Northampton's volleyball started their 2013 season with a 1-3 overall record and a 0-2 record within their conference.

The team's roster is heavy with senior talent and is rounded out with several underclassmen who are really stepping up this year. First year coach Morgan Litak seems pleased both the makeup of team and the level of commitment and contribution the team has displayed so far.

"We have nine seniors on the varsity roster that are seeing a ton of playing time," explained Litak. "But we also have a bunch of juniors who are really contributing this year in every aspect."

The Northampton girls are led by senior Alexis Morgan who Litak calls, "the backbone of the team," and Katie Humanis who continues to lead the team's defensive strength.

The season began for Northampton on Aug. 31 with a nonconference game against Pleasant Valley. The girls put up a strong fight in the contest with Northampton scoring 77 points in four matches against the Bears. Northampton took an early lead by besting Pleasant Valley 25-18 in the first match. Pleasant Valley went on to take the next three matches, ending the contest with a 3-1 final tally.

Northampton met East Stroudsburg South on Sept. 4 in their second nonconference game of the season. This time, the girls claimed victory in just three matches.

The first conference matchup for Northampton came on Sept. 6, at home against Whitehall. The Northampton girls fell 25-15 in the first match but regained some momentum in the second match with a win, 25-22. Whitehall would come back to take matches three and four, however, and win 3-1.

In their second division matchup against Parkland on Monday, Sept. 9, the undefeated Trojans swept in straight sets, 3-0.

With matches against division powerhouses Whitehall and Parkland behind them, the team is keeping their focus on hard work and determination.

"The girls have really set some high goals this year," says Litak. "We are looking forward to our conference matches against Nazareth and Emmaus."

Northampton will host these two, back-to-back division games on Sept. 12 (vs. Nazareth) and Sept. 13 (vs. Emmaus). The girls will take the court at 6 p.m. for both games in the Northampton Area High School.