ORWIGSBURG – Three years ago, the Lehighton volleyball team made its last appearance in the District 11 playoffs.
Two years ago, Indians head coach T.J. O'Connor last appeared in the District Tournament as the head coach of Blue Mountain.
This year, the stars seemed to align perfectly as O'Connor returned to Blue Mountain by coaching Lehighton back into the District playoffs for the first time since 2009.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the happiest of Homecomings, as the Eagles defeated Lehighton in four games (25-17, 25-17, 10-25, 28-26) to advance to Tuesday night's Class AA semifinal against top-seeded Bethlehem Catholic.
The loss ends the Indians season at 14-6, which included trips back to the Mountain Valley Conference and District 11 playoffs.
"I'm definitely proud of my girls first and foremost. They had a great season and they did a heckuva job today," stated O'Connor. "I'm also proud of the Blue Mountain girls. I coached all of their seniors from eight grade on until I left. If I had to lose to any team, it would be them I'd want to lose to because once you're somebody's coach, you're always their coach."
Lehighton jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first game, but Blue Mountain (15-2) rallied back on a 9-1 run, which included three conesutive service aces by sophomore Brittney Moyer. Moyer also added six kills, as the Eagles took a 25-17 game one victory.
The momentum continued for Blue Mo