After a tough, physical game against William Allen High School, the Zephyr field hockey team will try and bounce back against a Liberty squad that made headlines last week.

The Zephs 2-1 overtime loss to the Canaries last week was a game in which their physicality may have cost them, according to head coach Emily Repsher.

"We were a little bit too physical," said Repsher. "We ended up getting [penalty] cards late in the second half and into overtime which set us back."

That resulted in the Zephs playing shorthanded which gave the Canaries that crack they needed to slide the ball into the cage.

"We just didn't have the numbers," said Repsher. "It was a tough game."

Repsher said the team exerted a lot of energy, both physically and emotionally in the game, perhaps underestimating the squad from Allentown who came into the game at 4-5.

Still, the team managed to grind it out, relying on some gritty defense that kept them tied through regulation.

"We were working hard, and we had some opportunities, but we just came up short," said Repsher. "It wasn't our day."

In that game, Laura Gerhard scored off a corner, tallying that goal in the second period to tie the game.

However, Repsher said that ultimately some calls didn't go their way and they succumbed in overtime, dropping their record to 10-3.

Goalkeeper Emily Graveno finished with six saves, spearheading a defense that "played really well," said Repsher.

Graveno has been steadily improving and her continued progress will help the Zephyrs as the postseason approaches.

"She played really well in the game," said Repsher.

Their prior game was an 10-0 whitewash over Allentown Central Catholic High School. The win featured crisp passing, working their combinations that resulted in finding the back of the cage.

"We were on our game," said Repsher. "We got a lot of people in who saw some time. We really worked well together as a team."

The Zephs got goals from Anne Klepeiss (2), Gerhard (2), Kayla Cunningham (2), Taylor Hamscher, Jill Rex, Victoria Marks, and Molly Graveno.

She also credited hard work in the circle for their scoring outburst.

The Zephs will now turn their attention to Liberty High School as they try to notch another win in the competitive Lehigh Valley Conference. Repsher expects another tight tilt as they visit the surging Hurricanes.

"They'll be another tough team," said Repsher. "We can't come in underestimating them."

Repsher said that some new players will be getting extended playing time up front, notably Myrissa Sitko who will be in the line-up against the Hurricanes.

"She's getting an opportunity and stepping up to the varsity," said Repsher.

Repsher believes the 'Canes may have something to prove and that their win over mighty Emmaus High School, ending their nine-year LVC unbeaten streak, wasn't a fluke. With that as a backdrop, she expects a tough game.

"I think they'll be out to get us…off that Emmaus game and make sure they keep winning from there on out," said Repsher.

The Zephs fell short in their bid for their eleventh win, falling 1-0 to the 'Canes. Liberty's goal in ten first half stood up, dropping Whitehall's record to 10-4. In the loss, Emily Graveno had five saves.