The Paul VI girls volleyball team continues to excel. The Panthers welcome a new coach this season and simultaneously continue their winning ways. Paul VI, coached by Bruce Tran, currently weighs in with an overall record of 6-3.

"After former coach Jamie Petrik stepped down, I realized this was a very good opportunity. Fortunately Dr. Menke (PVI athletic director) hired me. The transition has gone very well," said the 31-year-old Tran.

The "Black and Gold" has defeated: Model (D.C.), McNamara and Holy Cross in five sets. PVI has defeated arch-rival O'Connell in four sets, and has defeated both St. Mary's Ryken and St. John’s in three sets.

After losing their first two matches of the season (to Langley and Ireton), the Panthers have won six of their past seven matches.

"Starting with our third match of the season we started to serve and pass much better," said Tran.

The "starting six" is comprised of the following seven players for most matches: seniors Erin Kane, Madison Rossmann, Katie Spina, Dana Marona, Dana Caldwell and juniors Sarah Sears and Lindsey Nolan. Kane and Rossmann are the 2003 PVI captains.

"Erin is the real nucleus of the team, especially in terms of leadership. She also brings some quality skills and experience to the table," said Tran.

"Madison is very experienced. She is very versatile. She is also a good leader and she calms the team down when things get tight," he said.

Other key players for the "Black and Gold" include junior Megan Hylton and sophomores: Katie Buckheit, Kaitlyn Morrell, Alana Staples and Carol Opiela.

"We've got some very good young players in the program," Tran said. "To have a good season from here on out we're going to have to play disciplined volleyball. We are going to have to apply what we learn in practice to the game situations. If we continue to serve well and to pass well, we can play with anyone in this conference."

PVI won the 2000 WCAC title under former coach Jeff Billington and the 2001 and 2002 titles under former coach Jamie Petrik.

"I want to keep the tradition going this year" said Tran.