Desert Vista and Pinnacle are two of the better programs in Division I girls soccer, but Monday night Desert Vista was clearly the superior squad.

Combining its usual strong defense and consistent assault on Pinnacle's goal, the Lady Thunder produced a 3-0 victory in a clash of top-eight squads in the most recent power-rankings.

"We've talked about getting momentum at the right point," Desert Vista coach Marvin Hypolite said. "We're gaining momentum with the way we played (tonight). We're trying for a more balanced game. We're moving in the rigth direction. Still a couple things we need to be better at, but this was a very good game for us."

Desert Vista, which started just one senior on Monday (keeper Alexa Ryder) improved to 11-3-1 overall and 5-1 in power-ranking matches. The Lady Thunder struck fairly quickly, taking a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute. Junior Tatum Heeres took possession just across midfield and fed Jessica Hale deep in the right corner. Hale tracked the ball down at the goal line and lined a perfect cross to the goal mouth that Erica Richardson tapped home.

Desert Vista controlled play throughout the first half and didn't allow Pinnacle (7-4-2, 4-2 prm) a shot. Excellent goal tending from senior keeper Jalen Tompkins kept Pininacle in the match at intermission with just a 1-0 deficit. Without several exceptional stops by Tompkins, Desert Vista might easily have doubled its goal total for the match.

Resolved to respond more on the offensive end, Pinnacle got off a couple early shots in the second half that didn't find the mark, but registered progress. That progress was dulled quickly as Desert Vista made it 2-0 as Lauren Votto converted off a ricochet in the 43rd minute. Tompkins continued her superb play in the net, saving a penalty kick by Heeres in the 47th minute. Heeres did get on the board in the 71st minute off an assist from Paige Maling to finish off the shutout.

Desert Vista's lone power-ranking loss was to Xavier last week and it advanced to the title game of the Arizona Soccer Showcase, falling 1-0 to Highland.

Pinnacle, which won the D-I state title last year, is regrouping from a squad that featured nine D-I players and two 20-plus goal scorers (Jorian Baucom and Gabby Stoian). Coach Suzanne Kirchner is patient with this year's younger that's fighting a couple injuries. Pinnacle opened the season strong,  winning its bracket at the Horizon Tournament of Champions, which included a 1-0 win over Desert Vista.

"It's a new group and we've had three key players in and out," Kirchner said. "Our captains (defender Layne Pearson, forward Lily Brown and Tompkins) are doing a great job leading..... Our goal is to make the playoffs and then see what we can do."