Dahlberg, Trotter, help Bancroft to 24-0.

Byline: Bill Marsh

WORCESTER - There are volleyball teams and then there is the Bancroft School girl's volleyball team. The Bulldogs recently completed another undefeated season, finishing with a perfect 24-0 record.

It marked the fourth straight season that the Bancroft girls have finished with an unblemished record. They have amassed an amazing 104 straight victories.

The many victories are just part of the Bulldogs story. They have been the Eastern Independent League Champions for eight years in a row, while also taking the New England Prep. School Athletic Conference for four straight years.

In fact, the Bulldogs went 3-1/2 years without losing a single game. That means that the Bancroft girls would win a match 3-0 every time they stepped on the court.

The secret to success for the Bulldogs, according to second year coach Gary Patch, has been the commitment of the team.

"The team has committed to work extremely hard, yet still have fun in practice," Patch said. "We play as a team and we support all team members."

"There has been very good competition, especially when we get to playoffs, but the girls have persevered," he said.

One of the reasons for the great success of Bancroft girl's volleyball is the play of senior captain Ellen Dahlberg of West Boylston, who, incredibly, hasn't lost a match in four years.

Dahlberg, the team's Most Valuable Player, played the setter position. She is a first team all-conference player.

In the last couple of years, she (Dahlberg) has probably made the most sacrifice for the team," Patch said. "She was one of the best outside hitters in the league, but has accepted and flourished in her new role as setter."

"She is a fantastic player," he said. "She sacrificed offense to help the team. She has thrived in her new position, and I think she is the best setter in the league. She is our floor leader and she absolutely leads the team."

Dahlberg, who is headed to Middlebury College, has played for two coaches in her sparkling four-year career. Prior to Patch, Bob Stein was the girl's volleyball coach. Both coaches were assisted by Russ Enlow.

Dahlberg is presently playing volleyball for the U-18 Central Mass. Juniors Club Team.

"It has been a fantastic experience," Dahlberg said. "I have had great coaches and coach Patch is great. It has been like one big family playing for the team."

"Everyone has been so supportive," she said. "The practices are so fun. They get us to improve as a team and as individuals. It has been a complete team effort."

Two other key members of the Bancroft girl's team are sophomores Gabby Trotter of Boylston and Meg Anderson of Berlin.

Trotter, who was the conference player of the year, is an outside hitter. She led the team in kills, averaging 6.2 per game.

"She (Trotter) is an incredible player," Patch said. "Gabby is a weapon. She led the team in aces. She is by far our "go to" player when it comes to offense."

"She has become our most explosive offensive threat whether it is front row, back row, or serving her jump-floaters," he said. "She has great defensive and passing skills as well."

Anderson, the most improved player on the team, is also an outside hitter.

"Meg (Anderson) is an excellent player and she was third on the team in kills," he said. "She is a very solid defensive player, and she improved dramatically in offensive attacking."

Other members of the championship Bancroft team are senior captain Elizabeth Allen, Olivia Stevens, Clara Zinman, Jenny Wallace, Noelle Fura, Courtney Dunne, Elizabeth DiBuono, Lauren OLeary, Sylvia Parol, Sarah Bousquet, and Kassandra Jermyn.

ART: PHOTOS

PHOTOG: Banner photos/COURTESY ANNE CHAFFEE

CUTLINE: (1) Senior captain Ellen Dahlberg of West Boylston, with Coach gary Patch, was named the Bulldog's most valuable player. (2) Boylston's Gabbie Trotter goes up for the kill in a game this season. In the background (from left) are: Ellen Dahlberg, Jennie Wallace, Liz Allen and Clara Zinman.