For the second time in a week 6A #1 Corona del Sol's volleyball team had its unbeaten power-ranking match record challenged. Last week it was Xavier Prep. On Thursday it was 6A Central Region rival and #5 Gilbert pushing the Aztecs to five sets. 

Corona again rose to the occasion in the decisive set with a 15-6 triumph. It was the same tally it turned away Xavier by in the fifth set on Oct. 12. Scores of Thursday's battle with Gilbert were 18-25, 25-23, 25-16, 20-25, 15-6.

Corona's record in power-ranking matches improved to 15-0 overall, 8-0 in region and with the winthe Aztecs clinched the Central Region crown for the second year in a row. The Aztecs also extended their region-match winning streak to 18 in that span. Gilbert, playing its fourth match in as many days, is 12-3 overall prm and 5-3 region. The Tigers were 2-2 this week with an emotional loss to sister-school Highland on Wednesday in five sets.

A varied, powerful attack is Corona's calling card. In the fifth set the Aztecs landed four kills (Alyssa Aguayo two and one each from Kierstyn Barton and Maggie Beauer). Three aces also helped - one each from Julia Owens, Barton and Beauer.

Four Corona players finished in double digits in kills. Barton led with 17. Ella Lomigora and Beauer produced 11 kills apiece and sophomore Aguayo chipped in 10. Setter Owens was busy registering 50 assists. Libero Erin Clark led defensively with 17 digs and Barton contributed 14. Lomigora was strong at the net with nine blocks. Three Gilbert players unofficially reached double figures in kills - Sydney Mahon (12) and Andi Nothdurft and Becca King (11 apiece).

Gilbert used a 7-1 finish in the first set to prevail. The Tigers seemed on the way to a taking the second set, amassing a 15-8 lead. Corona, however, stepped up in all phases to eke out a win. The third set was nearly all Corona with Gilbert's only lead at 2-1. Gilbert forced the fifth set snapping a 17-all tie with a strong finish with kills from King, Mahon and Nothdurft.

Gilbert has two matches left, both in region. The Tigers travel to Desert Vista on Monday and host Highland on Wednesday. Corona del Sol also has two matches remaining - Monday home vs. Queen Creek and Wednesday at Desert Ridge.