion win over Highland. 

A lot of that cohesion this early in the season can also be attributed to the players Hatch is fortunate to bring back. 

“I am lucky to have a lot of returning players this year, including our captains, seniors Haley Ngu and Mia Peterson as well as Abby Salisbury, a junior, as well as a new transfer, senior Mariah Stolp,” Hatch said.  

By press time, the Colts will be serving up their first points as a member of Class 4A Region 10. 

Comprising of crosstown rivals Hillcrest and Murray, as well as former Region 7 foes Stansbury and Tooele, Region 10 will also sprinkle in Jordan and Park City in what is sure to be a competitive league—one that the second-year coach is looking forward to watching blossom into something remarkable. 

“We also have a lot of raw talent with a ton of potential,” Hatch added. “I am looking forward to watching them grow and develop their skills and mental game as the season goes on.” λ