Holding a 2-1 game lead, the Verrado Vipers girls' volleyball team couldn't capitalize, as the Desert Edge Scorpions rallied for a thrilling 18-25, 25-15, 28-30, 25-20, 15-11 win on the road. 

After the teams split the first two sets, Verrado regained the lead with an impressive third set victory. That set was a back-and-forth affair, but one in which the Vipers managed to come out on top.

Facing elimination, the Scorpions didn't back down, winning the fourth set to send the match to a fifth set.

"Going into the fourth set, I think our biggest thing was trying to stay positive the whole time and just working together and staying together," Verrado senior outside hitter Logan Wallick said.

The Scorpions were in control to begin the final set courtesy of an early 3-0 lead that silenced the Verrado fans. The Vipers could not string together a comeback, losing in heartbreak fashion.

Verrado head coach Mike Lussier and his girls changed their rotations since an injury forced one if its best hitters, sophomore outside hitter Rachel Ambramson, to sit.

"We're going to practice our rotation more for Senior Night since that's a game we have to win," senior defensive specialist Maddy Garner said.

The loss for Verrado brings to a halt its potential section-clinching season.

Desert Edge (22-7) and Verrado (20-8 overall) are now tied for first in the Desert West Section with 7-1 section records. On Monday, the Vipers will look to bounce back against Lake Havasu (3-14), while the Scorpions travel to Deer Valley (8-6).

Fabits attends Verrado High and covers Verrado for azpreps365.com.