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In front of a rather enthusiastic crowd of 200 students, families and teachers, the visiting Poolesville girls volleyball team defeated Bethesda-Chevy Chase in straight games Thursday night, 25-15, 25-19, 25-10, to capture the 2008 Montgomery County Division II title.

"To be honest, that's the first time this year that we have really had to play for three games, and that's good," said Poolesville head coach Fran Duvall, who used to coach at B-CC. "We needed that because we really haven't done that. We've had these great regular seasons, [but playoff disappointment] … These guys work really hard at learning the game and they tolerate me."

The scoreboard did not reflect the intensity of the match. Poolesville (10-0 overall, 5-0 Division II) came in with a chip on its shoulder and something to prove after last year's undefeated regular season ended in a regional semifinal loss.

"I think we are doing really well," said Falcons senior outside hitter Cecilia Blanc. "I think as the only 1A team in the county we don't really get a lot of attention. It's just more motivation and I love playing and I love our team."

B-CC (13-3, 3-2) also came into the match fired up with the division title on the line, despite being without one of its top contributors, senior outside hitter Maddy Carretero. Carretero suffered a foot stress fracture earlier in the week and is expected to miss two weeks.

After senior Rosie Eck's kill pulled the Barons pulled within two, 15-13, in game one, the Falcons responded by winning 10 of the final 12 points to take the game and gain control of the match.

In game two, Maddy's twin sister, Hannah, had a kill and ace on consecutive points to cut the lead to two, 16-14. However, Poolesville would respond again with a superb pass from senior setter Jenny Better to Blanc for the kill and to regain momentum.

After putting forth maximum effort in games one and two, the Barons seemed to tire in the final game. Poolesville would jump out to a 9-2 lead and never look back.

"Our thing was to have no regrets when we walked off the court," said B-CC head coach Michelle Clise. "But you know what I really think is that we competed with the best team in Montgomery County. When we can put balls down against one of the best, if not the best, team in the county and get blocks and just do the things we are used to doing against all the other teams, it says something about us."

Poolesville will host Quince Orchard while B-CC travels to Rockville on Monday.