With the Play-In Tournament less than three weeks away, Pueblo is one of several teams in the 5A Conference battling to move into the top 24 and Pusch Ridge still has a shot at an automatic berth from the 3A Conference based on region standings. The top two teams from the six regions in 3A will earn a berth to the Play-In Tournament at a minimum regardless of ranking, while teams from 4A-6A need to finish in the top 24 with region standings having no bearing on state playoff qualifications.

The two programs met Wednesday night at Pusch Ridge (8-5 in ranking matches) with the Lions beating the Warriors in straight sets (25-23, 25-18, 25-21). It was the fourth victory in a row for Pusch Ridge and the program is shifting back to region play with a trip to Tanque Verde (7-3) scheduled for Thursday night while Pueblo (7-5) visits Tucson (3-10) on Monday.

Senior Kiera Dent led Pusch Ridge with 12 kills and junior Ryse Howlett added nine. Pueblo junior Isabella Carrillo collected seven kills and junior Brooklyn Rosthenhausler-Espinoza scored five. The Warriors are in playoff mode five matches left and the addition of Carrillo from Salpointe to the squad might be the push the team needs to get over the top.

(Pueblo is making a late run for the playoffs. (Andy Morales/AZPreps365)