Fallston High’s volleyball team viewed Wednesday’s contest at Mount Hebron as a measuring stick. The Cougars more than showed why they’re among the area’s elite.

No. 5 Fallston posted a three-game sweep, 25-23, 25-22 and 25-20, over the ninth-ranked Vikings in a non-league game. Senior outside hitter Shannon Webb had 15 kills and three blocks for the Cougars, and junior Rachael Holehouse added 13 kills and 15 assists.

The defending UCBAC champs (3-0 overall) displayed their mettle down the stretch to finish off all three games. After a pair of three-game sweep in league play, Fallston was excited about taking on one of the Howard County’s best.

“We love playing Howard County teams to change things up,” said Holehouse.  “We definitely played up to their level. Awesome.”

“They played their best volleyball against competitive teams,” said Fallston coach Alli Winaker. “Even when we were down, I knew they had that intensity and fire to battle back.”

Fallston led 18-10 in the second game before Mount Hebron (2-1) rallied to tie at 21. The Cougars regained the lead for good as Abby Claborn landed a kill shot on the backline. They closed out the game as Mount Hebron wasn’t able to get the ball back over after Anna Holhouse’s serve.

Webb was the driving influence down the stretch in the third game. With the game tied at 17, Webb put together three straight kills, and Fallston never looked back.

“When we got on that run in the third game, we weren’t going back,” said Winaker. “We knew coming in they [Mount Hebron] was going to hit and block so we had to play around that.”

The Cougars are running a 6-2 set this season with Rachael Holehouse and Claborn, who were hitters last fall, as setters. The results have been positive as Claborn tied Rachael Holehouse with 15 assists.

“I’m excited about what I’m seeing but we also know we need to play Fallston volleyball,” said Winaker. “We need to stay true to the fundamentals.”

“If we had played well, it would’ve been a much more competitive game,” said Mount Hebron coach Mike Moynihan. “Our defense today just didn’t get it done. As strong as we played Monday, we were just as weak today.”

One of Fallston’s goals in 2010 is sweeping all its opponents. The Cougars took a small step Wednesday, but their ultimate wish is reaching the state Final Four after several years of disappointment.

“Our goal is to win one game at a time, one point at a time,” said Webb.