Focus.

That was a buzzword for Auburn Riverside coach Chris Leverenz after the Ravens remained undefeated with a 24-26, 25-20, 29-27, 25-20 win Monday night in a South Puget Sound League 3A volleyball match against Auburn Mountainview.

With only three matches remaining in the regular season – and just one against a team with a winning record – the Ravens (11-0 overall, 11-0 league) appear poised to enter the postseason undefeated. But Leverenz, who guided Auburn Riverside to its first state championship in program history last year, said her players are not looking ahead.

“We try and not focus on those things,” she said. “We try and say we’re a different team. We’re worried about league, then we’re worried about district and then we’re worried about the state tournament. We just take it as it comes.”

That concentration seemed apparent toward the end of the third game, which the Lions (10-2, 9-2) led most of the way. Auburn Mountainview twice had one-point advantages — 26-25 and 27-26 — and needed just another score to close out the game. But the Ravens rallied to take a 28-27 advantage and closed it out on a bad return.

“I think that was the biggest game,” Leverenz said. “That’s why I was holding my breath. If we lose this one, it could’ve changed the whole match.”

Coach Telia Peterson said those late-game breakdowns are correctable.

“I think it’s more just mental,” she said. “Right at the end, fighting and wanting every point. We can always simulate that in practice.”

The Lions also lost in four games Sept. 24 against Auburn Riverside. But both coaches felt Auburn Mountainview played better in the rematch.

“I think overall we played well,” Peterson said. “We played competitively. I think if we continue to play at a high level like that, it will be a great thing for us in the district tournament in a few weeks.”

Leverenz, whose team will travel to the Nov. 6-7 league tournament at Auburn Mountainview, said she looks forward to again competing against the Lions.

“What a great match,” she said. “We always have that sort of crosstown rival with Mountainview. They give us things that we haven’t seen all year – some big hitters in Kiley Lewis and Ali Davenport. Their setter does a great job of mixing up the ball and they play great defense.”

Ravens junior outside hitter Kaytlyn Heaslip, who had 13 digs and two aces, also felt the contingent of raucous crowds from both schools played a role in two of the four games requiring more than 25 points to win.

“It was awesome,” she said. “I loved the crowds. I think it really brings up the momentum of the game.”

Sophomore outside hitter Calley Heilborn, who had 11 kills, 10 digs and 1 1/2 blocks, shared similar sentiments.

“It was so fun with all of the crowds cheering,” she said. “It was so hectic and so much fun.”

Auburn Riverside navigated that environment with a youthful roster. The Ravens only have three seniors. But two of them – middle hitter Kasey Holand, who had 12 kills, 11 digs and two blocks, and outside hitter Kiana Drumheller – made significant impacts. Drumheller finished with 19 kills, 11 digs and two aces.

“I think Kasey and Kiana stepped up as always and lead this team really well,” Leverenz said. “Kaytlyn Heaslip is another one. They have been there and done it.”

And focused.