Desert Ridge looked strong in the first set against its opponent, Mesa Red Mountain, but ultimately lost the match in five sets, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 15-6.

Desert Ridge (6-16) has struggled so far but was looking to change course Tuesday against Red Mountain. 

In the first set, junior middle blocker Grace Holgerson and sophomore outside hitter Alexa Mercado stood out with three kills apiece and strong play at the net. Caught off guard, Red Mountain gave Desert Ridge a six-point lead early in the match, which the Jaguars capitalized on to capture the set, 25-21.  

Carrying the momentum into to the second set, Desert Ridge gained an early six-point lead once again. The Mountain Lions, however, showed no signs of frustration and came back at Desert Ridge.

The Jaguars, feeling the pressure, gave up easy points in multiple serving errors. Red Mountain saw its chance and erased Desert Ridge's lead en route to winning the second set. 

In the third set, Desert Ridge began to fall apart, as several communication and serving errors allowed Red Mountain to pull ahead of the Jaguars by eight points. Desert Ridge never got within three points of the Mountain Lions and lost the set 25-20.

Desert Ridge, after winning a close fourth set, then lost its energy and stamina. Red Mountain dominated in the fifth set with its fast pace offense and many kills to the back corners.

The Jaguars' defense fell apart and ultimately lost the set 15-6. After another frustrating loss, Desert Ridge will need to clean up its serving and communication errors before its match against Phoenix Mountain Pointe on Thursday. 

Makayla Perkins is covering Desert Ridge athletics this season.