The Northampton girls varsity volleyball team took the court at on Monday evening against Freedom High School, ready to face off against this tough division rival.

Leading the battle for Northampton was Olivia Kester and Emy Jeanneu, both with impressive performances during the game. Although the girls would ultimately fall to Freedom 3-1, coach Morgan Litak looked at the game as a testament to the renewed energy of the team.

"The team came out on fire," said Litak, "with a new found passion for the game and this season. [Kester and Jeanneu] played amazing blocking games and did a great job on hitting too. They really turned it on."

Litak goes on to explain that a tough 3-0 loss against Bethlehem Catholic on Sept. 19, as a sort of turning point for many of Northampton's nine seniors.

"They are realizing now that the season is half over and this is it," said Litak.

Northampton began last week with two solid wins against Dieruff on Sept. 17, and Catasauqua on Sept. 19. The girls bested both teams in three matches.

"The defense is what pulled us through against Dieruff, that's what kept us in the game," said Litak.

However, in a low scoring game against Catasauqua, it was Northampton's strong serving game that never let the Rough Riders in and led Northampton to a 25-6, 25-2, 25-5 victory.

While different Northampton stars have emerged in each game this season, the two constants for Northampton have been libero Katie Schumanis and center Alexis Morgan.

Coach Litak credits these two teammates with consistently leading and inspiring the team's performance.

Litak said, "We have different girls stepping up in each game but these two players [Schumanis and Morgan] have just been really strong all season."

At press time, Northampton was preparing to meet Allentown Central Catholic on Tuesday, Sept. 25, in a 6 p.m. home game. The team will also attend the Easton Volleyball tournament this weekend where they will face off in at least 4-5 games.