Chemistry is the science that investigates elements and the way they interact, combine, and change.

If Tuesday night at Panther Valley was a chemistry test, then the Panthers volleyball squad passed with flying colors.Team chemistry looks to be the backbone of this year's Panthers team as they defeated Northwestern Lehigh 25-16, 25-19, and 25-13 in non-league action.The Panthers (4-0) from the onset dominated in this one. The Tigers gave their most valiant attempt of the night though in the first set, sticking with PV at 8-8 early.The Panthers went on to outscore the Tigers 17-8 the rest of the way to end the first game."Our team chemistry is really great right now," said PV senior hitter Jamey Mikovich. "Especially between Kelsey and I in the front, but all of us have been communicating well. We're a tight group that wants to accomplish a lot this season."Aggressiveness seems to be a trait that this year's PV team possesses as well. It looks to be a team that when ahead will put its foot down on the gas pedal and finish games strong, an attribute that starts with off-season training."We put in the work in the off-season and we have a bit of an edge to us out there this year," said PV Senior hitter Kelsey Van Horn. "We just worked so hard, all of us did and each and every point we want to make a statement."The Panthers have been a team over the last few seasons who have been on the cusp of making some serious noise in the postseason. Qualifying for the vaunted Schuylkill League Championships and advancing through district playoffs are all goals for this team.A 4-0 record and a North Schuylkill Tournament title where the Panthers went 5-0 over this past weekend certainly have them on the right path."This team is focused and dead set on reaching the goal that they've set in front of them," said PV coach Nancy Filer. "They've all worked hard and they are all determined to put together a full season of volleyball. It's a great bunch of girls who all get along and want to win together."THE LEFTY HAMMER ... PV senior Jamey Mikovich has been anchoring the front line for the Panthers for the last three seasons. Mikovich is expected to do big things in 2015 and she didn't disappoint against the Tigers. The Sr. hitter came up with 13 kills, seven digs, seven service points, including four aces.TOOTING HER OWN VAN HORN ... PV senior Kelsey Van Horn has been all about versatility in her career for the Panthers. Along with her ability to leap at the net, Van Horn has also been quite the distributor. On the night against the Tigers Van Horn had 12 assists, 13 service points, six kills, six digs, and three aces.TOURNAMENT CHAMPS ... Over this past weekend the Panthers went to Fountain Springs and returned to Lansford with a championship trophy. PV went 5-0 at the Spartans Volleyball Tournament, technically bringing its record to 9-0 on the season even through tournament wins don't count towards a team's regular season record.