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When the MPSSAA playoff brackets were first released earlier this month, two teams stood out in the 3A East region like a pair of prizefighters in a room full of brawlers -- top-seeded Centennial (17-0) and second-seeded River Hill (15-1).

Now, the seeds have held and River Hill will travel to Centennial Friday afternoon for the 3A East regional championship.

The teams played at Centennial on Oct. 8, and the Eagles prevailed 25-23, 25-18, 26-24. That win proved to be the deciding factor in Centennial's 15th county title, and a spot in the first-ever District V championship game. Centennial swept Severna Park in that contest.

At the Bulldog Tournament at North Caroline on Sept. 26, Centennial lost in the quarterfinals to eventual champion Mount de Sales, which defeated River Hill in the title match. River Hill defeated Mount de Sales in pool play.

River Hill will get its first crack at Centennial in over a month.

"They're strong and they want a rematch with us, that's their focus," Centennial coach Larry Schofield said. "They've been playing well (lately) and we've been playing good enough to win."

Centennial defeated visiting Stephen Decatur (14-4) Wednesday night, 25-6, 25-20, 25-14, to advance to regional championship match, while River Hill advanced with a sweep of Wilde Lake (4-10).

"It'll be a lot of fun. They were one of our tougher games. We really to have to show our true playing ability," said Centennial senior Sarah Hall, who had six kills against Stephen Decatur. "(River Hill) is a really good team, they can actually hit spots."

Freshman Trisha Mockapetris led the Eagles with nine kills. Samantha Brostrom had six kills and three aces. Liz Brown (five) and Michelle Klima (four) contributed another nine kills. Victoria Rain and Carly Simenauer each served two aces.

The Seahawks were led by Holley Melson (five kills). Sydney Waters, Anne Winters and Rosa Navarra added two each.

"They have (only) three seniors, they're going to be around next year ... they're starting to build a good program there, and they showed that. Not much offense, but good defense and that will keep you in the game," Schofield said.

The Seahawks extended some rallies by making a series of impressive digs on a barrage of strong Centennial spikes, but like a strong jawed boxer without a jab, eventually relented.

"They had an awesome defense. We were just hammering it at them and they were able to get it up. That was a big surprise for us," Hall said.

Centennial allowed only one ace in the match, and totaled 33 kills, compared to Decatur's 12.

Only one team has taken Centennial to five games this year: Marriotts Ridge (11-6) on Oct. 29, the last match of the regular season.

It was the first time the Eagles played a five-game match since a 2006 state semifinal win over Catonsville. (That year they played three five-gamers, winning all of them en route to a state title.)

The Mustangs have been on a tear ever since, sweeping McDonough, Gwynn Park and Southern of Anne Arundel on a march to the 2A South regional championship match on Friday against county rival Glenelg (9-8).

The Gladiators defeated Patuxent on the road in four games to advance.

It is Marriotts Ridge's first appearance in the regional championship.

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