TYNGSBORO -- Senior middle blocker Tony Va led the way with 13 kills, 2 blocks and 8 service points as the fledgling Greater Lowell Tech boys' varsity volleyball team blanked Dracut, 3-0, in non-league match action last night.

I.B.M. wants to enlist fledgling software companies in its Smarter Planet strategy, which seeks to apply cutting-edge technology to big challenges like improving the efficiency of energy use, water management, transportation and health care.

Nick Szczur of North Bethesda (above) and his friend, Brady Fox of Olney, have created Rate My Band, a Web site that allows fledgling musical groups to get exposure.

OROVILLE — Less than a week after a disabled Vietnam veteran was evicted from his home, he is settling into a new one thanks to a fledgling organization that will help veterans who are homeless or have substance abuse problems.