Willow Canyon sets speed trap for opposition

There won't be any speed limits on the Willow Canyon High School volleyball court this season. Second-year coach Morgan Ratlief said her squad will emphasize speed and quickness to overcome a height disadvantage against most opponents. "We knew that we weren't going to have a tall team so we went to a lot of speed camps this summer," said Ratlief, who led the Wildcats to a 13-13 record last season. "Quickness is a huge strength for us." Willow Canyon also has a veteran roster which went through growing pains last season. "Last year we were a young team that frequently lacked leadership and maturity," the coach said. Willow Canyon returns five starters and six overall players from last year's squad. Key players will be senior right side hitter and outside hitter Veronica D'Amato and junior middle blocker Tanner David. "Veronica has been one of our leaders and Tanner has worked all summer on her vertical (game) and arm swings," the coach said. The squad has also received a pleasant surprise in the play of outside hitter and middle blocker Brianna Olsker, the lone sophomore on the squad. "I really didn't expect Brianna to make varsity, but she just kept getting better and working hard," Ratlief said. Willow Canyon steps up in class this season, going from Class 4A Division 1 to the Class 5A Division 2 Northwest Region. "It will be harder, but I can tell the kids are stronger," the coach said. "Last year, they had the physical ability and skills, but lacked the maturity. This team is much better." VARSITY ROSTER: Tiffany Weaver, Jadalynn Cirillo, Kelsey Anderson, Lacee Depue, Brianna Olsker, Rebecca Valdez, Irene Flores, Kourtney Roberts, Alexis Wonser, Veronica D'Amato, Tanner David, Claire Planeta, Stephanie Miller.