Jorden Hampton  is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Vista High School  for AZPreps365.com

Despite a strong effort from West Point, Valley Vista won its third match in a row Monday night at Valley Vista High School. 

Valley Vista won in four sets,  25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20. The victory keeps the Monsoon (7-5, 5-0) in first place in the 6A West Valley region. 

West Point(6-5, 5-0) had won its past two region games. 

The game was competitive from the first whistle as both teams matched each other's points. The score was tied at 17 in the first set and there were multiple rallies. 

West Point scored three more points in the first set and then the Monsoon closed the set on a 5-0 run, winning 25-20.

Junior outside hitter Marielle Ramos recorded three hits and sophomore midhitter Ava Hewitt recorded a hit.  Sophomore outside hitter Brooklyn Jenkins recorded a kill and a hit and senior setter Olivia Moore recorded an ace during that 5-0 run.

West Point went on a 6-0 run to begin the second set. Senior outside hitter Malaea Thompson recorded a hit and a block which gave the Dragons momentum. 

West Point went on a 6-0 run to begin the second set, but late in the second set the score was 24-23 in the Dragons’ favor.  Senior setter Sophia Chanez then recorded an ace to help the Dragons win the second set, 25-23. 

“Our energy level was high in the second set,”  West Point Coach Lynneis Myers said. “We were consistent and our defense was out to close. Our blockers were on a high clip so were able to see and read their hitters.” 

Valley Vista rebounded in the third set and started strong by going on a 6-0 run. West Point didn’t back down in the third set and fought hard. Thompson recorded four hits, one kill and a block. However, it wasn’t enough for the Dragons as Valley Vista won the set, 25-18. 

The score was quickly tied at 10 in the fourth set. West Point’s offense found its footing thanks to multiple contributors. 

Junior setter Izabel Cabrebra recorded two hits and an ace, Thompson recorded a block and a hit and Moala recorded two kills. 

The Monsoon responded by scoring the next nine points. 

The Monsoon led 23-20 late in the fourth set. Junior libero Julia Wilson scored an ace to move the lead to 24-20. The final blow came from Hewitt who won the game with a kill, giving the Monsoon a 25-20 win. 

“We had different teammates step into their roles and helping each other out during the fourth set,” Jenkins said. “We came together and found a way to win in four sets.” 

Moyer guided the Monsoon to victory with her leadership. 

“As captain, I had to make sure I disciplined myself,” Moyer said. “I had to make sure the team stayed positive so we could win the game.” 

Valley Vista will host Cesar Chavez  (3-9, 1-4) Wednesday at 6 p.m. West Point will host Tolleson Union ( 3-6, 0-2)  at 6 p.m. Wednesday.