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West Valley City Journal

Wolverines volleyball team glad they get to play

Oct 26, 2020 04:50PM ● By Greg James

Hunter High School volleyball players are excited they get to play at all this season. (Photo courtesy Maafu Suliafu)

By Greg James | [email protected] 

The expansion and experience of Hunter High School’s volleyball team has followed the availability of the game to its players.

“Some girls don’t have the money to play year-round,” Wolverines head volleyball coach Maafu Suliafu said. “We have tried to provide free clinics all summer. Having the ability to play year-round helps, but our girls have really put in the work.”

Suliafu is in his first year as the Wolverines head coach. He joined the staff as an assistant last season. He has coached club volleyball in the area for nearly 15 years after moving here from Hawaii. His most recent experience includes coaching at Olympus and American Leadership high schools.

“I am happy with our season. With COVID we wondered if we were going to get to play. It has been different at every school, some schools limit spectators, and others there were none. I am happy for the girls,” Suliafu said.

Junior Seini Muamoholevea and senior Jailene Runstom are among the players Suliafu has been most impressed with this season.

“These girls have gotten increased varsity time this season. They have adapted to get better and have come a long way. I have been really impressed with our sophomores. They have been impressive and will be important for the future for Hunter volleyball,” Suliafu said.

The season has not gone without being affected by the current pandemic. The Wolverines were forced to cancel one contest because of an opponent’s positive COVID test.

“It has been difficult, but they have adjusted. We know the importance of following the guidelines. This is all brand new. We have had the girls wear masks while practicing and playing. This is a new normal. I think they understand that this is what we need to do and this season is going to be different than any other we have had,” Suliafu said.

At press deadline, the Wolverines ranked ninth in the Utah High School Activities Association’s RPI (Rating Percentage Index). The rating is a statistical system used to rank the teams. They finished last season ranked 21st. 

The higher final standing seed could mean home playoff games for the Wolverines.

“I think we could do well at state. In a couple of our preseason games, we could have won. We have learned to respect all of the teams even a good team can have an off day. I really think we could go farther than this team ever has at state,” Suliafu said.

Hunter is part of a westside resurgence in volleyball power. Several schools west of I-15 have improved in the last few years. Copper Hills took second overall last year, West Jordan is ranked seventh and Granger 13th in the current rating.

“The mindset of the girls has changed. I think access to club sports has increased and westside schools are getting better athletes to play the sport now. They are seeing volleyball in a different way now. The girls don’t just want to play now, they want to compete. Volleyball has changed on the westside,” Suliafu said.

“I feel that any lineup I put on the court has played well. The girls have been excited about working on new things and getting better at what they were doing. To be able to play makes me happy,” Suliafu said.