Emma Bonshak and her Whitehall teammates are enjoying the moments. T

hey didn’t plan to have it any other way with their 11-1 start to the season.

“My teammates and I have brought about a never quit mentality going into each game,” said the senior second baseman. “We have it going into every game, no matter who we play.

“Specifically, when we have been faced with adversity, we have responded back and came out with big wins. We wouldn’t have won our first 11 games without the entire team’s effort.”

The Zephyrs began this week coming off a 5-3 win over reigning district champion and perennial power Northampton, a victory that was significant for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, they suffered their first loss at Pine Grove, 9-4, last Saturday.

“This was a day that we had circled,” said Zephyrs head coach Jeff Vivian about the Northampton game. “We used this as motivation all year. This was something the kids every time we were inside, we talked about this. Every time we ran, we talked about this. Every time we hit, we talked about this. This was something they were prepared to do.”

Aside from the Northampton game, Vivian is well aware of his team’s grittiness. Five of their wins have been by three runs or less. On the flip side, they have four victories by six or more runs.

“The Northampton game was another close game in which we were able to finish the fight,” he stressed. “We continue to find a new hero every game, which is a sign of our depth.”

Bonshak, who is headed to Rider next fall on a field hockey scholarship, senses a high range of team chemistry that has filtered its way through.

“Our coaches have preached that effort and energy should be our top priority, and I really feel it shows,” she added. “Even if someone is having a bad day on the mound or in the lineup, someone is willing to step up and fill their role. Up and down the lineup, the team has stepped in when needed.”

The Zephyrs will try to bounce back from the initial loss when they travel to East Stroudsburg South Monday, and then host Freedom Wednesday and Parkland Friday. Freedom began the week with a 10-1 record.

Bonshak is confident her team will keep the pedal to the medal.

“Although it is exciting to start off the season on a great note, we need to continue to work hard and improve throughout the season in order to reach our postseason goals,” she said. “We need to stay humble and not complacent at where we are right now.”