It was a matter of finding their comfort zone that allowed the Zephyr girls volleyball team to get back into the win column.

That win came Monday against Saucon Valley High School, sweeping the Panthers 25-23, 25-16, 25-17.

The win was a result of being composed, something head coach Rob Gardner has been looking for in his young team as they battle their way through a tough schedule.

"The girls were relaxed," said Gardner. "They were playing their game. They were anticipating where the ball was going."

He also said that the hitters did a good job keeping the ball in play. They put the ball down in open spaces, often times with good pace.

One of those hitters who struck with authority was Brook Mellinger. Mellinger rocketed a few balls through the Panthers defense, sending a loud thwack through the gym. She finished with game with eight kills.

Another player who had a good game in the kill department was Olivia Bobyak. She had seven kills and was a factor at the net defensively as well. Additionally, Tanesia Rehrig had a good game versus the Panthers, finishing the game with five kills.

Gardner said that tonight's win, especially the play up front, was the residue of practice where he emphasized playing smart.

"We want to find an open spot, and hit the ball where someone's not standing, or tip the ball where someone's not standing," said Gardner.

In Lindsey Hutterer, the Zephs have a player who can get the ball to the hitters in prime spots. She gets to nearly every ball, and has a knack for getting it to her teammates where they can make a play, either pass or hit.

Her influence on the team has been instrumental this year, according to Gardner.

"Lindsey Hutterer has been amazing," said Gardner "She's a senior, she's a captain, and she gives it everything she has. She'll make a bad play, a good play."

Another player who made an impact was freshman Cristal Fernandez who closed out the match with a kill. Fernandez, who may have been the smallest player on the court, made no doubt about it, registering a cross-court winner for the Zephs who are now 4-9.

Last Thursday's loss to Allentown Central Catholic High School, was another step toward the team playing a more relaxed game, said Gardner. While they lost in three, they were in the game the whole way, and played a good game.

Staying relaxed is something they've been trying to do, and Monday's win could help them get their stride.

"This may be the start of something good," said Gardner.