Northwestern Lehigh’s volleyball program has taken some big steps over the past few seasons, and is now mentioned in the same breath as Colonial League elites such as Notre Dame-Green Pond and Southern Lehigh.

This season’s Tigers roster is much younger, which has made 2025 something of a test that Northwestern has passed as it continues to dominate opponents.

The Tigers are 6-1 overall, with each of their wins — including a sweep of Notre Dame-Green Pond — coming in straight sets.

That trend continued Wednesday night when Northwestern downed Palmerton 25-12, 25-13, 25-20 for its fourth straight victory.

In the opening set, the trio of Kayla Schaffer, Lexi George and Alex Diehl handled the service points for Northwestern, with Schaffer and George each picking up aces.

Palmerton found some success at the service line with Sadie Gair and Morgan Wayda each recording aces, but the Tigers steadily built on their advantage for a 25-12 win.

“We always look to come out strong and set the tone for the game,” said junior Daisy Stringer. “We were able to do that tonight, and we’ve done that in the past against teams, and it definitely helps us.”

Schaffer and George again gave Palmerton problems in the second set, with George picking up two more aces and serving nine points.

As the Bombers attempted to fight back, Hailey Barry and Elizabeth Keiper each tallied a kill, but Palmerton was unable to hold serve and Northwestern pulled away for a 25-13 win.

“I think we’ve been playing well, definitely the best we’ve played in a while,” said Stringer, who is tied for the team lead in kills with 27, and ranks second in aces with 16. “We’re working together as a team, and I think we are doing exactly what we are supposed to do to get wins.”

In the third set, Northwestern coach Mike Maston mixed in a few players who are rostered on both the varsity and junior varsity teams to give them experience, while still keeping some regulars on the floor to help the younger players.

“We were trying to give them some court time,” Maston said of the dual-roster athletes. “If we get an injury, I need to have them come off the bench and feel somewhat comfortable out there, so it’s important to mix them in when we have a chance.”

The third set went back and forth for much of the frame, with Palmerton’s Mikayla Maxwell serving three aces, and Dalainey Keiser adding another among her three aces on the night.

In the end, Northwestern’s younger players seemed to grow more comfortable as the set wore on, and the Tigers secured a 25-20 win by breaking serve for their last three points.

“I thought we communicated well tonight,” Maston said. “The best part of our game is our hitting, and recognizing what they’re running for a defense on the other side. I watched some film on them and was able to tell the girls what to expect from them defensively, and our girls responded well and recognized what they were facing.”

REST UP, YOU’LL NEED IT ... Northwestern has four days off until its next match, but next week the Tigers play three times in four days, with two of those contests on the road. Monday and Tuesday bring the first nonleague matches of the season, as they travel to Pottsville (4-3) on Monday and then host Freedom (6-0) on Tuesday. After a day off, they visit Pen Argyl (4-4), before starting a stretch the following week that features four matches in five days.

ROUGH SCHEDULE ... Palmerton is facing the Colonial League’s three toughest teams back-to-back-to-back. On Monday, the Bombers fell to Southern Lehigh 3-0, before facing Northwestern on Wednesday. Next up is Notre Dame-Green Pond tonight.

Palmerton 12 13 20

Northwestern 25 25 25

Records: Northwestern (6-1 Colonial, 6-1 overall); (Palmerton (1-3, 1-5)