The Paul VI Lady Panthers continue to be a powerhouse in W.C.A.C. volleyball. The Panthers, coached by Jamie Petrik, currently have an overall record of 14-3 and are undefeated in conference play.

PVI has been undefeated in W.C.A.C. action for the past four seasons, reeling off a staggering 67 consecutive conference victories versus O'Connell, Ireton, St. John’s, Carroll, Good Counsel, Holy Cross, McNamara and Elizabeth Seton.

Current seniors include: co-captain/outside hitter Mary Schambach (three-year varsity), co-captain/outside hitter Sheila Clarke (two-year varsity), setter Susan Alexander (two-year), defensive specialist Nora Large (two-year) and middle hitter Debbie Bruen (first-year varsity). Bruen is also a basketball standout for the Panthers.

Several of the seniors are likely to play college volleyball.

The junior class includes: "opposite"/middle blocker Madison Rossmann (two-year varsity), defensive specialist/setter Erin Kane (first-year), middle blocker Katie Spina (first-year) and "opposite" Dana Marona (first-year).

The lone sophomore is defensive specialist Lindsey Nolan (first-year varsity).

"We have a very well-rounded team. We work hard in practice. We love the sport and we are competitive. We take volleyball very seriously," said Schambach.

"Our coaching is excellent. The players are bonded and we all hang out together. It is amazing to be part of a team that has so much energy and puts out 100 percent," said Clarke.

In the recent Virginia Independent Schools Volleyball Tournament the Panthers defeated Timberlake Christian School in the opening round and defeated Eastern Menonite in the quarterfinals. The Lady Panthers were upset by Holy Cross (Lynchburg) in the semi-finals Nov. 9.

In addition to Holy Cross, the Panthers other two losses this season were to Northern Virginia powerhouse Westfield and to D.C. powerhouse Maret.

The Lady Panthers have been ranked in the "Washington Post Top 10" poll virtually all season long.

The top-seeded Panthers opened W.C.A.C. post-season tournament action Nov. 12 when they hosted ninth-seeded Elizabeth Seton. The conference semi-finals and finals will take place Nov. 15-16 at St. John’s.

PVI has won the regular season and post-season tournament three straight years.

"Our girls have a lot of skill, and they also have a lot of dedication and a lot of heart," said Petrik. "In addition, many of the girls play the sport year-round. Those are all factors in our success over the past several seasons."

Second-seeded O'Connell and sixth-seeded Ireton also are participating in the W.C.A.C. Tournament this week.