With over a quarter of the regular season in the books, Whitehall’s Natalia Pedraza is on track to reach one of her goals as she aims to be part of the postseason singles tournament mix.

This year the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference changed the qualifying standards, admitting only the top eight players in each of the singles and doubles brackets. Previously, they were open to all players in the conference.

That will make it more difficult to reach the tourney, but Pedraza is determined to be one of the players participating.

“That’s one of the main things I want to do,” said Pedraza.

Right now Pedraza is 4-1, her only loss to Bethlehem Catholic’s Shannon Stewart.

In her last match before the Labor Day weekend, Pedraza defeated Allen’s Lindsay Shoemaker 6-0, 6-1.

Pedraza said that the beginning of the season is usually less demanding, and gradually gets more difficultly as the season progresses. The junior said that she started the year off better than expected, but the loss to Stewart was a bit of a surprise given how she fared last year against her EPC rival. Pedraza was able to defeat Stewart last season in straight sets when she played at Emmaus. Pedraza said that Stewart’s ability to harness her hard shots, something she struggled to do last season’s match, allowed the Golden Hawk to take this year’s meeting.

Still, Pedraza is comfortable where she sits right now.

“I think I’m doing pretty good so far,” she said.

Pedraza has a vicious forehand that often crumples the legs of her opponents who have little time to react. She generates most of that power from the baseline, and attacks the net when the opportunity arises. She said that’s how most of her matches unfold in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

Pedraza said that she constantly refines her game, and wants to excel in all aspects of tennis. She doesn’t want to rely solely on a strong serve; instead, wants to incorporate every shot in her toolbox.

In addition to making the singles tournament, Pedraza said that she wants to finish with a better than what she had last year. She’s also on track to accomplish that goal as well.

The Zephyrs were able to defeat the Canaries 7-0 last Thursday, relying on the strength up and down their lineup. In addition to Pedraza’s win, Noel Yacoub took her match in straight sets, defeating Cindy Luu at No. 2 singles, 6-1, 6-2.

At No. 3 singles, Nicole Asmar dealt Carrie Spangler a loss, taking the match 6-0, 6-1.

The No. 2 doubles pair of Heylee Chan and Emily Tran defeated Melissa Fatzinger and Yohanna Arias 6-0, 6-4, while Delana Spencer and Marina Fayez bested Bella Macsisnk and Lexi Horn won 6-0, 6-1.

At No. 4 doubles, Afaf Nazif and Sydney Holderman defeated Sallee Boose and Amanda Alamon 6-2, 6-2. Finally, Mai Quach and Miranda Ortiz were able to defeat Karen Martinez and Elizabeth Iano in a pro set, 8-3.

This week the Zephyrs have three matches beginning with Dieruff on Tuesday. After hosting the Huskies, they travel to East Stroudsburg South and Freedom to complete the week.