Liberty’s field hockey team is off to a 5-1 start, but the Hurricanes have a tough road this week against some of the top teams in the East Penn Conference.

The Hurricanes take on Nazareth (6-0), Parkland (7-0) and Pocono Mountain East (5-2) in a three-game slate that will surely test the mettle.

Head coach Jill Dorn knows this is a big week for the program riding a four-game win streak.

“This week coming up is going to challenge us for sure,” said Dorn. “After witnessing the way they played Whitehall [over the weekend], I think they showed themselves exactly what they are capable of. We spoke to them before the game about Whitehall being undefeated and that winning under these circumstances is an experience they deserve to show themselves what they can do if they keep their mindset.”

Liberty earned their signature win of the season on Saturday over the Zephyrs (7-1) with a 2-1 victory. Tula Sobrinski and Danielle Walz pocketed goals for Liberty to knock off the once unbeaten Zephyrs.

“The message we are continually sending is to know the value of their talent,” said Dorn. “They have been working to play like a team and do the little things right. We have a lot of young girls out there who are having to mature quickly as varsity players.”

Last week also marked a milestone for Dorn, as she recorded her 200th career win during their 6-1 win over East Stroudsburg North on September 14. This is Dorn’s 21st season heading a program, previously coaching at Pocono Mountain East (16 years) and Pleasant Valley before taking over the reigns at Liberty.

“You cannot reach this type of milestone without a great staff and players,” Dorn said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter both in my times between Pocono Mountain, Pleasant Valley and Liberty. Being closer to home, in a great community, makes this time around more special.”

Freedom (1-5) and Bethlehem Catholic (1-5) have both struggled to find their footing this season, but the Golden Hawks recorded their first win of the season last week when they knocked off the Pates 4-3.

Becahi has Allen, Pleasant Valley and East Stroudsburg North this week, while Freedom plays Emmaus, Easton, Northampton and Liberty on deck.