The Rams captured the conference tournament title for the second year in a row, fending off the determined Falcons 25-20, 25-22, 23-25 and 25-22.
Starmount went 14-0 in MVAC matches this fall, losing only two games the entire way -- one against North Surry last week and one against Forbush in the conference finale. Last Wednesday's match, in fact, represented the closest final score for the Rams in an MVAC duel this season.
"We felt very challenged," Starmount coach Jon Symons said of the latest clash with the rival Falcons. "They were pushing us. They've got some girls who can swing and they've got some girls who can serve. I'm sure we'll see them again some point down the road (in the playoffs).
"They have definitely inspired us to get better."
The only thing that may have been considered an upset came in the all-conference balloting. Starmount had seven players recognized as either all-conference, all-tournament or both. But Forbush senior Kelly Wood received the conference's Player of the Year award for the second year in a row.
Even she seemed surprised when her name was announced after the title match.
"I figured they would take it from the No. 1 team," Wood said. "I'm not sure why I got it -- I really don't know."
Making first-team all-conference from Starmount were Meme Brown, Taylor Doss, Jana Matthews, Jordan Raye and Mary Katherine Taylor. Taylor Hutchens and Katie Jerome earned honorable mention all-conference. Doss was voted the conference tournament MVP.
"I think Kelly is an excellent choice as player of the year. She's got the whole package, and she works hard," said Symons, who was voted the MVAC's coach of the year. "We're happy for Kelly but we're also disappointed for ourselves. We had eyes on that one but it didn't work out.
"But I'd rather win no awards and get to the state finals -- that's the only thing that matters. That's the mentality that I'm trying to pass on to them (Starmount players). It's about winning and finding a way to get yourselves to Raleigh at the end of the year."
Starmount can finally focus on that quest in earnest. The state 2A playoffs began Saturday, and the Rams won their first two match-ups.
Symons said after the conference finale that his team needs to continue improving on the defensive end in order to make a deep playoff run. He was troubled by some of the Rams' struggles defensively last Wednesday night. At times Forbush exploited weaknesses in serve-receive, especially at the beginning of game two when Lauren Harris served the Falcons out to a 5-0 lead.
"The longer you allow Lauren to serve the ball, the more comfortable she gets and the harder it comes," Symons said. "She's got a nasty serve and it only gets nastier."
While Starmount rallied from early deficits of 12-7 and 16-10 to win game two, the Falcons held on to push things to a fourth set. Kelly Wood, who was playing with an injured right hand the entire night, ripped one of her hardest kills of the night to polish off game three.
While few players could have stopped that kill from hitting the floor, Symons said he was concerned with other stretches were his defense wasn't playing it's usually stellar game.
"I like our offense, but it's like baseball," Symons said. "The New York Yankees could have a crummy start and coming roaring back because they could hit the ball. But when it came to playoff time, could they throw it over the plate? Nope. That's why they are at home.
"We're in the same shoes. Teams that play defense, win. It's all about D."
Starmount jumped to a 10-6 lead in the fourth game but the Falcons rallied to tie it up 12-12, 13-13, 17-17 and 19-19. The Rams got two winners from Jana Matthews to take a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
Taylor Doss put down the final score to put the match away.
Forbush's Wood said she thought about Wednesday night being the last time she would ever face Starmount in volleyball after a number of memorable meetings this season and in season's past.
Wood had plenty of praise for Symons' team.
"They are a good team.They'll go far," she said. "They're dedicated. They love it, and it shows."
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