Dulaney coach Cary Lyon hopes his teams' perfect season continues when the Lions (11-0) host archrival Towson for the Baltimore County championship Oct. 27.

It won't be easy.

Defending Class 3A state champion Towson, has won the past three county titles, including triumphs over the Lions in 2008 and 2010.

Those title came after Dulaney reigned over the county from 2005 through 2007.

The Lions conclude their county schedule with home games against Perry Hall (Oct. 19) and Lansdowne (Oct. 21) before a tough home tuneup with Anne Arundel County power Severna Park (Oct. 26).

"I've always wanted to face tough competition before the county championship game and regionals," said Lyon, noting his team has always played Severna Park very early in the season.

The season, Dulaney opened with wins over Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference foe Bryn Mawr and non-league county rivals Hereford and Eastern Tech.

That's when Lyon decided to go with two setters in a 6-2 offense.

"I just let them pass and they were passing well," said Lyon, who employs seniors Taylor Roberts and Bridget McManus as his setters. "With the two-headed setter, both seniors get to play."

They have also made life easier for junior hitter Jessica Starr.

"Jessica is the best passer, server and hitter," Lyon said.

High-flying sophomore outside hitter Darla Swoboda and freshman middle hitter Milan Amos have also shown strong potential on the front line.

"Swoboda jumps out of the building and Amos has got a wicked serve," said the coach, noting Amos didn't touch a volleyball until she was in the eighth grade.

While the Lions have been cruising through the easier part of their schedule, Lyon has been making practices pretty competitive.

"We keep track of everything in practice," said Lyon, who holds various positional contests so players can compete for playing time. "We just had a middle hitter contest that went to 100 points."

Dulaney has not held a championship match since 2007, making Lyon's Lions even hungrier.