Mid-season form.

It’s a term in sports used to describe a team that is clicking on all cylinders. The team is seasoned, communicating and playing at a high level.

The Panther Valley volleyball squad certainly looks to be in mid-season form as it downed rival Marian on Tuesday in three straight sets, 25-13, 25-11 and 25-17, in the Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Game of the Week.

Part of being in mid-season form is playing well in all facets of the game — offense, defense and serving — which the Panthers (9-0) executed against the Fillies (4-5).

Panther Valley got off to a good start in the first set, getting out to a 12-4 lead. Olivia Dacey showcased her power from the front line with four early kills to spark the Panthers offense. Overall, Panther Valley’s front line was dominant on the evening. Rachelle Filer, Dacey, Jenna Dubosky and Erika Dubosky are all tall and lengthy athletes who can change the trajectory of a shot on the defensive end, and on the offensive end are able to finish with power.

“Those girls love to hit and they love to attack. What’s even better is that they like to share the ball as well,” said Panthers head coach Nancy Filer. “Defensively, we really have some ability, and we’re getting better every night on the defensive end. We’re going to continue to work at it.”

After a 25-13 victory in the first set, the Panthers picked it up even more in the second. This time, Marian kept it closer early, trailing 10-6, but Panther Valley would then go on a huge run, extending its lead to 22-8.

For the Fillies, it was obvious that the Panthers power bothered them on the defensive end, as they had a hard time returning Panther Valley’s offensive attack. Despite the loss, Marian middle hitter Alivia Karchner was a bright spot on the night as she finished with seven kills and was able to compete with the Panthers frontline.

“We just didn’t play well enough defensively tonight against a high-caliber opponent. Alivia Karchner had a good game up front, but as a team we were out of position many times throughout the game,” said Marian head coach John Fallabel.

“Part of our problem was that Panther Valley was such a hard-hitting team, but we need to be better. We’ll keep working.”

Marian battled in the third set, trailing by just one midway through, but the Panthers pulled away, once again, going on a 8-0 run to lead 18-11. The Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Player of the Game, Jenna Dubosky, took over in the third game, collecting five kills and two aces. Dubosky finished with a team-leading 14 kills, six aces and 14 service points. Dubosky also added seven assists.

“First off, it was great to get a win against Marian. So much respect for that program, and what they’ve been able to do, and it’s been awhile since we beat them,” said Dubosky.

“We just played a great game tonight on both offense and defense. We all love playing together, we communicate well, it’s just about getting better and to keep moving forward toward our goals.”

FRONT LINE POWER ... Joining Jenna Dubosky, Olivia Dacey had eight kills, while Rachelle Filer added six. Dacey also led the team with 14 digs.

SERVE IT UP ... Emilee Kwaak came through with 12 service points, Sarah Zabroski added nine, while Dacey helped with seven.

DROPPING DIMES ... Zabroski was the main distributor on the night with 16 assists. Gianna Steber added five.