Catasauqua head volleyball coach Abby Cunningham understands her team's frustrations about being winless on the season, but she wants her players to appreciate a work in progress.

"We took a lot of baby steps this season," said the former Roughie and Roger Williams University standout, who is in her second year as head coach. "I know it can be frustrating for them and they definitely want to win.

"But they are getting better as a team. We have been moving the ball better and getting better play at the net. We have been getting less and less complacent and realizing what we have to do. The girls are pushing each other and it seems to be working out.

"They all have a positive outlook on the situation."

Saddled with some growing pains, Cunningham doesn't see any lack of respect from their opponents.

"Other teams may see that we may not be as good as some of the others, but we do gain respect of our opponents," she said. "Teams may take some things for granted against us, but we have responded in a good way.

"We have gotten team in games and they bounce back. We have shocked some teams by the way we respond to them. We have stepped up to the challenge all season. We know what we can do right now, and it is what it is."

Cunningham stated that her squad has many athletes, but they are void of pure volleyball players. She is hopeful to begin a middle school feeder program.

"Most of our players haven't been introduced to the game before high school," she said. "Either they fall in love with it or they don't come back. It has been hard to recruit at times."

Cunningham cited the play of juniors Kendra Tomcics and Crystal Yautz as two of the team's more consistent performers all season.

'"They both have show tremendous improvement from last year," said Cunningham. "They both have responded very well, and have been leaders on and off the court."

Tomcics and Yautz will be among a core of returnees next season as well more promise for the program. Cunningham is optimistic her players will continue to hone their skills and further develop during the offseason.

"We had girls playing over the summer at the North Catty Park," she said. "Playing outside the season can be huge for us. This bunch of girls will respond and work hard. We just have to keep working and we will get better."