Region 4 is known for its dominant volleyball teams, and the action between Lone Peak and American Fork on Thursday did not disappoint as the Knights survived in a five-game thriller by outlasting the Cavemen 25-16, 22-25, 25-27, 25-16, 20-18.

The match was filled with thunderous kills, spectacular saves, incredible digs and strategic timeouts. But the Knights kept their composure and after an American Fork service error, Cami Richan's spike deflected off a Cavemen defender and the Knights escaped with a hard-fought victory in enemy territory.

The last game of the match had several lead changes and both teams fought off match points. The Cavemen refused to give up and fought off match points on three different occasions to give the defending state champs all they could handle.

It actually appeared that American Fork might take control of the final game, as it led 9-6. But a missed serve and an ace by Lone Peak's Whitney Johnson -- followed by an American Fork hitting error -- knotted the game at 9-9. American Fork used a timeout and Jessica Jardine's kill put the Cavemen up 10-9. The teams went back and forth, but another missed serve followed by a Lone Peak ace put the Knights up 14-13.

American Fork refused to die and actually went ahead 16-15 when Rogers' dink missed the mark just wide. But Rogers responded with a kill to tie the score 16-16 and Richan's kill gave Lone Peak another shot to win the match at 17-16. American Fork extended the match with two more ties, but eventually the Knights' consistency, especially from the service line, proved to be the difference.

Lone Peak coach Deanna Meyer passed out the credit, but especially praised Johnson. The junior had nine kills, three blocks and an ace, but Meyer said it was her defense that saved the Knights' day.

"Whitney did a terrific job for us," Meyer said. "She made some plays that might not end up on the stat sheet but they were big plays. She had a save here and a dig there that gave us confidence when we really needed it."

Rogers has 17 kills and two aces while Richan had 10 kills and one ace to pace the Knight effort.

The Cavemen got a stellar performance from Mackenzie Moea'i, who pounded out a match-high 22 kills with 15 digs. Jardine also had 14 kills for American Fork.