Defending champion Western defeated Dulaney in the Class 4A North Region championship last night at Northwestern -- but it wasn't done easily.
The Doves (18-0) won it in five games, 15-11, 8-15, 15-10, 13-15, 15-7. Dulaney coach Daniel Overtoom thought the Lions (14-3) didn't play to their potential.
"We didn't serve well, we didn't pass well," he said.
Chanel Wright had six kills and 10 points to lead Western.
"Our overall spirit and attitude helped everyone," Wright said. "We were determined and ready."
But in the fourth game, Western was sluggish. The Doves had a 7-1 lead, but the Lions came back behind Katherine Cook to win, 15-13.
The fifth game began with Shirley Williams encouraging her team to work together. The pep talk worked, as Chandra McLearan served an ace to win the match.
Western advances to the state semifinals against Quince Orchard at Watkins Mills tomorrow at 5 p.m.