FITCH VOLLEYBALL NOTEBOOK From Wright State University

Nice shirt: Many of the Fitch players and fans were wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a ladybug on a volleyball next to the slogan, "It's an omen." The inspiration came from early in the tournament, when the warm weather brought an outbreak of ladybugs to the area. Ladybugs are rumored to bring good luck.
Nice shirt II: Fitch athletics director Dick Kenney, whose daughter Allison is a senior on the team, wore a green Michigan State shirt throughout the tournament. The Falcons attended a summer elite volleyball camp at the college and the shirt, "was just to remind them of how hard they worked." Unfortunately for Kenney, Ohio State's football team is playing host to the Spartans today in Columbus. "It's sort of bad timing for me to be wearing this," he said with a laugh.
Mismatch: Most teams look up to Cincinnati Ursuline Academy for more than just its tradition. The Lions have six players 5-feet, 10-inches or taller, compared to just one (senior Maggie Case) for the Falcons. The Lions also have no freshmen or sophomores on their roster.
So long, coach: Fitch coach Tom Case finished his career with a 284-55 record (84 percent) in 14 seasons with the Falcons. The Youngstown State University graduate has led the Falcons to three state tournament appearances (1999, 2001, '03) and five straight district titles.
Lonely at the top: The same three teams have competed in the Division I state tournament for the past three years: Cincinnati Ursuline, Cincinnati St. Ursula and Toledo St. Ursula. Ursuline has won three state titles -- including last season -- while Cincinnati St. Ursula has won seven, which ties it with Newark Catholic for most in state history. Toledo St. Ursula has never won a state title.
Best memory: While the state tournament was nice, Case's favorite memory from this season was the Falcons' come-from-behind victory in the regional final against Mentor. "To come back from a 12-10 deficit in the third game was immensely satisfying," he said. "It would've been easy to say, 'Oh, it's been a great season.' But they stood up and found a way to win."
Officials: Five members of the Mahoning Valley Volleyball Officials Association were selected to officiate the state tournament: Jim Pepperney, John Rorick, Joyce Ramsey, Rick Shriver and Paul Oakes. Those five plus these four others worked in the regionals: Chris Grace, Glen Windram, Pat Gaia and Kevin McKinstry.
-- Joe Scalzo