Call it the power of positive thinking.

Or maybe the power of positive practicing.

After losing three consecutive games, the Whitehall girls volleyball team reeled off four wins in a row thanks to their commitment during practice.

Head coach Laura Hausman said that "they made the turn in practice and realized what they wanted." That's led to a 6-3 record as they head into some tough games this week against Emmaus and Parkland.

Hausman said that league rules dictate how many days a team can practice, and with some makeup games on the horizon, those opportunities become fewer. She said those are the time teams can wrinkle out problems, but it's hard to do when they're playing four games in five days.

Still, she said they're doing a good job adjusting.

Practice afforded them the opportunity to make some changes, switching from a 6-2 to a 5-1 attack. Hausman explained the benefits of each scheme, settling on a system that gives them one permanent setter who delivers the ball to five attackers.

She said it was installed to bring more consistency. It also firmly establishes a leadership role.

"They're adapting well and playing better," she said.

It's paid dividends as they've been clicking off victories, their latest a four-set victory over Pleasant Valley High School on Monday night.

The Bears came into the game with an 11-6 record, but Whitehall was able to topple their Eastern Pennsylvania Conference counterparts 20-25, 25-15, 25-22 and 25-13.

In the win, Emily Castro had 36 assists, four kills, two aces and eight digs for a strong all-around game. Tanesia Rehrig had another solid floor game, registering 24 digs, while Liz Lynch had 14 kills, four digs and three blocks.

Hausman said that her stat sheet has often been filled with players who have recorded similar numbers, noting that Becca Lutterschmidt was right behind Lynch in the kills department with 13 against the Bears.

"That's how it's been all year long," said Hausman who submits a game recap to media outlets after every contest. "All of our hitters are doing extremely well."

She also said the team has responded by playing on an even keel. When facing a run, they've done a better job of staying level-headed. It's enabled them to bounce back quicker.

"We're starting to become mentally stronger," she said.

That will come in handy as they face the Green Hornets and Trojans this week. Hausman knows it will be a big challenge, noting that both teams are not only powerhouses in the league, but the state as well.

"It's going to be tough, but we're ready," she said.