The Bishop Ireton Cardinal volleyball team has been improving with each week of the season. The Cardinals, coached by Victor Troyan, currently weigh in with a 7-12 overall record.

Ireton has defeated Elizabeth Seton twice, Holy Cross twice, Carroll, Georgetown Day as well as a match at the NorthCross H.S. (Roanoke) tournament early in the season.

"This is one of the youngest teams I've ever had," said fifth-year head coach Troyan. The Cardinals have only one senior on the roster - co-captain Juels Chester.

"Juels is a two-year varsity player and currently plays "outside hitter. She is a real motivator for the younger girls. She really comes to play for every match," said Troyan.

The junior class is loaded with talent, including co-captain Beth Dalmut. She has earned varsity letters in volleyball, basketball and softball.

"Beth is a very good setter. She is a real leader on the floor. She communicates real well with the other players. She helps build the momentum and is just a real good all-around athlete," said Troyan.

"We've been working real hard in practice and it is starting to pay off. As the season has progressed, the more we've played together the better we have gotten," said Dalmut.

Other juniors include middle blockers Clare Neller, Kim Patton, Ali Monroe and defensive specialist Kayla Kelleher.

The sophomore class includes outside hitters Sara Toni, Julia Hughes, Courtney Cleaves and middle blocker Terri Kerrigan. The lone freshman on the varsity roster is outside hitter Kara Bedford.

Both Kelleher and Cleaves play varsity softball along with Dalmut.

"Our younger girls are very good. I anticipate us having a lot of success over the next few years," said Troyan. "In addition, our J.V. girls have had a very, very good season."

Ireton hasn't advanced beyond the W.C.A.C. quarterfinal round of the playoffs since the fall of 1999, when they lost in the finals to Paul VI. The W.C.A.C. Tournament will start November 12.