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Ogden University's Aaron Butler, 2, swings during the 3A boys volleyball state semifinal game against Grantsville on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the UCCU Center in Orem.
Darnell Dixon, Daily Herald
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Morgan University's Dex Wallin (center) passes the ball during the 3A boys volleyball state semifinal game against North Sanpete on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the UCCU Center in Orem.
Darnell Dixon, Daily Herald
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Ogden University's Aaron Butler, 2, swings during the 3A boys volleyball state semifinal game against Grantsville on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the UCCU Center in Orem.
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Morgan University's Dex Wallin (center) passes the ball during the 3A boys volleyball state semifinal game against North Sanpete on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the UCCU Center in Orem.
OREM — Trailing 18-15 in the deciding set of the final game of the 2024 season, the Ogden Tigers needed a boost.
They got that momentum in the form of sophomore Keene Krauser.
On Saturday, the Tigers scored 10 straight points to earn a 2-1 (25-18, 20-25, 25-18) repechage victory, with Krauser scoring nine straight points, including four aces. The win earned Ogden his third-place finish at his 3A boys volleyball state tournament held at the UCCU Center.
There's nothing more important than a little service pressure to turn things around.
“Keene does a great job with his serve,” Ogden coach Tim Wright said. “He made a solid goal and we were glad he made it. We had a timeout and we talked a lot with the players about whether we really wanted this or not. We're here, You can get sent off, you can do your best and put pressure on the other team.”
The two teams split two games during the regular season, and although they had disappointing results in the semifinals, they will meet again. The Tigers were swept by eventual champion and No. 1 seed Grantsville (28-26, 25-18, 27-25), and Morgan lost 3-1 to No. 2 seed North Sanpete (25-9, 25 -16, 23-) 25, 25-16).
“We talked about the loss of Grantsville,” Wright said. “We talked about having five seconds to forget and move on to the next step. We use that as a principle. We tell them, 'You have this much time to think and process. “said. Once that's done, move on to the next game. Because that's our new focus. ”
Ogden played well to take the first set, but Morgan also won the second set and freshman Caleb Stevens hit an ace on set point to take the third set.
Morgan's strong play continued in the third set as the Trojans built a 16-11 lead on a kill from Madden Bell. At 18-15, Krauser stepped up to the service line and the tide suddenly changed. Three straight aces from Krauser gave Ogden a 20-18 lead, and another ace gave the Tigers match point at 24-18. Gavin Ording made the decisive attack and secured a third place finish.
“This year has been a lot of fun,” Wright said. “There were a lot of kids who came who had never played volleyball before. What I'm most proud of, and what I'm most proud of, and we had a great season, was that all the players loved playing the game. love the sport. That's what we really want. They know how much fun it is and understand what it's like to play. It was fun to be able to let more people know what a great sport it is.”
Ogden, the No. 5 seed in the tournament, finished the season with a record of 15 wins and 12 losses. Morgan, the No. 6 seed, finished the season with 13 wins and 10 losses, placing fourth in the tournament.
No. 6 seed Layton Christian (20-7) lost 2-0 (25-20, 25-19) to No. 8 seed Mountain View on Saturday in the Class 4A Tournament at UCCU Center. , took 7th place.
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