The Bishop Ireton Lady Cardinal volleyball team currently weighs in with an overall record of 6-4. The Cardinals are coached by Tom Robinson (first season), who succeeded veteran coach Victor Troyan.

"Our strength this year is passing the ball. We're not the flashiest team, but the girls have been getting the job done," said Robinson.

Ireton has defeated Good Counsel (in five sets), O'Connell (in four sets), St. Mary's Ryken twice, Sidwell Friends and Carroll.

Eight of the 13 varsity players are seniors, including co-captains Sara Toni and Courtney Cleaves. Toni and Cleaves are both "outside hitters" and three-year starters.

"Sara is definitely our sparkplug. She's the best passer on the team and is the one that everyone looks to for leadership," said Robinson.

"Courtney is definitely our hammer. Her work ethic is very good. She has a lot of power and she is our hardest hitter."

The other six seniors include middle hitter Terrie Kerrigan, defensive specialist Julia Hughes, "opposite" Beth Rothschild, middle hitter Courtney Kraft, outside hitter Alexis Holder and middle hitter Kristin Philbin.

"Terrie keeps everybody loose," said Robinson. "She's a very underrated blocker. Julia is definitely an unsung hero. She does everything that is asked of her. Beth is very solid and very consistent. Courtney (Kraft) and Alexis and Kristin really goes out there and does their job."

The lone starting underclassman is junior setter Kara Bedford.

"Kara is our quarterback. She has really done a fantastic job for us this season," said Robinson.

Key reserves include junior Liz Greksouk and sophomores: Jessica Corpancho, Chrissy Einerson and Eva Etzel. (Einerson at 5'10" is the tallest of the 13 players).

"We're shorter than most of the teams that we face. I don't know what it is - we just don't get a lot of tall girls here at Ireton. We've got a very solid team. In last weeks State poll, we were ranked #5 [the top eight qualify for the upcoming V.I.S. playoffs]. We're playing some of

the best defense in the entire WCAC. I feel pretty good about our chances in our upcoming matches. This is the most fun job that I've ever had" said coach Robinson (assisted by: Alisa Kelly and Tia Allen, as well as Victor Troyan - on a part time basis).

Ireton hosts Paul VI - Oct. 12, visits McNamara - Oct. 14, visits National Cathedral - Oct. 18, visits O'Connell - Oct. 19 and hosts McNamara on "seniors night" - Oct. 21).

Ireton Improves to 5-1 with Victory Over Pallotti

Whereas the Bishop O'Connell Knights and the Paul VI Panthers both dropped to 0-6 on the football season, Bishop Ireton improved to 5-1 overall with a 12-7 victory versus the Pallotti Panthers Oct. 9 in Alexandria.

The Cardinals, coached by Brian Inman, trailed the visitors 7-0 after the first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, Ireton sophomore running back Justin Joseph scored on a five yard run. Following junior placekicker Mike Brideau's PAT, the game was deadlocked at intermission.

Brideau (with Charlie West holding and Matt Wood snapping) booted the game winning 25-yard field goal late in the third quarter to give Ireton a 10-7 advantage.

The Cardinal defense, led by senior defensive linemen Mark Wu, Buddy Buckner and Frank Curry, forced a fourth-quarter Pallotti safety to account for the final margin.

"This team refuses to be denied. They have become a real good team this year. The camaraderie is the best that I have seen here during my six seasons (three as assistant/three as head). The senior leadership on this team is fantastic," said Inman.

At this point in the season, Ireton is in the running for the Virginia Independent State playoffs. Currently, St. Christopher’s is ranked first, Richmond Collegiate is ranked second, Fork Union is ranked third and Ireton is fourth. The top four ranked schools in the final poll will advance.

O'Connell dropped a 20-15 decision on the road to Archbishop Carroll, while Paul VI dropped a 43-6 decision at home to Gonzaga.

Gordon, Sagar Twins Lead Cross Country Squad

The Bishop Ireton boys and girls cross country teams are both turning in some fine performances.

The "Cardinal and Gold", coached by Rich McCoppin (second season), feature seven varsity boys and nine varsity girls.

Leading the Cardinals is senior captain and three-year varsity starter Matt Gordon.

The six varsity juniors include twins Rob Sagar and Matt Sagar, as well as Nick Herndon, Conor Owens, Anthony Murray and Matt Pease.

Thus far, Ireton has participated in five different meets of various sizes and won the "gold" medal in the four-team Alexandria City championships Oct. 7.

Rob Sagar placed second, Matt Gordon placed third and Matt Sagar placed fifth at the Alexandria championships.

"In particular, Rob Sagar and Matt Gordon have both run very well this season. They have both medaled in three of our meets this season," said McCoppin.

"All of the guys have been putting in a ton of work. In a recent State poll, the guys were ranked #2 in the State - only behind Richmond Collegiate. All of our guys are talented. We're in a position to contend for the Virginia State Catholic Championship, the WCAC Championship and the Virginia Independent State Championship" said coach McCoppin.

The Lady Cardinals feature two seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and three freshmen.

Spearheading Ireton this season is freshman Julianne Tela and senior captain Lee Karlsson.

"Lee is very dedicated. She's a real steady leader," said McCoppin. Also stepping up is senior Megan Miller, juniors Katie Raftery, Jenn Olson and Alyssa Krauss, sophomore Laura Resetar and freshmen Kristina Fabi and Zulma Garcia.

The Lady Cardinals won the "bronze" medal at the Alexandria City Championships. Tela placed third overall and Karlsson placed fifth.

"We want to continue to improve and make everyone connected with Bishop Ireton High School proud of the girls cross country team," said coach McCoppin.