Alexis Berg-Townsend has always contended that a team wants to be playing its best softball at the end of the season.

That was certainly the case this year when the Zephyrs posted six wins in their last seven games to assure themselves a spot in the district playoffs. It was an outcome that hinged on them rising to the occasion after a rocky start.

However, the Zephs couldn't sustain that momentum when they hosted Stroudsburg High School to open the District 11 4A playoffs. They were victimized by two big innings, losing 9-2 to put an end to their 2013 season.

The Mountaineers, owners of an 15-7 record, entered the tourney as the ninth seed. Whitehall was the eighth seed and looked to get the ball rolling over their Mountain Valley Conference counterparts.

While the teams haven't played one another in a some time, they had a common opponent from this year's schedule. Stroudsburg's record featured a loss to Pleasant Valley High School, winners of the MVC, and the district's number one seed heading into the tourney. The Zephs beat the Bears 8-6 to end the season.

But the Mountaineers proved to be a determined bunch. They batted around in the fifth, setting the stage for their win. They also kept the Zephyr bats quiet, allowing just five hits over seven.

Before the game, Berg-Townsend said that in order to advance and keep their season alive, the Zephs they needed to turn to a familiar theme, one that she constantly stresses.

"The key to winning is again being consistent in our all around play, including hitting and putting the ball in play and forcing their defense to play," said Berg-Townsend.

She also said that they have to pitch well and limit their errors if they expect to make it to the quarterfinals.

While beating Pleasant Valley to end their season was a good way to close out the 2013 campaign, she said that the postseason is a season unto itself, with everyone's slate clean at 0-0.

"Regular season records really do not matter at this point." said Berg-Townsend. "Playoffs are about the team who is playing the best and it can be any team, seeds 1-13.

"The girls are excited, have worked hard and our sense of urgency has not left us. They want the sense of playing for a championship, they want a gold medal around their next and in one week, it could happen."

While they battled throughout the game, they just couldn't solve starting pitcher Madi Liedberg who allowed two walks while striking out five.

In the loss, Madison Kelly had two hits, lacing a double in her final at bat as a Zephyr.