This fall, success of the Catasauqua girls' volleyball team won't be measures in wins and losses. Instead, it has been measure in the overall growth and maturity of its players as well as some moral victories that will eventually lead to solid ones in the future.

"This season is all about claiming some little victories," said first-year head coach Abby Cunningham, whose squad is winless with two weeks remaining in the regular season. "We have had plenty of moral victories along the way and we want to focus more on individual goals for the girls.

"Most of the girls haven't played any team or organized volleyball, so we're working hard on our fundamentals at this point. We have a great group of girls who are working as hard as they can.

"We have been improving in a step-by-step process."

Cunningham noted the play of lone senior setter Hope Golden, who has been an effective leader.

"I know it has been a tough season for her," said Cunningham. "She was on last year's team that just missed making districts. But she has really worked and has been patient with the younger girls. She knows they can soon be contributors.

"Hope (Golden) has been a great leader on and off the court."

Cunningham also has been impressed with the enthusiasm of her young squad. She cited the play of sophomores Kelly Sobrinski, Kendra Tomcics, and Crystal Yautz, all of whom have been making progress.

"The girls come into practice every day looking for ways to get better," said Cunningham. "They are always asking questions about the game and situations. (Sobrinski, Tomcics, and Youtz) have really come along the past month and have established themselves. They are all good athletes who are quick and learning the game."

Cunningham, a former Catty standout and four-year player at Roger Williams College, also anticipates her players being active in the offseason.

"They are interested in seeing how they can become better players," she said. "We will have a number of them playing after the season. If we keep working, we'll see notable results ahead."