It had a playoff atmosphere — which was only fitting for Palmerton.

Pretty much needing a win to keep its district postseason hopes alive, the Blue Bombers came together to pull out an impressive 2-0 Colonial League victory over visiting Notre Dame Monday night.

Junior Aubrey Frable accounted for both Bomber goals, with Avery Barry assisting on the two tallies.

“It’s been a rough season,” said Frable, referring to the team’s 5-9 record entering the contest. “We’ve had a lot of close games that were unfortunately losses, like one-nothings and that’s been low on morale so I think that coming into this knowing that it was a night game, we all knew that we had to put our best effort forward and everyone came into this with so much intensity, so I’m really proud of my team.

“It felt extremely intense. Both teams, especially Notre Dame, they were amazing competitors. We both were physical back-and-forth, but I think that continuing to be uplifting and working together as a team really just made us pull through with a win.”

The Crusaders seemed to have a slight upper hand in the early going, getting a few scoring chances while holding a slim edge in possession.

But as the game continued to be scoreless, the Bombers started to find their footing.

“Early on I think Notre Dame, being a good team that already qualified for districts, we knew going into the game how strong they were,” said Palmerton head coach Jon Perloni. “I think that the performance from my girls matched them.

“As soon as we grew into the game and picked up more intensity, at halftime, it was just like, ‘Let’s just go for it. We need to win this game to continue if we want a chance at the postseason.’ And the girls came through.”

In the opening 10 minutes of the second half, Notre Dame had four decent opportunities to post the first goal. Kelsey Bedics hit the crossbar with an attempt, another was wide while one was headed over the net. Bomber goalkeeper Taylor Wasilewski also came up with a save on Bella Cemelli to keep it a scoreless game.

Soon after those chances, though, Frable untied it with her 20th goal of the season.

Barry, racing down the left side, sent a pass over to her teammate. Frable worked past Notre Dame’s defender, went in on Crusader goalie Emma Sobler, and beat her to the left corner with 29:13 left in regulation.

“Avery and I put a lot of trust into each other with those short balls, so just knowing that she kind of pulled that defender aside, I just ran with the mindset of it’s me and the goalie,” said Frable.

“It’s a last-minute decision,” she said about deciding where to place her shot. “I definitely just have to pick my head up, and take a deep breath.”

Palmerton maintained the narrow lead until Frable found the back of the net again with just 4:24 showing on the clock.

Barry, near midfield, sent the ball forward while Frable outraced two Crusaders to get the ball and knock it past Sobler for a 2-0 advantage.

“She’s just so fast ... Aubrey’s been great this year,” said Perloni. “Losing Nataly Walters, who scored over 20 goals last year, Aubrey needed to step it up. She’s been a captain since her sophomore year because she’s just a leader of this team. And tonight, scoring two more goals, she’s up to 21 this year. I’m hoping on Wednesday (in the team’s regular-season finale) she can finish strong.”

The home team then finished strong, as Notre Dame applied some late pressure to try and get on the board.

But the Bombers back line held and registered the team’s fourth shutout of the season.

“They’ve been one of the highlights this year,” said Perloni of the club’s defense. “Compared to last year, our goals against has been a lot less. They’re just so much more calm. Mia Buck, who was hurt last year, is now a sophomore and it’s been huge getting her back. Courtney Connell is a senior and is terrific. She won player of the year for us last year ... And Leah Rumfield, it’s her second year playing ever and she’s a fast learner.

“And my goalkeeper has been absolutely phenomenal this year. Taylor only started goalkeeping last year, and again she’s another fast learner. She’s a pure athlete, and she always comes in to practice with a positive mindset and always wants to work. She’s a pleasure to be around, and all year it’s shown because she’s been one of our most consistent players, keeping us in games ... I think she’s one of the best goalkeepers in our league.”

WINNING STREAK ... Palmerton (6-9) has now won three games in a row and moved into the No. 8 spot in the district ratings. The top eight teams make the playoffs. This season, the Bombers have lost four one-goal games, three of them being 1-0. The loss dropped Notre Dame to 9-6-1.

SENIOR TRIO ... The Blue Bombers only have three seniors on their roster — Hadlee Lake, Rumfield and Connell. The trio will be honored Wednesday on Senior Night when they play Northern Lehigh.