Two of the top girls volleyball programs in 6A matched up Tuesday night in their season opener with Sunnyslope visiting two-time defending champion Hamilton. The Huskies were sharpest in notching a four-set triumph.

Led by a pair of holdovers from their 2021 championship team -- Neomi Beach and Melia Barlow - the Huskies prevailed 25-15, 26-24, 26-28 and 25-19.

Hamilton coach Sharon Vanis saw much to like, especially the competition. Sunnyslope has won five titles and finished runner-up once over the past decade at the 5A/Division II level. The Vikings moved up to 6A in 2020. They reached the 6A semis in 2020 and bowed i the first round of state in 2021.

"We expected a battle," Vanis said. "We got it, and learned a lot about ourselves."

Beach, a senior outside hitter, showcased all-around skills. She totaled 31 kills with a .460 hitting percentage. Checked in defensively with 19 digs. Barlow, also a senior, finished the season opener with 51 set assists.

"Hamilton was as we expected," LeTarte said. "They have two great attackers and play great defense. I was proud of our girls. They played with confidence and kept it up all through."

Sunnyslope showed up with five returning starters for coach Amber LeTarte - Mikayla Shepston, Georgi Stein, Gianna Barry, Anna Zimmerman and Laney Wilson. All of them contributed between 133 and 234 kills last season. Stein led Sunnyslope's attack (unofficially) with 14 kills and Shepston contributed 13 kills.