PREP ROUNDUP: Ventures, Fighting Irish grab volleyball victories.
DEARBORN - The Catholic League's AA division has become a volleyball three-ring circus this year. Thanks to Monday night's events, there is now a three-way tie for first place in one of the league's toughest divisions. Bishop Foley had little trouble knocking off Dearborn Divine Child 15-5, 15-8 to improve to 2-1 in league play. On the opposite end of Detroit, Notre Dame Prep knocked off previously-unbeaten Riverview Gabriel Richard in three games to leave both squads 2-1. "Our goals at the beginning of the season included winning a conference match," Ventures coach Craig Morrison said. "We know we have to play hard in this league. The other teams aren't going to let us win. Any team can beat another on any given night." That's proven true with Foley haven beaten Prep in three games a week ago. The Ventures opened up the conference season with a 13- 15, 15-13, 13-15 loss to Gabriel Richard. All three teams have beaten Divine Child. In Foley's latest win, Bridgette Maynard finished the night 18- of-19 hitting with nine kills. Kelly Monette played great defense, with 16 digs. She was 9-of-9 hitting with five kills of her own. As always, Erin Hoff was a steady force setting for the Ventures. Foley (14-8-6, 2-1) will travel to Riverview Thursday to tak on Gabriel Richard.

MADISON HEIGHTS - It had been a long, long lean stretch for Bishop Foley in Catholic League AA volleyball entering the 2002-03 season. The Ventures hadn't won a league match since the mid-Nineties, but things are different for Bishop Foley this season. The Ventures have broken into the win column and plan to be a factor in the championship race this year. Heading into tonight's match at Riverview Gabriel Richard, the Ventures stand at 2-1 in the league, tied for the lead with both Gabriel Richard and Notre Dame Prep. A series of matches between the three teams could break the logjam, but coach Craig Morrison says the Ventures intend to be factors in the league race all the way to the wire. "We're starting to get a program established," Morrison said. "In the past, Foley has had good athletes but volleyball has lagged behind some of the other sports in terms of tradition. Our girls are working hard and playing in the off-season and that's showing up in improved play this year." Morrison said the key to the upswing in the Bishop Foley fortunes has been an improved defense. "We really stress the defensive aspect," he said. "We really put an emphasis on it this year and it's made a big difference." Seniors Bridgette Maynard, Kelly Monette and Erin Hoff help lead the way for the Ventures. "They've been playing with more consistency," Morrison said. "They're not trying to blast everything at the net. They're playing with more patience." Maynard and Monette start on the frontline while Hoff is the starting setter. Freshman Colleen Smith is also contributing in a backup setter role. "She's going to help us more as she gains more experience," Morrison said. Junior Mallory Miller also provdes depth at the setter position. Maynard, a Daily Tribune Dream Team performer last year in basketball, volleyball and track and field, is setting a strong example for the rest of the Ventures, Morrison said. "When younger kids see the way she works out and the dedication she shows, that has to rub off," Morrison said. "She's a great athlete and she's definitely our impact player. But she's improving every match and really showing great leadership." Seniors Sarah Gadoua and Katie Lulek start on the backline for Foley. "Sarah is one of those quiet players," Morrison said. "She's a good passer and solid defensive player. She's not spectacular, but she does her job and is very consistent." Lulek brings a strong defensive game to the Foley lineup. "She saves a lot of shots for us," Morrison said. "She gives us second and third chances on a lot of plays." Senior Amanda Krauskoff also contributes as a defensive specialist. "She played club ball and it's helped her a lot," Morrison said. "Katelyn Burton is another senior for us who really picks everybody up with her enthusiasm and hustle. She's someone with a great love for the game and I wouldn't be surprised to see her get into coaching some day." Senior Lauren Castonia and sophomores Fran Pavloff and Sarah Urbanczyk are also in the regular rotation for the Ventures. The participation of the players in club volleyball during the offseason has helped Foley improve its competitiveness, Morrison said, and also raised the understanding of parents and fans of the game. "If you follow a club team you gain a better understanding of the game," he said. "You know what teams need to do to win and I think it helps the program at every level." Battling Gabriel Richard and Notre Dame Prep for the AA Division lead is heady stuff for the Ventures, Morrison said. "Those are a couple of well-run programs," he said. "It's fun to be competitive and match up well against good teams of that caliber." The Ventures are on guard against an attack of overconfidence, Morrison said. "We've improved, but we can't get complacent," he said. "We're still going to have to work for everything we get. But that's what the top programs do, and that's certainly the place where we want our program to be."