Mountain View's volleyball team endured a slightly tougher time winning its fifth consecutive 6A East Valley Region match on Thursday night. After sweeping Westwood, Skyline, Red Mountain and Dobson, the Toros were pushed to four sets by Mesa High. They prevailed nonetheless, 25-19, 25-21, 23-25 and 25-15 at Toro Gym.

Mountain View (8-2 power-ranking matches, 5-0 region) stretched its PR win streak to six. Mesa fell to 2-7, 1-3. The match was by no means picturesque. Far from it, according to Mountain View coach Clark Fleming. The teams combined for 25 service errors - 13 by Mesa, 12 by Mountain View. The Toros are ranked #11 in the most current AIA power rankings.

"It wasn't the best by either side," Fleming said. "Even though we've gone through the region so far without a loss, we have a long way to go."

Mountain View was paced by junior setter/hitter Olivia Tufuafu. Tukuafu was the primary setter logging most of the assists and chipped in unofficially with 9 kills. Leading the attack for the Toros were hitters Aaliyah Austin (11 kills) and Lexi Williams (7 kills).

"(Tukuafu) does a lot for us, she can do everything" Fleming said. "She didn't play much last year as a backup, but she's done a great job for us now."

Mountain View huddles during a timeout late in its match with Mesa. (Azpreps365 photo)

Mesa avoided getting swept with its narrow win in the third set. The Jackrabbits broke away late for a 24-20 lead only to give up three consecutive points. They finished the set with Quincy Cummard delivering a deep kill to bring on an extra set.

Mesa couldn't carry the momentum to the fourth. With the set tied 9-9, the Jackrabbits struggled in most phases the rest of the way. A lift, two service errors, an attack error and rotation error helped Mountain View gain a 18-12 advantage. Two Toro aces and another service error brought a quick end to the match.

Mesa's leaders unofficially on the attack were Rylynn Dixon (12 kills), Jazlyn Jackson (seven kills) and Quincy Cummard (six kills).

Mountain View continues play Friday and Saturday in the 61-team, Tournament of Champions at various venues in Tempe and hosted by Corona del Sol. Mesa High takes time off until after its fall break and won't return to play until Oct. 11 at home against Westwood.