Playing strong and physical volleyball has been one of the reasons why Jim Thorpe has gotten off to such a torrid start this season.

It was Thorpe’s strong start against Schuylkill League Division 1 opponent North Schuylkill on Thursday that helped the Olympians stay unbeaten as they captured the first two sets and went on to take the match, 25-13, 25-13, 18-25, 25-16.

“That was just a complete team win, and a complete team game,” said Jim Thorpe head coach Chris Fallabel. “I told the girls those first two sets were the smoothest I’ve seen them play as a team all season long. They were talking, moving as one and playing as a unit and not individuals.”

Brooke Mitzen and Brianna Snisky - Jim Thorpe’s “twin towers” - have been part of the team’s physical and athletic approach at the net this season, and the two didn’t disappoint against the Spartans. Mitzen finished with 16 kills, three aces, eight digs and five service points, while Snisky added 12 kills, four aces, four digs, one block and 14 service points.

“They just seem to get better every match we play, and what’s really impressive is that if they need to fix something, that they maybe wanted to work on from the previous match, they work hard and they correct it,” said Fallabel. “It’s a rarity to have such a young and reliable one-two punch.”

North Schuylkill was able to steal some momentum away in the third set to close within 2-1 and gain a 25-18 win. The Spartans (5-5) have been a scrappy bunch, and have played the top teams in the Schuylkill League tough this season.

“You have to give North Schuylkill credit. There is no quit in that team,” said Fallabel. “They came out energized in the third set, and limited their mistakes and capitalized on ours.”

Just as the Olympians started strong, they finished strong as well, going on a run late in the fourth set to capture their 10th win.

“A 10-0 start ... I can’t even put into words how proud I am of this team’s growth and maturity,” said Fallabel. “The way they communicate is very impressive. They talk to each other to work out issues on the court, and they have been playing as a team to do what they need to do to stop the opponent.”

HELPING OUT

… Setter Maggy Hallihan had a nice night with 33 assists, 12 digs, two aces and seven service points. Olivia Calcano added 23 digs and 10 service points, Leah Figura pitched in with four kills, 19 digs and 18 service points and Kelsey Patton added three kills and four blocks.

UNBEATEN

… The Olympians are just one of four volleyball teams left in District 11 without a loss, joining Eastern Pennsylvania Conference powers Emmaus, Liberty and Parkland.