Mesquite's volleyball team kept its winning ways intact Tuesday night when it comes to region contests.

The host and #18-ranked Wildcats (5-4 in power-ranking matches) bumped their 4A Desert Sky Region record to 3-0 by outlasting #12 St. Mary's in straight sets, 25-22, 25-22 and 25-23. The only other team in the region without a region loss is #6 Arcadia, which opened its region slate Tuesday with a three-set victory over Marcos de Niza. St. Mary's is 5-3 in power-ranking matches, 1-1 in region.

Mesquite outside hitter Ryleigh Vollmer enjoyed a strong evening registering a team-high 10 kills and 19 digs. Teammates Meredith Allen, Maddie Purdy and Callie Price aided the attack with 6 kills, 5 kills and 4 kills, respectively. Purdy dished out 29 assists and defense was paced by Ava Castro's 32 digs. St. Mary's attack was dominated by Lemm, who finished unofficially with 19 kills.

St. Mary's built early leads in each of the first two sets, but wasn't able to sustain them. The Knights led the first set 4-1, but were on the verge of being blown out as Mesquite rebounded for a 19-12 lead after an ace by Castro. St. Mary's Shelbie Lemm led a comeback that pulled her team withing 22-21. A block and kill by Vollmer closed the set.

The second set seemed St. Mary's to win. The Knights grabbed a quick 6-1 edge and were up 13-6 after a Zoe Rideau ace. Mesquite pecked away and took the lead for good at 18-17 thanks to a kill by Maggie Pitts. Kills from Caprice Charlie, Price, Allen and Vollmer and an ace from Castro made the set go Mesquite's way.

The third set had the makings of a rout with Mesquite racing to a 15-6 lead. Lemm willed St. Mary's back into contention with six of her match-high 19 kills. The Knights actually led 21-20 after one of Lemm's kills. A Pitts ace, two Vollmer kills and freshman Johnna Smith's only kill of the match finished the match.

Mesquite continues play on Wednesday with a visit to 6A city-rival Gilbert. St, Mary's next plays Thursday. The Knights host Marcos de Niza.