One remembers the victories when they are few and far between. 

Corona del Sol girls volleyball coach Ben Maxfield is in his 20th year with the Aztecs. He noted quickly in a post-match chat Corona's 3-0 win over Xavier Prep was a rarity in his tenure.

#6 Corona did post a sweep Wednesday night, but it was one of those close ones make it seem like a rout at first glance. Scores of the non-region match were 25-21, 25-23 and 25-20 at Corona del Sol High.

The win improve Corona to 11-3 in power-ranking matches. #5 Xavier lost via sweep for the second night in a row to fall to 10-5.

"We can play better, but a win is a win," Maxfield said. "That's the first time we've beaten Xavier in the regular season in my 20 years here. We were steady."

Corona trailed briefly early in the first set. By mid-set the Aztecs maintained the lead to the end with Maggie Beauer clamping down with set point.

The second set was tougher on the Aztecs. They trailed 6-2 and didn't nab their first lead until 16-15 - their only lead until they scored the last four points to turn a 23-21 deficit in their favor. The final three points were kills by outside hitter Kierstyn Barton.

Set 3 saw Corona lead much of the first half of it. Xavier rallied to take a 17-14 lead after an ace by Hannah Ulisch. The final tie in the set was 19-19. The Aztecs took the lead for good via an Alyssa Aguayo kill followed by three points served by Georgia Lee, including one ace. The set and match ended with a kill by Ella Lomigora.

Xavier Prep coach Lamar-Renee Bryant was somewhat frustrated her team didn't prevail in at least one of the sets to push the match further. The Gators lost in three sets Tuesday night to Perry, another close three-setter. They lost the first set 29-27.

"We're getting so close," Bryant said. "We showed growth. It's getting to be crunch time, and we need to show and have confidence. We need to get over the doubt. We had times we were up and then didn't put them away."

Stat leaders for Corona on the attack in the match were Barton (14 kills), Aguayo (11 kills) and Lomigora (8 kills). Natalie Meyer was a key presence at the net with nine blocks. Defensive leaders were Angie Bour (18 digs), Barton (11 digs) and Kacie Webb (7 digs). Julia Owens and Lee were a solid tandem setting with 18 and 17 assists, respectively.

Xavier's season-leader in kills - Emma Soderstrom - led the Gators unofficially with 13 kills. Isabella Sinacori was next with 6 kills.

Corona del Sol plays again Thursday bringing its perfect 8-0 region record to a home match against Desert Vista. Xavier is idle until next week when it hosts Hamilton on Tuesday Oct. 26.