Whitehall has been a nemesis to all three Bethlehem schools this season on the volleyball court, but you can say the Zephyrs have been a tough out for every team thus far.

Liberty became the latest victim last week when the Hurricanes (7-3) dropped a three-game sweep to the Zephs (10-0), just like nearly everyone else this season.

Whitehall has swept every opponent outside of Emmaus this year, which was able to sneak a game away from them, but Liberty head coach Neiad Ammary felt that while things stayed close with Whitehall throughout, they didn’t have enough punch to stick with Whitehall until the end.

“It looked like we were neck and neck with them in each set before they pulled away,” said Ammary. “We were tied at 16-16 in the first two sets but didn’t make enough plays to win. They separated when it mattered and proved why they are the top team in the league this year.”

The loss snapped a four-game winning streak by the ‘Canes, who now have a week with Pocono Mountain East and Northampton on the docket. Prior to the Whitehall defeat, Liberty won 24 of its previous 25 sets, which showed they were playing well before their wake-up call against Whitehall.

“I think our team is playing well as of late, despite the loss to Whitehall, and I’m optimistic we’ll get another shot at them in the postseason,” Ammary said. “We still have some big matches coming up, with Northampton, Nazareth, a rematch with Emmaus, and a regular season finale against Freedom which could have EPC playoff implications. All we can do at this point is reflect on our recent performances and continue to find ways to improve down the stretch.”

Speaking of Freedom (9-2), the Pates have won four-straight since their loss to Whitehall and will stay in a battle with Liberty until the end of the season for the final East Penn Conference playoff berth.

The Pates find out how much they’ve learned since their loss to the Zephyrs on April 9 when they squared off against Emmaus on Tuesday night, prior to Press deadlines.

They then have matchups with Wyoming Valley West and Tunkhannock this week.

Bethlehem Catholic (5-5) continues to battle, despite falling to each of the league’s top teams this season. The Hawks lost to Parkland last week, but have a huge week ahead of them to make a move in the standings, as they take on Allen, Dieruff and Southern Lehigh. It should be three wins for the Hawks before they get a showdown with Whitehall next Monday.