If the success of the Catasauqua's girls' volleyball team can be equated to a horseracing track, the Roughies would be heading into the final turn with a moderate chance of a considerable finish.

In recent years, the program endured a 60-game losing streak that was mercifully snapped on the final match of the 2011 season. This season, first-year head coach and former standout Lindsay Arndt has worked diligently to restore some respectability to the program and has instilled a solid work ethic.

Judging by her team's performance this season, the Roughies aren't far from the finish line. They entered this week' play with an overall 4-7 record, one that doesn't immediately impress on paper but one that has gained respect in the overall athletic program.

"Things haven't been too bad for us," Arndt said. "We have hit some bumps in the road, but it has been better than it was in the past. The girls are working hard and they have been progressing in the right direction."

Catty opened the week with a 3-0 defeat to Dieruff Monday, but Arndt believes her club can exact some revenge.

"We made some mistakes against them (Dieruff) that cost us," she said about the defeat. "But I'm sure we can bounce back against them when we play them again next week."

Recently, Arndt has been impressed with the play of senior Samantha Schnabel, who has developed into a force in the middle.

"Sammy (Schnabel) has been doing really well and she has been consistent," Arndt said. "She (Schnabel) can continue to develop her game down the stretch."

Senior co-captains Sabrina Oliver and Lauren Pluchinsky have also played key roles in the Roughies' recent surge.

"They both have been solid leaders for us," Arndt said. "They know what has to be done and they have led by example."

Junior Janelle Roth has continued to establish herself at the libero position and senior Megan Murawski has been consistent from an outside hitter spot.

"Janelle (Roth) stepped in and has done a nice job," Arndt said. "Megan (Murawski) has also had a solid year for us."

One of the elements battling the Roughies will be overall depth as they only have 13 girls in the program.

"That (13 girls) can make it hard," offered Arndt. "We don't have the depth and the girls know they will be out there every game. But they have kept fighting through everything."

Arndt expects her team to be very competitive down the stretch. When she looked at the team's remaining matches, she realistically envisions her team around the .500 mark to finish the season.

"I really think we can be .500 at the end of the season," she said. "We should take the team we should be taking and we have the talent to be a district playoff team. To be .500 or break .500 now would be a very good season for us."

It will just depend how well they can round the turn toward the finish line.