Whitehall softball coach Alexis Berg-Townsend always has a theme to galvanize the team as they embark on a new season, but as their fortunes changed this year, she changed that message to fit the situation.

"Our team word has always been consistency, and now the last couple of games it's been urgency," said Berg-Townsend whose team was in danger of missing the playoffs before their late-season turnaround. "That's what we're taking in with us to each game and each practice."

The Zephs are currently on a five-game winning streak, their latest win coming Tuesday against Nazareth Area High School. That 10-1 victory against the Blue Eagles was the win they needed to catapult them into the district playoffs, boosting their record to 10-8.

It marked a significant resurgence that saw their bats come alive during that stretch, outscoring their opponents 34-6. They've responded to that urgency by unleashing a combination of spectacular pitching and outstanding hitting.

"They're on a high right now," said Berg-Townsend. "They've come together. They've had a couple of goals in mind. One of them was to make it to districts, the next was splitting the conference, after losing the first time, with all three teams in the division."

The signature win during that span was a 1-0 win over Northampton Area High School. Defeating previously unbeaten Northampton was a big step toward their second half revival.

"The Northampton game was a huge high for them," said Berg-Townsend. "It was a great confidence builder. It's always a great win when Whitehall beats Northampton."

The game-winning hit was provided by senior Kelly Spanitz who has emerged as an important piece in their line-up. Right before she stepped to the plate, Berg-Townsend said she pulled Spanitz aside, telling her in an offensive conference that 'I've never been more proud of a player than I have been with you,' noting that the former role player earned a starting spot through hard work, and no matter the consequences, Berg-Townsend was proud of her. Spanitz responded with a single that scored Regan Bortz.

"She's always been a fighter and a battler in the batter's box, and that's what she did," said Berg-Townsend.

The win also hinged on the arm of Andrea Emery who matched goose eggs with Marly Laubach.

"I pitched the best I could; I struggled a little bit, but then I came back and I finally did it," said Emery.

She said putting together that performance on senior night was something she'll always remember.

Emery's stinginess in the run department can be attributed to a couple of factors. While she said that she's picked up some speed on her ball, and has also been hitting her spots, perhaps the most important element is that the offense has responded with a power surge.

"Our bats have been picking up which gives me the motivation knowing I can pitch with having run support," said Emery.

Emery also gives the nod to her teammates who have been flashing the leather during their winning streak, further boosting her confidence. Confidence on the mound has played a large part, with Emery indicating they're "coming together as a team." Her success on the hill is one of the main reasons they'll be heading back to the D-11 playoffs.

As they wind down the season with two more games on the docket, Berg-Townsend hopes the wins will continue, allowing them to build on the momentum they've created.

"Good teams know how to play at the end of the season and peak at the right time, and that's what we're looking for," said Berg-Townsend.

In Tuesday's game against the Blue Eagles, Berg-Townsend said that they "looked a little flat and that she needed them up." She knew that getting them energized was going to be a key to the win.

"They got going, they got aggressive, and they kept going with it." said Berg-Townsend.

In that win, Molly (not to be confused with Emily) Graveno had a couple of hits, knocking in two runs. Madison Kelly also had a two-run homer in the victory.