Coming into this season, Catasauqua girls’ volleyball team was wondering what it could do for an encore.

The Rough Riders won more games (six games) than they did in the previous six seasons combined and also secured a district playoff berth for the first time in 16 years.

“I have to wonder how I can top that,” said head coach John Cesanek earlier this season. “It is my biggest challenge as well as my biggest fear.”

With a district berth back in their sights, Cesanek and his troops looked to take the next step. However, inconsistencies and injuries slowly derailed the Roughies, and they slipped to an overall 6-15 record.

Catty lost five of its last six matches, and they fell out of the district playoff race.

“We made some mental errors and we were out of position sometimes,” added Cesanek. “I still think we could have taken some games down the stretch.”

Looking back, Cesanek could see plenty of positives.

“When I first had signups in May, there were more than 50 names on the list. We were fortunate to have open gyms throughout the summer, and the girls practiced and honed their skills playing in the North Catty League.”

Cesanek also stated that he and assistant coach Edward Popa had to make cuts, which was a difficult situation.

“In August, we had the list down to 33, as we went into tryouts and testing,” he added. “Just watching these girls improve over the last two months through open gyms has been amazing and has given us high hopes for the fall for the varsity and junior varsity.”

All season, Cesanek looked to seniors Amanda Hunsberger, Ardriana Paola Molinary Villanueva, Delanie Popa, Delaney Troxell, Jane Armbruster, and Lauren DeLong to help set the pace. Freshman Kira Kiel was a pleasant surprise.

Also, sophomores Malia Walp and Madison Monberger were major contributors. Cesanek noted that Monberger has been dealing with the effects of a concussion, while Walp and Armbruster have ailing shoulders.

Through it all, though, there was plenty of satisfaction along the way.

“We had some injuries, and we worked through them,” he added. “We had a team of mostly seniors, and they really bonded well.

“I couldn’t be prouder on how they played, and the team chemistry was fantastic.”