Qualifying for districts is the goal for every team, but for Bethlehem Catholic’s volleyball team, that accomplishment might mean a little more to the program.

The Golden Hawks are back in the postseason for the first time since 2013.

After winning one match last season, the Hawks (7-8) solidified a spot in the District 11 2A playoff picture, one that head coach Jeff Koch is excited about.

“Clinching a postseason berth was very important to us as a program this year,” he said. “Last year despite only having one win, we were able to develop a culture and mindset as a program. This year the challenge was to take what was developed last year and converting that into success on the court. We hope to close out the season very strong to build more momentum going into district play.”

Momentum is something the Hawks are looking to grab back after dropping two straight matches last week, losing to Parkland in four, but then being upset by a four win Allen team in a three-game sweep.

“We’ve achieved what we wanted to this season thus far,” said Koch. “We wish we could replay some of the matches that we did not play our best in, however, losses aren’t a bad thing for a young team because we can truly see then what areas we need to address.”

With matches against Dieruff (6-13) and Easton (8-8) this week to close out the regular season, Koch knows that getting confidence back will be key for his young team heading into the postseason stretch.

Still, the Hawks have plenty to be smiling about, especially when you consider where they were a year ago and how far they’ve come.

“It feels incredible to bring the program back to the success it deserves,” said Koch. “The coaching staff and all the athletes and parents have stuck together through the highs and lows. This is why we are seeing success again. We play not just to play but now with much purpose.

Liberty (9-6, 8-5) appears to be a long shot to qualify for the EPC playoffs, as the Hurricanes sit behind Nazareth (13-4, 10-4) for the fourth and final spot. The Eagles are winners of four straight, including a three-game sweep over Whitehall Friday.

Liberty finishes out this week against Northampton (8-5) and Freedom (10-7) on Tuesday and Thursday respectively with next week’s conference playoffs on the horizon.

Freedom will be playing the waiting game after this week’s matches against Northampton, Southern Lehigh and Liberty.