Center Point had to reach deep into the "grit" bucket Friday to fend off Utopia in nondistrict volleyball at Pirate Gym, winning 23-25, 18-25, 25-11, 25-18, 16-14, to stretch the Lady Pirates' win streak to nine games.

The Lady Pirates' bounce-back from losses in the first two sets raised their record to 20-7 with District 29-2A contests looming at September's end.

Center Point hosted Harper to start league games and travels to Sonora on Sept. 25.