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Magruder coach Scott Zanni has been down this road before: outstanding regular seasons in 2006 and 2007 followed by early playoff exits.

With his undefeated (14-0 overall) team en route to securing the top seed in the 4A West Region for the third consecutive year, Zanni's crew hopes this year's campaign will deviate from the script of seasons past.

Led by seniors Corri Smoot, Alison Musser and Andrea Fort and junior Michelle Fowle, the Colonels have arguably the best all-around lineup in the county.

"I think we are a little focused more," said Zanni. "I think kids have taken every match pretty seriously and not let up. … Hopefully we are peaking at season's end."

Joining the Colonels in the chase for 4A playoff seeding are Gaithersburg (6-2), Blake (7-4) and Northwest (8-2).

2005 state champion Gaithersburg developed its young talent early in the season, but the Trojans may have hit their stride with strong play from sophomore Kirby Buttry, juniors Bianca Livioco, Bridget Kulesh and senior Allison McCabe.

"I think we are starting to get real comfortable with each other," said Gaithersburg coach Michele Staymates. "It's just a matter of building our confidence back up. We don't often lose two games in a regular season. This shook us a little bit early; we are bouncing back."

The Trojans experienced a resurgence with a 3-2 win over the defending 3A West Region champion, Bethesda-Chevy Chase (12-2). The Barons' senior outside hitters, Rosie Eck and Maddy Carretero, have looked impressive this season against equal competition, but have struggled against 4A powers Magruder and Gaithersburg.

"We are doing well," said B-CC head coach Michelle Clise. "Working hard the last few games; it was good to have a challenge [against Gaithersburg]. It's a bump in the road, but we learn from it and move on."

Last year's 3A West Region No. 1 seed Damascus (7-5), along with Paint Branch (11-3) and Watkins Mill (7-1) could all provide a challenge to the Barons.

However, Montgomery County's lone 1A school, Poolesville (8-0), may also be its best. The Falcons boast seven seniors and a 3-0 victory over Gaithersburg earlier this year.

In private school action, Good Counsel has steamrolled through its Washington Catholic Athletic Conference competition. With a flawless record (14-0, 13-0 WCAC) the Falcons have yet to drop a game (42-0) in any match. Led by senior setter Brighid Casey and returning All-Gazette outside hitter Becky West, the Falcons will look to wrap up the WCAC regular-season title next week before a season-ending match for Montgomery County supremacy at Magruder Oct. 23.

"The season has been a lot of fun," said Good Counsel head coach Karen Kart. "One of our goals every day and every match is to have a good time. It is imperative to mix hard work with laughter so that you don't take this game too seriously."

Girls volleyball 2008

Top teams: Magruder (14-0), Good Counsel (14-0), Poolesville (8-0)

Best offense: Good Counsel. Senior setter Brighid Casey and outside hitter Becky West pace the Falcons, who have not dropped a single game all year.

Best defense: Magruder. The Colonels' ever-improving defense is led by senior middle Corri Smoot, who has 37 blocks through Oct. 8.

Pleasant surprise (individual): Rachel Townsend, Northwest. The freshman has made an immediate impact for the Jaguars as their starting middle hitter.

Pleasant surprise (team): Northwest (8-2). First-year head coach Rob Smith has the Jaguars heading to their best finish in their 11-year history.