Paul Abi-Daher has created quite a reputation for himself in his first two years as head coach of the Bethlehem Catholic girls volleyball program.

Becahi made it two-for-two under Abi-Daher's tenure, as they upset top-seeded Central Catholic with a three-game sweep in the district semifinals, before taking care of Notre Dame-Green Pond in last week's District 11 2A championship at Whitehall following a win in four games (26-24, 25-19, 23-25, 25-13).

This second title was a bit more satisfying to the second year head coach because this season was full of obstacles, something that Becahi (15-7) didn't have to really deal with last year.

"We had so many challenges this year with replacing Lauren Hess, dealing with early injuries and then changing the way we played early in the season," Abi-Daher said. "Things didn't always go our way this year and we were still able to win the title. That's what makes this championship great."

Jordan Young led Becahi with 18 kills on the night, while Taylor Bennett added 14. Jean Markovic had 23 digs.

The Hawks two setter system produced 25 assists for Rachel Cray and 20 for Alyssa DiSante.

Abi-Daher comes from the mindset of taking advantage of every opportunity available and didn't want to waste a chance to win back-to-back district crowns.

Notre Dame battled in a close first game, pushing the Hawks to the brink and keeping things within three points the entire game before Becahi pulled away.

A fast start in the second game paved the way for a Hawks victory, which came to a stop in the third game, as NDGP grabbed an eight-point lead to stave off the sweep.

But Becahi's championship pedigree won the title in the fourth game, as their energy level separated the teams into the most decisive game of the match.

Now, the Hawks have to use that experience they gained from last year's championship run for this week's opening round of the PIAA tournament.

Becahi hosted District I champion Pope John Paul II Tuesday night at Liberty's Memorial Gymnasium. That contest was past Press deadlines, but the Hawks have experience with their counterparts. Becahi lost in four games to the Golden Panthers last year in the opening round of the PIAA tournament.

Pope John Paul isn't the same team from a year ago and Abi-Daher feels his Hawks can knock them off.

"They are absolutely beatable," he said. "We scrimmaged them over the summer, so we're more familiar with them than we were a year ago.

"I have a game plan going into this match, where last year, I really didn't have much information on them. It should be a good match."