Second-ranked Mount Hebron took care of business last night at River Hill, defeating an undermanned but game Atholton squad, 15-6, 15-4, 15-13, for the Howard County championship.

The Vikings already had displayed their superiority over Atholton on Monday with a 15-12, 15-2, 15-6 win that concluded a 13-0 county season. Mount Hebron (16-0), which last won a county title in 1990, didn't have much resistance last night until the third game, when Atholton (7-9) rallied from an 11-3 deficit to take a 13-12 lead.

"There was a little panic," said third-year Mount Hebron coach Kedre Fairley, "but I knew in my heart that we weren't going to lose a game to Atholton."

Fairley substituted freely in the third game, and at one time had three of her four substitutes on the floor at the same time. Those substitutes were a little shaky, but Atholton's solid play and aggressiveness made it a game.

The Raiders got excellent serving in the third game from Lauren Mickley and top-hitter Jen Thomas. Thomas, who injured her right thumb in warm-ups, had four consecutive aces that tied it at 11-all.

"We weren't expecting to win, but we wanted to play hard and give them a run for their money," said Thomas. "I think we did that."

Pub Date: 11/05/98