It was a first for the entire Northwestern girls volleyball team.

The Tigers had made it to the big stage and were squared up against a perennial power in Southern Lehigh.

But the defending league and district champion Spartans (7-0) were just too much for Northwestern, playing without two starters due to injury.

The Tigers fell in straight sets, 25-9, 25-8 and 25-12 Tuesday night in a District 11 3A quarterfinal round match at Southern Lehigh High School.

Fourth-year head coach Lexy Ashburne and her program were excited to be there, and still competed at a high level despite the difficulties of an uncertain 2020 season.

“For us even to be here is very exciting,” said Ashburne. “We haven’t been here in districts that often as a program. It’s my first time and all of these girls’ first time. We had to deal with some injuries and were down a few players tonight, but I’m happy with how we battled, especially in that last set. It’s exciting knowing the direction that this program is going.”

Southern Lehigh started strong in both the first and second sets and took it to Northwestern offensively, holding double-digit leads early on and riding out the wins.

But in the third set, the Tigers showed life. They jumped out to a 4-0 lead and held an advantage until the score was 10-9. After four ties, the Spartans went ahead 11-10 and scored eight straight points to complete the sweep.

“That’s been one of our weaknesses, that it takes us a little bit to ramp it up and get it going,” Ashburne said. “But when we are able to start fast and get out in front, you can see the confidence the girls play with. They were playing aggressively and with energy in that third set. It was great to see.”

Northwestern (3-3) will graduate four seniors this year, but will have a strong core back for next season. The excitement around the program is undeniable.

“I thought we had a great year all around,” said Ashburne. “To be able to qualify for districts, let alone during a pandemic-shortened season, and when we’ve had three injuries to starters, it’s just exciting. They fought so hard all year, and it was such a unique year, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls. If we can do it under these circumstances, we can get back next year hopefully under normal circumstances.”

Jenna Breininger led the Tigers with four kills, followed by three from Alia Reimert and two by Jacey O’Donnell. Mia Ritter tallied 11 assists.

NUMBERS

… Samantha Moss and Ella Carson each finished with two digs.

RELOAD

… Ashburne will welcome back four sophomores and one junior that played extensive time on varsity this year.