Northwestern Lehigh High School fourth-year head girls volleyball coach Lexy Ashburne and her program were forced to deal with circumstances out of their control during the 2020 regular season. The COVID-19 pandemic caused fewer practices and games and an injury to a starter in just the first set of the year were just a few of the challenges the Tigers faced.

But Northwestern persevered and reached new heights for the current roster and staff. The Tigers had made it to the big stage and were squared up against a perennial power in Southern Lehigh Tuesday in the District 11 Class 3A quarterfinals.

The defending league and district champion Spartans were just too much for Northwestern, playing without two starters due to injury. The Tigers fell in straight sets by scores of 25-9, 25-8 and 25-12 Tuesday at Southern Lehigh High School.

“For us even to be here is very exciting,” said Ashburne. “We haven’t been here in districts that often as a program. It’s my first time and all of these girls’ first time. We had to deal with some injuries and were down a few players tonight, but I’m happy with how we battled, especially in that last set. It’s exciting knowing the direction that this program is going.”

Southern Lehigh improved to 7-0, while Northwestern finished with an even 3-3 mark.

Southern Lehigh started strong in both the first and second sets and took it to Northwestern offensively, holding double-digit leads early on and riding out the wins. But in the third set, the Tigers showed life. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead and held an advantage up until the score was 10-9. After four ties, the Spartans went ahead 11-10 and scored eight straight points to complete the sweep.

“That’s been one of our weaknesses, that it takes us a little bit to ramp it up and get it going,” Ashburne said. “But when we are able to start fast and get out in front, you can see the confidence the girls play with. They were playing aggressively and with energy in that third set. It was great to see.”

Northwestern will graduate four seniors this year, but will have a strong core back for next season. The excitement around the program is imminent.

“I thought we had a great year all around,” said Ashburne. “To be able to qualify for districts, let alone during a pandemic-shortened season, and when we’ve had three injuries to starters, it’s just exciting. They fought so hard all year and it was such a unique year and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls. If we can do it under these circumstances, we can get back next year hopefully under normal circumstances.”

Jenna Breininger led the team with four kills, followed by three from Alia Reimert and two by Jacey O’Donnell. Mia Ritter tallied 11 assists. Samantha Moss and Ella Carson each finished with two digs.