The Bishop Ireton volleyball team, coached by veteran Victor Troyan, is off to one of the best starts in school history. The Cardinals currently weigh in with an overall record of 9-2 (7-1 WCAC).

The Cardinals have defeated Paul VI, O'Connell, Covenant, North Cross, St. John’s (D.C.), Seton (Md.) and Holy Cross (Md.). In addition, Ireton has defeated St. Mary's Ryken twice. Ireton’s two setbacks have been to Lynchburg Christian Academy and Good Counsel.

"Our early season victory versus Paul VI broke the Panthers 64 consecutive match win streak in the WCAC," said Troyan (a GMU alumnus). "We have improved a whole lot from last season when we were a .500 club."

Spearheading the Cardinal’s success is senior Beth Dalmut and junior Sara Toni, not coincidentally the two team captains.

"Beth is motivated. She really wants the team to do well. She has good ball control and leads by example. Sara is very confident and calm on the court. She will throw herself all over the court. She also leads by example and doesn't get flustered," said Troyan.

Dalmut is the only diocesan athlete to have lettered in volleyball, basketball and softball the past two seasons. She was selected All-WCAC volleyball second team during the previous two seasons. Toni received honorable mention during the 2002 season.

Other starters include seniors Clare Neller and Kim Patton and juniors Terrie Kerrigan and Courtney Cleaves. Neller was also honorable mention during the '02 season.

Cleaves was a key player on Ireton's WCAC Championship softball team this past school year, coached by Tom Luckett.

Key reserves include seniors Kayla Kelleher and Ali Monroe, juniors Julia Hughes, Beth Rothchild, Alexis Holder, Courtney Kraft and Kristin Philbin, as well as sophomore Kara Bedford.

Hughes was honorable mention" during the '02 season, lending credence to the probability that the '03 Ireton contingent is one of the "deepest" teams in Cardinal history.

Dalmut, a four-year starter who plays "setter," leads the squad with nearly 250 assists and 30 service aces.

Toni, who plays "outside hitter," leads the team with 85 "kills," as well as 21 service aces.

Kerrigan, who plays both "outside hitter" and "setter," has registered 45 "kills." Bedford, only a sophomore, who also plays both "outside hitter" and "setter," has registered 18 service aces.

"We have put in a lot of hard work to get to where we are. We've got a very determined team. I think we can go all the way this season - we're going to show some people how good Ireton volleyball really is," said Dalmut, who has already earned a combined eight varsity letters prior to her senior season.

"We pull together and we connect well as a team. This year we've simply got a lot more experience. As outside hitters we are the ones that the other players rely on to get the job done," said Toni.

"This current team is one of the best in school history. Right now we are clicking very well. The girls have all been doing a really good job. I believe we're going to put in a real fight for the league title this season," said Troyan.