Northwestern Lehigh’s softball team is surrounded by competitive teams in both the Colonial League and District 11.

Every coach is stressing to players that they don’t have the luxury of taking any game as a definite win. The Tigers have been the hunted team because of their success over the past few seasons, so they are used to the challenges.

Kate Farber’s team has rattled off three straight wins with a combined 30-3 advantage in runs in those games.

In a 9-1 win against Pen Argyl at the Colonial League Play Days series at Patriots’ Park in Allentown over the weekend, catcher Abby Dunstan hit home run that not only cleared the fence, but also cleared a second fence which is used for men’s softball leagues.

Ainsley Behler, who is becoming a big part of the Northwestern offense, followed Dunstan’s hit with another home run. Natalie Conner was on base all four times she came to the plate with two singles and two walks that led to her scoring three runs.

Emma Freeman had two hits and scored a run in addition to turning in her best game of the season as a pitcher. The senior allowed just three hits over seven innings and the only run for Pen Argyl was unearned. She also struck out eight hitters in the game.

Northwestern was coming off an 11-1 win over Wilson when it went up against Pen Argyl, so the bats were already warmed up. Conner, who has played a large role in the offense with six hits in the three game winning streak, had two in the win over Wilson and drove in two runs with a pair of doubles in the game.

Lizzie Diehl pitched six innings, allowing three hits. Diehl struck out 14 batters in the game.

After a day off, Northwestern went right back to work on Monday with another 11-1 win, this time at Salisbury.

Lily Kinnon had three hits and scored three runs and leadoff hitter Ella Bressi went 2-for-5, including a triple and three RBI. She was 3-for-6 in the three games.

Freeman threw three shutout innings and Behler threw four innings with the only run she allowed being unearned.

The Lady Tigers get to defend their home field for the next three games as they host Palisades, Palmerton, and Catasauqua. Palmerton (11-0 overall, 9-0 Colonial League) is the only team in District 11 that has not lost this season.

Northwestern improved 8-3 overall and 7-1 in the league.