EXETER TOWNSHIP – The stretch run is about to happen, and the top Fillie in the field appears to be hitting her stride.

Marian’s superb volleyball team is one win away from yet another state Class 1A final.

On Saturday afternoon, the Fillies dashed the hopes of District 1 champion Country Day Scared Heart in straight sets, improving their record to 22-0 on the season.

After struggling to a 25-23 victory in the opening set, Marian proceeded to stomp the Lions 25-11 and 25-14 in the next two sets.

The Lions kept pace early because of their one-two punch of Juliana Michniak and Jaycee Webster.

So impressive were the two that it led Marian head coach Dr. John Fallabel to say, “they were really good players. I’m going to nominate them for all-state.”

But two talented players can’t overcome a rotation of nine very, very good players. Marian, the District 11 and Schuylkill League champions, has enough firepower to finish off unfinished business.

“We are where I want us to be right now,” conceded Fallabel.

“We’re just starting to peak. Last year we peaked in the semifinals, I think we are ready to peak at the right time,” offered fiery 5-1 senior Gianna Agosti.

“We’re not taking anyone for granted, we are on a mission, we want to finish what we started and what we didn’t do last year,” confirmed Jasmine Mooney.

Mooney’s presence can be intimidating at times. She rises to the occasion at the biggest moments in the biggest matches and did that once again on Saturday. Mooney registered 18 kills on the day.

Scared Heart coach Sam Moyerman knew his team was in for a battle and knew that the Fillies were strong in multiple areas.

“Their serving is so good, Gianna’s (Agosti) setting and Jasmine hitting … they’ve got it all.

“They’re serving had us out of (sync) a lot, we had a tough time with that.”

Also figuring heavily in the Marian victory was the birthday girl, Julia Hoben, with her defensive play.

“She’s really been a big part of this team,” said Fallabel. Julia has really been very good all season.”

As well as Marian played offensively and defensively, the deciding factor might have been the Fillies’ serving as they carved out 14 aces.

“Our momentum just pushed us,” said Agosti. “Every team in state playoffs is going to be good. Our service runs just gave us so much more confidence.”

After pulling out the first set, the Fillies broke out of the gate quickly in the second set, building a 12-3 lead behind Mooneyt’s four kills. Among those playing key roles in the early going were libero Toni Galasso, who had 15 digs in the match, and made several nice plays in the second set.

The Fillies also cruised in the third set, going ahead 12-4, 17-7 and 20-12 before finishing it off.

“Our goal was to make sure we stayed up and stay focused,” said Mooney. “Once you get momentum it’s tough to get it back.”

Indeed that tale has been played out since game one back in August. It’s now November and the Fillies are looking to take care of business they left unfinished in 2016.

“We’re at the top of our game right now,” said Fallabel. “I keep telling the girls, ‘we’re the No. 1 ranked team in the state we have to keep playing like it.”

Twenty-two down. Two to go.

QUOTE OF THE DAY … “God am I going to miss her.” That was Fallabel’s description of senior Mooney.

NO BIRTHDAY PRESENT … Hoben’s play has been nothing short of stellar throughout the season. Fallabel will assure you that when he talks defense.

AGOSTI ASSISTING … It was another impressive outing for Ms. Assist, Agosti. She added to career hers total with 26.

WHO’S ON TAP … Bishop Carroll is the next foe for the Fillies. Carroll, the District 6 runner-up, defeated D-3 champion Covenant Christian on Saturday.