By Josh McFadden | [email protected]           

Like any team, the Bingham volleyball squad has its sights set on a region title. It’s not unfamiliar territory for the Miners, though they’re coming off a detour last season.           

After four straight seasons of either sharing or winning the region championship outright, the Miners dropped to third last season in Region 4 in the first year of Class 6A. Bingham players and coaches would love nothing more than getting back to its regular form.           

“As any year, we want to play to the highest level we are capable of,” said head coach Melissa Glasker. “I have some good kids, so I expect to compete at the top of our region and state.”           

The Miners were 5-5 in region play and 18-7 overall last season. They did pick up a pair of victories in the state tournament and advanced to the 6A semifinals, eventually losing in the third-place match. This season, Glasker returns four key seniors and three talented juniors she hopes will pace the team on the court and provide leadership off the court.           

Senior outside hitter Journey Tupea and senior setter Brynlie Huntsman are team captains. They have the experience and skill coaches look for. Fellow seniors Sisi Kaili, an outside hitter, and Montana Wilden, a libero, will also be important pieces to the Miners’ lineup. Glasker is also excited about outside hitter Naomi Glasker, libero Sana Foliaki and middle blocker Jada Suguturaga, all of whom are juniors.           

Though she has experience on her team, Melissa Glasker is waiting to see who emerges in certain roles. She said this will determine whether the team can achieve its goals this season.       

“I need see who will become our leaders,” she said. “Every year, you graduate the players you lean on, depend on and who are the example for the group. I need to find the ones that will being willing step out ahead and lead this group.”           

One thing that makes Melissa Glasker’s job easier as head coach is that her players are eager to listen and work hard. She said they have positive attitudes and get along well with one another. The Miners also have speed and athleticism in the lineup           

“I’m excited to be with these kids and see how they try to push themselves to be better,” she said. “They are a tremendous bunch of young women who work hard and support each other. I’m excited to see what the outcome will be. Team camaraderie, chemistry and love between the kids are our strengths.”           

The Miners began the 2018 campaign by hosting Skyline on Aug. 21. They then played their first road game two nights later at Judge Memorial. Next up for Bingham will be a date at home against Fremont. The first Region 4 match will be Sept. 18 at American Fork.           

Bingham only has to finish above one team in the five-member Region 4 in order to qualify for the state tournament.