The Miners girls volleyball squad celebrated a senior night to remember Tuesday, defeating Hillcrest three sets to none. Park City’s win also secured them the regional title, which was in the balance between the two teams. The Miners celebrated 10 seniors in a pregame ceremony featuring parents, siblings and friends. The animated crowd seemed to stay for the game, packing the Park City gym on both sides of the court. The stakes were clearly at their highest point. After a tight 25-23 first set, the Miners rolled in sets two and three, winning those by a combined 21 points. It was the team’s second 3-0 win over Hillcrest this year, also defeating them Sept. 26 on the road. While the region title was in the balance, Park City was able to play with a bit of freedom, knowing they’d already secured a playoff bye. The brackets were revealed Wednesday morning, and the team will play the winner of West Field and Snow Canyon next Friday at Utah Valley University in Orem. The second round will be played at UVU next Friday and Saturday.#6 Henley Madsen celebrates getting a kill against Hillcrest on Tuesday. Madsen is a senior and was recognized among her class prior to the game starting. Credit: Clayton Steward/Park Record“You look at every year as a good opportunity to connect and progress,” said head coach Matt Carlson. “ I think that’s been the focus for Park City the last decade. … Whatever happens through adversity — whether it be disagreement with classmates, tough circumstances at home or whatever the obstacle might present, we still play Park City volleyball.” Carlson and his team dealt with one of their coaches Kai Nielson being placed on administrative leave earlier this season due to alleged comments he made regarding sexual assault. The news made waves locally, statewide and nationally in September. The schools district has yet to make a decision regarding Nielson’s future at the school, and an upperclassman on the team shared the scandal somewhat divided their locker room, with some hoping for Nielson’s return and some not. Carlson was proud to see his girls come together throughout the season to maximize their potential. The head coach kept a relaxed and positive demeanor throughout the entire contest, holding his young daughter throughout a lot of the game. He said she helps keep him level-headed and remember that it’s just a game at the end of the day. Carlson was proud of how the team navigated the occasion Tuesday, with the festivities and title on the line. He said part of their success is due to how much they truly care about each other. Carlson has been at Park City for the past nine years, also working with a lot of the players through his club program. Sofia Stouffer, senior for the Miners, prepares to hit a ball over the net on Tuesday. Credit: Clayton Steward/Park Record“It’s amazing to be able to finish out with these seniors,” Carlson added. “The growth from them, as human beings, is the most rewarding part of it all. Seeing how they respond to adversity, how they handle setbacks, how they support and love each other, and connect, it’s been just an incredible season that way. What a treat for to me as a coach.”Carlson and the team are confident if they play their best they’ll be able to hoist the state title. He said they’ve already beaten the best the state has to offer, defeating top-seeded Orem three sets to two Sept. 12 at home. Park City has not yet faced second-seeded Green Canyon this season. Senior Henley Madsen said she was happy with how she played Tuesday and being able to get the win. She felt this senior class “went out with a bang.” Principle Roger Arbabi handed over the regional championship trophy to the team in happy afterglow of the win. The team celebrated with the trophy alongside their families and friends, who took plenty of pictures to memorialize the occasion.Madsen said she’ll most fondly remember all the time spent with her teammates and friends, not only playing, but also on the bench cheering, as well as being on the bus rides celebrating wins. She said this year’s team wants to win the state title, showing the rest of the state they’re a better program than their 2023 quarterfinal loss and that they’re more than capable of overcoming all that they’ve gone through off the court. “We’re all really high on confidence,” said Madsen. “We went through hardships, but we’re sticking together through thick and thin, and we’re going to come out on top.”Junior #22 Sabine Smith is cheered on by her teammates after she scored a point against Hillcrest. The Miners defeated the Huskies in three straight sets. Credit: Clayton Steward/Park RecordLiv Smith swings at the ball during the matchup against Hillcrest on Tuesday. Credit: Clayton Steward/Park RecordPark City senior Henley Madsen tips the ball over the net on Tuesday. Credit: Clayton Steward/Park RecordFamily members and friends take photos of the Park City High School volleyball team after their game on Tuesday night. With the win against Hillcrest, the Miners secured their spot as winners of the Region X volleyball standings. Credit: Clayton Steward/Park RecordVolleyball seniors and their families gather for a photo before the game on Tuesday. Each senior player and manager was recognized in a ceremony prior to the photograph being taken. Credit: Clayton Steward/Park RecordThe post Miners girls volleyball defeats Hillcrest on senior night Tuesday appeared first on Park Record.