As we approach the midpoint of the volleyball season, Freedom, Bethlehem Catholic and Liberty are trying to figure out where they each stand as the middle of April comes upon us.

The Patriots are sitting in the best position coming into the week at 5-3 with Bethlehem and Dieruff left on the agenda following Monday’s loss to Nazareth.

The loss drops the Pates out of the top five teams in District 11, as they look to regain momentum in the midst of two straight losses.

Bethlehem Catholic (4-3) and Liberty (3-4) are also trying to find their footing.

The Golden Hawks are coming into this week fresh off a loss to Northampton a week ago with a tough, two-game stretch against the Pates and an undefeated Emmaus (7-0) squad this week.

Head coach Jeff Koch knows his team needs to get back on track after being exposed against the K-Kids.

“Our loss to Northampton was disappointing, but they were able to expose our weaknesses that we did not get exposed to all season yet,” said Koch. “I hope we can handle the loss with maturity and learn from it in a short amount of time.

“We don’t feel we had a big setback with the recent loss. We have a good group of guys that believe in what we are trying to accomplish.”

With Liberty and Nazareth on deck next week for the Hawks, this two week stretch will prove to be critical for them.

“The next four games will be a very big challenge for us,” said Koch. “Freedom, Emmaus, Liberty, and Nazareth are very solid teams. We do feel the next two weeks could be the biggest test of the season thus far. Obviously we would like to win every match but walking away over the next four matches with a winning record would be a successful showing for us.”

Liberty just wants to keep their heads above water with their youthful squad.

They take on Nazareth and Pocono Mountain West this week before battling Parkland and Becahi next week. The next four matches could determine whether they stay in playoff contention.

“It has been a bumpy start for us, without a doubt,” said ’Canes head coach Neiad Ammary. “We’re not thrilled, but we’ve played a really tough schedule so far. We’ve lost to good teams in Emmaus, Whitehall, Pennsbury, and Northampton. We were competitive for significant portions of each of those matches. Northampton was a bit of a shock, but we’re very much looking forward to a rematch with them later in the season.

“This week will be important, since we play Nazareth Tuesday, and they are likely to be neck and neck with us for a playoff spot. Next week will be even more crucial because we play four matches in five days, one of which is against Parkland.”