Photo Gallery: Dearborn High Volleyball Shows Progress at Tournament

The Pioneers were among seven volleyball programs participating in the Dearborn High Varsity Volleyball Invitational on Friday at .

Dearborn tied for fourth in the tournament after going 2-4 on the day.

Westland John Glenn finished first by going undefeated. New Boston Huron placed second, Erie-Mason ended up third, and Warren Mott tied Dearborn for fourth place.

Dearborn posted victories over Sterling Heights and Allen Park, and Pioneers coach Dianne Phillips was encouraged by her young team's play.

"Today was a very positive growing experience," said Phillips, whose team pushed eventual tournament champion Westland John Glenn before losing in three games.

Dearborn has had a busy start to the 2011 campaign by competing in three tournaments and a quad meet thus far. Phillips said the team has struggled, but that today's performance offered some hope.

“In 31 years of coaching volleyball, I’m pretty sure I have never had so many lineup changes in the first two weeks of the season," Phillips said. "We found something today that was working.”

Senior captain Stacey Malinowski provided steady play for the Pioneers on Friday.

“Her play showed the leadership," Phillips said. "It wasn’t just emotional or directional, she was showing leadership with her play.”

Ghadir Bazzi, a three-year varsity starter, also got on track late in the day for Dearborn.

“We need her to be rock solid on the court,” Phillips said.

The Pioneers (4-12-2 overall) will travel to Lakeland High Sept. 10 for the Lakeland High School Varsity Invitational before hosting Redford Union on Sept. 12.