Liberty’s volleyball team has dealt with their share of bad luck this season. After losing team MVP Owen McFadden in the preseason to a season ending injury, the Hurricanes also lost the likes of starting outside hitter Chastin Bullard and sophomore Jayden Rumelhart to season ending injuries.

Despite all that, they’ve crept back into the playoff hunt after winning three out of their last four matches.

While the wins over the likes of struggling teams like Bethlehem Catholic, Dieruff and Allen were expected, battling Emmaus in a four game loss proved that the Hurricanes can still compete with the top teams despite their shares of misfortune.

“We do have momentum probably more so with how we played in the second half of the Emmaus match even though we lost that one out of the four matches,” said head coach Mike Zile. “We have been working hard with the guys to communicate better on defense to limit the one on one or one on empty net attacks from the opposition. Emmaus ran a fast offense and I think the guys did a real nice job of being aware and playing team defense.

“The three wins against Bethlehem Catholic, Dieruff, and Allen are all a confidence boost that puts the team in a position to fight for a district playoff berth.”

Liberty (5-7) has four matches left on the season with two this week against Northampton (11-1) and Parkland (9-2). In order to keep their postseason hopes alive, the ‘Canes will need to steal one of these week’s matches.

“We will have to win at least three out of four to qualify for districts,” said Zile. “I am telling the guys our playoff experience is now with a “play in” type of opportunity. We have already played all four of these teams and lost to each in the first half. We took sets against all of the teams except Parkland. All we can do is fight in each match and reflect on it afterward.”

Freedom (8-5) have five matches packed this week with Allen, Quakertown, Dieruff, Southern Lehigh and Tunkhannock on their schedule.

The Pates should clinch a postseason berth this week with three wins.

Bethlehem Catholic (2-11) have Northampton, Parkland and Easton this week.