Lancer volleyball set on improvement this season
Apr 22, 2025 12:05PM ● By Greg James
The Granger boys volleyball team has its eyes set on improving on last year by advancing in the state tournament. Volleyball has become infectious at the school.
“I think it's really cool, last year was our first season and it has been fun to try a new sport,” Granger senior Mason Biddulph said. “I had never played before that.”
Last season ended in a loss in the first round of the state tournament. This year the team has goals to improve.
The Lancers faced Hillcrest April 4 in a pivotal contest for their season. The Huskies jumped out to a one set advantage, but Granger never let up. The Lancers tied up two sets a piece and trailed 4-0 in the fifth before storming back to win the final point.
“We struggled with confidence last season,” Lancer head coach Kendal Hess said. “They have really increased that confidence this year. It helps us in these kinds of matches. We have been more successful and have shown some resilience.”
Last spring was the first time that many of the players stepped on the court in a competitive volleyball game.
“I have two boys that have played club volleyball. Most are new to rotations or just barely started. It is hard and sometimes I have to carry the energy but everything is teachable. We have a great community, Granger has had football success before and this team has helped with that school spirit,” Hess said.
The team has its own future Lancer cheering section. The younger brothers, sisters and family friends stand united and cheer every point leading on its older students and players.
“When we fell behind to Hillcrest we lacked some energy. I got a little nervous and wondered if we could do it,” Biddulph said.
“Mason (Biddulph) is one of our leaders and a captain. He is a middle that comes from basketball. He can be a little rigid, but has learned as he goes,” Hess said.
KJ Faaome leads the team at press deadline with 126 kills. His cross court shots had Hillcrest players diving out of the way.
“KJ is an all-star. He plays some club and has had some big hits for us this season. He has become super helpful on the court as a leader,” Hess said. “ Ky (Hoang) is amazing. This is the first sport he has ever played. He told me he wanted to set and became a gym rat over the summer. He has shown a ton of improvement.”
Hoang at press deadline is averaging 5.3 assists per set. With over 500 ball handling attempts.
Biddulph, a 6-foot-4 middle, has lofty goals for the team this season.
“We want to make state and win a game or two. I think we can do it,” he said.
His head coach agrees. “We are pushing this year. Last year we sort of hung our heads. This season we have resilience,” Hess said.
Granger competes in the UHSAA’s Region 4 against Hunter, Kearns, Cyprus, Taylorsville, and West Jordan. The state tournament is scheduled to begin May 5.
