Experience matters in sports and Bethlehem Catholic’s volleyball team will have that heading into this spring.

The boost from getting varsity minutes back on the floor should lead to an improved product for the Hawks after last year’s 8-8 season, which saw them reach the District 11 2A final before falling in five games to Christopher Dock.

With a core of returners back this season, head coach Jeff Koch is hoping a breakout season is on the cusp.

“This is the most experienced team we have in some time,” Koch said. “With the experience comes a very good sophomore class as many of those guys will see the varsity court. The training of our team has really improved from what we have been able to do the last few seasons. I expect a team that will continue to improve throughout the season as our young guys continue to mesh with our seniors.”

Back for the Hawks include Nick Hulbert (OH) Mike Spirk (Setter), Glenn Lancaster (MH), Joey Roethel (MH), Mike Kuehner (OH), Colton Drexler (Defensive Specialist) and Anderson Bento (DS).

Newcomers to the fold are Jacob Sledz (Libero), Nathan Estock (DS), Dylan Zambo (Opposite), Nick Greenwalt (Opposite), Pat Metzger (OH), Brent Brown (Setter), Alex Santostefano (MH), Kenny Bell (Opposite).

Hulbert led the team in kills last season and has improved again this offseason. Mike Spirk enters his third year as a varsity setter to give them a strong, veteran passer. Freshman Jacob Sledz enters with high expectations from Koch, who sees a lot of talent from the newcomer.

“Our team goals are to compete for an EPC title, win our district and advance to states,” said Koch. “We want to become ranked in the top 10 for 2A state volleyball.

“We will achieve these goals by continuing to focus on the quality reps day in and day out at our practices. This is a group that is hungry to get better each day. If we can keep that mentality then I believe we will be in the mix of things at the end of the volleyball season.”