The Desert Ridge girls volleyball team wanted nothing better than to keep the momentum of the last couple seasons going Tuesday night as the 2010 regular season winds to a close.

For the Jaguars that means trying to qualify for the state tournament for the third year in a row.

Two avenues to qualify  for state were open to Desert Ridge entering Tuesday night's match with 5A East Valley Region leader Mountain Pointe (9-0) as they entered the night in 17th place in the power-point rankings. The first was winning beating the Pride and it did for the first time in four grueling meetings over the last two seasons. The second, winning at least two of its final three matches may become a three-game sweep and make their three-year playoff run a reality.

Shaking off a poor start, Desert Ridge managed to win in five games, 19-25, 25-23, 25-21, 24-26 and 19-17 in front of a Blackout crowd at Mountain Pointe. INn the previous four meetings, Mountain Pointe won 3-2, 3-1 and 3-2. The last time the teams played in late September, Desert Ridge led 2-0 before falling, 3-2.

"This is our first win ever against them and its a big one," Desert Ridge coach Randi Eaton said. "It's probably the biggest win in volleyball in school history."

Why? Well it gave Desert Ridge a 10-1 record in the region, a half game in front of Mountain Pointe (9-1). IF the teams win their remaining region games Wednesday and Thursday, they likely will share the region crown with 11-1 records. A co-region title at least will come down as part of the huge win for the Jaguars.

"The first game we passed horribly, didn't play well," Eaton said. "We finally got going in the middle of the second game and it was a battle to the end from there on both sides."

Senior outside hitter Talia Jones recorded 31 kills in the two-hour marathon. Teammates Maggie Niu added seven blocks and Kaja Sandberg four blocks up front. Junior setter Ashley Sanders piled up 52 assists. Both Desert Ridge and Mountain Pointe are 11-4 overall this season in power-point games.