By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

First-year Madison Heights Bishop Foley volleyball coach Andrea Gutierrez has seen a glimpse of how good her team can be.

Trailing Warren Regina 20-14 and already down two games Sept. 11 at home, Gutierrez gave her team a message.

“I told them, ‘it’s five sets in a match and it’s not over until it’s over,’ and they fought,” Gutierrez remembered before practice Sept. 15.

The Ventures came out of the break with renewed confidence and battled back to tie it at 23 before eventually falling 28-26.

“Even though we lost, I was really proud of them,” Gutierrez said. “They didn’t quit.”
At press time, the Ventures were 2-11 overall, but junior captains Maria Starceski of Clinton Township and Tricia Fogel of Harrison Township, believe that match against the Saddlelites will be the spark the team needs.

“We came out here not confident in ourselves,” Starceski said. “We weren’t sure how we were going to do, (but) we’ve worked together.”

“I think we can definitely build on that, because that’s who we are, that third game,” Fogel added.

While their record is something all the Ventures know could be better, Gutierrez’s immediate goal is to build a program in her vision — a tough, fundamentally sound squad.

And it all starts with character.

“The vehicle and instrument for me is volleyball,” she said. “I love the game; it can teach a lot of life values that they can take off the court.

“If I can get them to give 100 percent on everything they do and respect one another, play for one another, then they’ll do well wherever they go.”

Gutierrez’s journey with the Ventures began after coaching at the club level for five years. She describes herself as a strict and assertive coach.

“I just started looking for opportunities, and this is where I landed, so I’m excited,” said Gutierrez, a Shelby Township resident.

Her players are excited, too.

“She’s a great coach,” Fogel said. “She definitely cares about the team, and she’s there for us. She definitely brings the Christian aspect to our team.”

After the way the Ventures battled against Regina, Gutierrez is hoping their new level of confidence will remain for the rest of the season.

“I can see them starting to pull together,” the coach said.

You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.