Playing a team a fourth time in a season and seeking a first win in the process can certainly continue to generate a sense of familiarity as well as an ever-impending challenge.

In the last meeting before the District 11 semis between Whitehall and Parkland, the latter team defeated the Zephyrs, 3-2, on a series of penalty kicks in a match that was truly a contest of character and mettle. Earlier in the regular season, Parkland shutout Whitehall, 1-0, and 3-0, in two previous contests.

"We always have a tough game against them," said Whitehall head coach Dave Weitzman. "We had a great game against them in the EPC final, and it really was a game that neither team deserved to lose."

Cara Bonshak and Kortney Cunningham scored for Whitehall (16-5) in the EPC title game, and Jude Luckenbill was strong in the nets with 16 saves.

"We gave up a goal in the first 10-12 minutes of the first half and we then gave up an early goal in the second half," added Weitzman. "We had a couple of chances toward the end of the game to score, but we just couldn't convert.

"We played solid on defense and Jude (Luckenbill) came up with a number of big saves. But we were tired in the overtime and it really was an emotional game for us. Both teams played really well."

Weitzman appreciated the break from the title game to the district playoffs that began last Thursday night. As well as providing a much-needed rest, the brief hiatus also gave the Zephyrs' two-sport athletes an additional respite.

"We have five or six girls who play two sports and this is good break for them," said Weitzman. "We need the time off after playing some big games down the stretch. We have some bumps and bruises, and we also need to get refreshed."

Weitzman believed the pressure of the possible meeting between Whitehall and Parkland to be placed more on his opponent than his own squad.

"I think it can be a more difficult psyche on the team that won the first three games," said Weitzman. "We have that on our side. But we have to take care of our business first before we have the chance to play them (Parkland)."