A TROJAN'S WALK TO REMEMBER.

Byline: JILL PAINTER University Beat

April Ross is the all-business, outside hitter for USC's top-ranked volleyball team. She has helped the Trojans (20-0, 11-0 Pacific-10 Conference) to a near-perfect season in which they've lost just three games.

Ross doesn't talk much about personal matters much, but recently, she didn't hesitate to enlist the help of her teammates for a good cause.

Ross' mom, Margie, died after a lengthy bout with breast cancer two years ago, just as the volleyball season started, and Ross returned to the volleyball court in a matter of days. Volleyball was her refuge.

``She handled it internally,'' USC coach Mick Haley said. ``It was private for her. She's a kind of a private person in that regard, but she's fun to be around. I was amazed at her inner strength and ability to focus.''

Ross still doesn't talk about it much but in a recent meeting, she asked her teammates to volunteer with her in Race for the Cure, which benefits the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, on Sunday at the Rose Bowl. The players will walk the course in a group of 41, including the women's basketball team, from the athletic department.

``It means a lot to participate,'' Ross said. ``I did one with my family a long time ago. I just hope they can find a cure sometime soon. One of the best things that has been happening is all the publicity it's been getting.''

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Ross wanted to do something to honor her mother, who died when she was 48. Despite dealing with chemotherapy and doctor appointments, Margie Ross went to every home match in Ross' freshman season.

``I'm sure it helps April,'' said her dad, Glen Ross. ``Not only is it a good cause, it's more of a personal thing for April. Whenever she can do something that's positive, she doesn't shy away from things like that.''

Ross has a bubbly personality and always sports a ribbon in her hair. But she has a dominant role on the volleyball court. Ross, an All-American, averages a team-best 3.68 kills a game and was instrumental in USC's national championship last year.

Against Arizona State this season, Ross served six consecutive aces. It's unknown whether it's a collegiate record since that statistic isn't kept. But it's impressive.

When Ross, a Newport Harbor product, signed with the Trojans, she said her goal was to win two championships. One down, one to go.

Ross' sister, dad and other relatives watched the first championship, and Ross said she feels her mom has seen it, too.

``When I play, I imagine her watching me,'' Ross said. ``It makes it so much more fun. She was always there to support me. It would be easy to become isolated, but once you start doing things, it's better. And it feels good to be helping.''

For her teammates, too.

``April doesn't talk about it much and keeps things to herself,'' said Katie Olsovsky, Ross' roommate. ``She leaves things off the court. But we all wanted to do this.''

--UCLA surges: UCLA water polo player Peter Belden was named the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Week after scoring the game-winning goal in an overtime upset victory Sunday against USC. After a rough start, UCLA (15-4) has won seven consecutive matches and 13 of 14 with no seniors on the team.

``People kind of wrote us off after the 2-3 start and I think that got our guys mad,'' UCLA coach Adam Krikorian said. ``That's good. I'm glad we kept chipping away. We've gotten so much better in the last four weeks. We've got a young team and I think it took them awhile.''

--News and notes: USC volleyball coach Haley needs two victories this weekend to record his 600th career win. ... The Cal State Northridge men's basketball team has four television games this season, including three on KVMD, Channel 23, which just released its package. CSUN's televised games will be Jan. 8 (UC Irvine at CSUN), Feb. 5 (CSUN at Long Beach State) and March 4 (UC Riverside at CSUN). ... UCLA forward Iris Mora was named the Pac-10 women's soccer player of the week. Mora scored two game-winners last week and added two assists. ... The top-ranked UCLA men's soccer team (14-1) will host No. 17 Rutgers (8-4-3) on Friday.

Jill Painter, [phone]

jill.painter(at)dailynews.com

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(1 -- 2) April Ross (14) will participate in a charity walk with some USC teammates in remembrance of her mother (below, left), who died of breast cancer.