Basha's hope for its final two matches of the volleyball season was to nudge its way into the top eight of the 6A power rankings. The Bears, presently at No. 9,  didn't help themselves on Tuesday night.

Half the credit goes to foe Xavier Prep and the other half to their sub-par play as the Gators claimed an easy 25-21, 25-14, 25-15 sweep of the host Bears in a Premier Region match.

"We played better in the beginning of the season than we played tonight," Basha coach Terri Spann said. "We've been improving as the season has gone on. Tonight was disappointing. I don't know what else to say." Basha dropped to 23-15 overall, 9-7 in power-ranking matches. The Bears close their regular season with another tough match at Hamilton on Thursday night.

The top eight teams earn automatic berths in the 16-team state tournament that begins Nov. 2 and are assured a home match in the first round. The 9-24 teams must win a play-in game on Oct. 27 to advance. The 6A season closes next Tuesday (Oct. 25).

Xavier Prep (29-6, 12-2 prm) is currently No. 4 in the power rankings. The Gators were a little spotty the opening set, but were clicking the final two sets. 

"I gave them Monday off because we've got a big week with three matches in a row," Xavier coach Lamar-Renee Bryant said. "We did a good job moving the ball around and creating all options."

Lanie Wagner, gradually working her way back to 100 percent with a sore ankle, led Xavier with 11 kills. Kristen Klein was next with nine and Grace Morrison and setter Shannon Shields had six kills each. Shields tacked on 32 assists and Alyna Draper contributed 18 digs for an ever-improving Gators' defense.

Xavier opened up four- to sixi-point leads  on several occasions in the opening set only to see Basha battle back to tie once and pull within 20-18 late. Xavier called time at that point. Two kills each by Shields and Klein helped seal the set.

Basha's play took a tumble after that. Seven of Xavier;s first 12 points in the second set came via Basha hitting errors. The rest of the set Xavier's attack and defense set the tone. Seven different Gators registered a kill in the set.

Basha started the final set strong, led by senior outside hitter Julia Malinas. Malinas had three kills and a block helping the Bears to an early lead. Another rash of errors erased the lead and the Bears never recovered.

Malinas led Basha's attack with 13 kills and Tatum Rhome had 10. Libero Kiana Gonsalves had 20 digs for the Bears.

Xavier has three matches left -- all at home. The Gators host Perry Wednesday seeking to avenge a five-set loss to the Pumas last month. On Thursday Chandler High visits and next Tuesday Hamilton comes calling.