Bethlehem Catholic has always had talent on the girls’ volleyball program. The Hawks are just reaping the full benefits of it this season under new head coach Jessica Attieh.

The Hawks come into the week 4-0 and have proved that they are one of the best teams in the East Penn Conference.

“Coming in as a new head coach I was familiar with some of the players and how their season went last year,” said Attieh. “They have five starters returning and several other players with varsity experience. I had an idea of what I was walking into, but the talent and the leadership took me by surprise. I think with the right guidance under the right coaching staff is all this team needed to shine.”

That new sparkle on the team was highlighted by wins over perennial state power Parkland last week, outlasting the Trojans in five games. Becahi also has a win over Liberty under their belts to give them one of the most impressive resumes of anyone in District 11 so far.

“It was a major boost of confidence,” said Attieh of the wins over those two programs that were in the District 11 6A championship last year. “Playing two of the top teams in the conference and getting wins in both games this early on in the season is good sign moving forward. I knew what they were capable of, but they proved to themselves what they are capable of.”

Becahi has Nazareth (4-1) and Freedom (2-3) on the calendar this week and Attieh will look to her leaders to keep them on track.

“As a team, everyone has a role whether that is on the court, in practice, or on the sidelines,” she said. “Leah Bender, Sophia Bedics, Theresa Ruhl, Madeline Ahner, Jocelyn Bell and Piper Ruggerio have proved time and time again why they earned their starting positions. There is no denying that this group is talented and has grit and resilience. Our focus has been improving the mental side of the game, specifically, volleyball IQ, mindset and positivity, and staying composed in a tough situation.”

After an 0-3 start to the year, Freedom has won two straight with sweeps over Allen and Pocono Mountain West.

The Pates have Northampton, Becahi and East Stroudsburg South this week.

Liberty (2-2) have Easton and Nazareth on deck this week.