At the end of its match against region rival Pleasant Grove, Lone Peak celebrated as if it had just won another state championship.

That's because the Knights not only beat Pleasant Grove, but swept the Vikings 26-24, 25-22, 25-22 for a share of the Region 4 title.

"We wanted to make a statement [by beating them in three]," said Lone Peak setter Heather Hanneman, who finished with 27 assists, 13 digs and three aces. "We wanted to win so bad. We've been working really hard."

And it showed, as the Knights had players step up in every area on the court. Defensively, Anna Burgess always found herself in the right position and finished with 24 digs. Ashlan Rogers led the Knights offensively with 10 kills but Aubrey Muaina and Ashton Gray weren't far behind with nine kills each. Gray, Coralie Jarema and Whitney Jensen came up with key blocks.

The Knights led in every game and started the first game with a commanding 14-5 lead. Of Pleasant Grove's five points, the Knights gave the Vikings most of them as they had four service errors up to that point. But those three games were competitive. The Vikings came within four points or less in the first and second game and even took the lead in the third. Pleasant Grove was led by Brooke McAllister and Danica Mendivil, who each had eight kills.

"We've had a tough schedule and put ourselves up against some of the best teams in the country and Pleasant Grove is one of the best teams in the country," Lone Peak coach Deanna Meyer said. "I'm really proud of my team. They just did a good job of going and getting some respect."

Not only were the Knights able to sweep the No. 1-ranked team in Class 5A, but they also gave Pleasant Grove its first loss of the season.

No matter the excitement that comes from that, Meyer knows that her team has to stay focused as it prepares for the state tournament. But, beating the team that is the biggest obstacle standing in the way of the Knights' quest for a repeat state title says Lone Peak is heading in the right direction.

"It was a team effort all the way around," Meyer said. "Hopefully, [this] means we're getting better."