Maple Mountain did plenty to earn the No. 1 seed in the first-ever 5A boys volleyball tournament in the state of Utah.

The Golden Eagles posted a 21-2 record and have won 14 matches in a row heading into tournament play at Utah Valley’s UCCU Center starting May 16. Maple Mountain will take on the winner of the Box Elder-Woods Cross first round game, which is Tuesday.

“Our team chemistry is probably on the best in the state,” junior opposite hitter Trey Thornton said. “We’ve been going through the highs and lows with this team and that really helps you bond. It’s really helpful. I think we’re probably one of the biggest and most physical teams so having that in your back pocket really helps.”

Thornton, a BYU commit, is second in the state in kills with 365 (4.5 per set) but isn’t the Golden Eagles’ only weapon. Outside hitters Mac Hillman (145 kills, 1.8 per set) and Gavin Pricer (139, 1.7 per set) can also put the ball away and sophomore setter Taft Hillman (9.2 assists per set) is a blossoming star.

Maple Mountain will be challenged by No. 2 seed Olympus (23-4), through the Golden Eagles own a 3-1 victory against the Titans earlier this season.

Wasatch (14-8) was awarded the No. 4 seed, Spanish Fork (18-9) the No. 5 seed and Timpview (17-11) the No. 7 seed.

First round play is Tuesday with No. 13 Salem Hills (10-16) hosting No. 20 West (8-15) and No. 18 Springville (7-15) at No. 15 Cedar Valley (11-15) highlighting local action.

Herriman (22-4) earned the top seed in the 6A RPI and will be one of the favorites in that tournament, which also open with first round games on Tuesday and compete at the UCCU Center at the same time as the 5A event. Region 3 is well represented in the 6A seeding with No. 2 Westlake (16-4), No. 3 Pleasant Grove (23-5) and No. 5 Lone Peak (21-6) threats to make a run.

There are only two first round matches for 6A, with No. 16 Lehi (4-15) hosting No. 17 Fremont and No. 18 Layton (1-14) traveling to No. 15 Weber (11-12).

The 4A Tournament will continue on Friday and Saturday at the UCCU Center beginning with quarterfinal matches at 4 and 5:30 p.m. Orem (25-3) is the No. 1 seed and will play No. 16 Hurricane (11-14) in one of the 4 p.m. quarterfinals. The championship match is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Spanish Fork tops 5A softball seeding

May weather patterns may be unpredictable in Utah but there is one sure thing this time of year: Spanish Fork grabbing the No. 1 seed in the state softball tournament.

For the fourth straight year, the Dons will open the 5A tournament as the top seed. Spanish Fork (23-2) has a bye to the Super Regionals, which begin on May 16.

The Dons, coached by Natalie Jarvis, have won the past three 5A titles and have reeled off 21 victories in a row since a 7-2 loss to Desert Hills at the Snow Canyon Tournament on March 15. Spanish Fork has two victories against No. 2 seed Springville (23-5), though the Red Devils pushed their rivals to eight innings before dropping a 3-2 decision on March 27.

Regional action begins on Saturday with Game 1 in eight best-of-three matchups. No. 13 Cedar Valley (11-13) hosts No. 20 Alta (8-10), No. 23 Timpview (5-15) travels to No. 10 Olympus (14-8), No. 11 Maple Mountain (9-13) entertains No. 22 Northridge and No. 19 Wasatch (5-19) goes to No. 14 Clearfield. Game 2 (and Game 3 if necessary) will be played on Monday.

6A Boys Tennis Day 1

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