The two teams chasing #1 Perry in the 6A girls volleyball power rankings met up Wednesday night with at one primary item in common - a loss or losses to Perry. While their pursuit of the top spot is likely in vain considering how Perry has played this season, they were out to show their might in this one.

#2 Hamilton came out the victor on its home floor, opening with two strong sets and closing with a third in the fourth in beating #3 Highland, 25-22, 25-18, 10-25, 25-12. Both team have identical records of 11-2 with two matches left to play. Hamilton now has the upper hand for the No. 2 seed.

"That's kind of how we've been in our matches," Hamilton coach Sharon Vanis said. "We're pretty good the first two and for some reason the third we are off. Kind of lethargic sometimes. We regrouped the last set."

It wasn't the time to not have one of its standouts on the court - junior outside hitter Jordan Middleton. Others, however, pitched in to fill the void. Fellow outside hitters Micah Gryniewicz and Jahara Campbell shouldered the attack load with 16 and 10, respectively. Sophomore Naomi Beach got more action than usual and contributed six kills. MIddles Halli Hooks (4 kills) and Ella Butler (three kills and six blocks) were steady. Setter Diana Ethridge had 40 assists and libero Tatum Thomas 12 digs.

"We picked ourselves up the third set, a couple blocks and better hitting gave us energy," Highland coach Jordan Neal said. "Lost that kind of fast the next set. Bottom line they did a better job at the net, with serve-receive and passed better."

Outside hitter Samia Bhakta led Highland with 11 kills, but wasn't sharp with a .125 hitting percentage. MIddle Annie Richins was best on the attack with 10 kills and a .400 HP. Claire Pothier had four blocks and Bhakta and Richins three each. Libero Kamilah Checani came up with 28 digs.

Hamilton jumped to leads in each of the first two sets and never trailed in either. Highland pressed the first set to the end, pulling within 24-22 after a Bhakta kill. Double contact on HIghland closed the set. Highland's third set was more indicative of the Hawks' ability. Their attack produced 15 of their points and kills came from five players, including setter Natalie Palmer. Hamilton flipped the script in finishing the match with its play in the fourth set. Eleven kills, six blocks and three aces left Highland reeling.

Both teams have no matches the rest of this week. Highland visits Sunnyslope on Monday Nov. 2 and finishes at home Nov. 3 vs. Chaparral. Hamilton visits Pinnacle on Nov. 3 and hosts Xavier Prep Nov. 4 in its finale.