Right now the Whitehall field hockey team is gaining some traction, and that means bad news for their upcoming opponents.

Winners of their last three of four games, the Zephs demonstrated Saturday against Bethlehem Catholic High School that they are combining a strong offense with a stout defense to climb back toward the .500 mark.

In their 4-1 win over the Golden Hawks, the Zephs dominated the action for much of the game, keeping the ball in the Becahi's defensive end for long stretches. They kept goalkeeper Rachel Broniec busy all afternoon, sending 22 shots at her. As a result of that pressure, they got goals from Kylee Cunningham, Sarah Schannauer, Jill Rex and Tianna Rivers.

They moved the ball effectively, whether it was crashing the goal from the wings, or finding an open space in the circle, they were able to penetrate and pass, setting up numerous opportunities.

"I thought that we were moving the ball really, really well," said interim head coach Jennifer Callahan.

Callahan also said the game also afforded her the opportunity to play everyone.

The first-half goal by Kaylee Cunningham was not immediately rewarded since it went high in the air, exceeding the backboard that nullifies any goal. However, Callahan said that after the officials conferred it was ruled a goal, since a Golden Hawk player deflected Cunningham's shot causing its high trajectory.

Assisting on the four goals were Cara Bonshak, Taylor George and Myrissa Sitko.

The lone Golden Hawk score came off a penalty shot, said Callahan. Their effort along the back line has been another reason they've made this recent ascent. Saturday's win underscored that fact as they were able to neutralize the speed of Becahi's attack by forcing them wide.

"We did a really good job of controlling their speed and keeping them outside," said Callahan.

Making sure that Bethlehem Catholic didn't have a free pass to the goal were Erin Everett, Rachel Schannauer and Britanny Pantoni.

Callahan said that Pantoni played a good game, and was consistently funneling their attack away from the middle.

"She did a really nice job of forcing the play outside," Callahan said.

Additionally, goalkeeper Kayla Nailor has been a steady performer in goal.

They also defeated Dieruff High School last week, 5-0. In that game, the Zephs got goals from Kylee Cunningham, Kourtney Cunningham, Jill Rex, Cara Bonshak and Sarah Schannauer. Assisting on the goals were Taylor George (2) and Bonshak, while Nailor stopped five Husky shots.

Callahan said that in order to maintain their recent success, they have to continue gaining confidence as a team. As a young team, they need to come together and get on the same page. Right now it's just making sure they have the right mental attitude so they can deal with the bumps that will come while playing in the Lehigh Valley Conference.

"We have so much talent," said Callahan. "It's those mental things that you need to conquer."