The Zephyr girls volleyball team fended off game points twice in the third game, finally winning the back-and-forth battle to complete the sweep against Freedom High School Monday night.

That decisive 28-26 victory was the closest of the three, with the Zephs winning the prior contests, 25-18, 25-16 at Liberty High School's Memorial Gymnasium as part of the Lehigh Valley Showcase to kickoff the 2013 season.

The win showcased the Zephs ability to play strong fundamental volleyball as they rarely mishit a ball or made unforced errors.

"They did really well," said head coach Rob Gardner. "They came out tonight and were relaxed, and were playing their game, and they were moving and talking."

Gardner said they were able to execute the things they had been practicing which led to the sweep over the Patriots. They were continually getting into position to make a play.

"They were moving," said Gardner. "They were covering and they were passing well, and the hitters were hitting.

"That's what we worked on a lot this summer, and what we want to work on the rest of the year. If our hitters can hit, we'll win games."

The Zephs were brought back from the brink of defeat by the able frontline play of Olivia Bobyak and Madison Scarfaro, with Bobyak also chipping in with a crucial block down the stretch.

Freedom managed to take their first lead in the series at 16-15 in the third game, but Bobyak made sure they didn't get on a roll, tying the game 17-17 with a mighty strike down the middle. From that point, the teams were on the seesaw, with the Pates poised to win it twice before the Zephs doused their hopes with a late rally.

Bobyak finished with seven kills and 10 blocks, including two solo blocks.

"Olivia had a great game," said Gardner. "She was really putting the ball down."

Rebecca Lutterschmidt also had a solid match for the Zephs, finishing with 20 assists, 3 kills and 7 blocks.

From the back line, junior Tanesia Rehrig made her presence felt with 8 digs, two of those coming on one point as she dove on the floor to keep the ball alive.

Rehrig also made life easier for her frontline, getting the ball up so Bobyak, Scarfaro, Lutterschmidt, Elizabeth Lynch, Anna Gallina or Cristal Fernandez could make a play.

"Tanesia made some beautiful passes," said Gardner.

Libero Korin Koehler was another key performer against the 'Pates, finishing with 9 digs.

"She was also getting the ball up real well," said Gardner.

The Zephs got contributions from a number of players, rotating nine players onto the floor.

"We played well as a team," Gardner said.

While it was a sweep, they still have some areas that need attention.

"We got a little lazy in the third game after winning the first two games 25-18 and 25-16, but they came back." said Gardner. "They put it together in the end and they did what they had to do to win."

With a win to kick off the season, Garner did a little prognosticating.

"I think this is going to be an exciting year," he said.