4/2/19
RECAP >> Heading into his team’s annual rivalry match with Parkland, Ken Dunkle knew his team had the capability of continuing their recent success against the Trojans despite some new faces in his lineup.
Perhaps the one thing the Hornets fifth-year coach wasn’t sure of, was whether or not his team could go on the road and sweep their longtime rival.
But that’s exactly what happened on Monday night before a nice-size-crowd at Parkland High School as the Hornets remained unbeaten in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference with a three-set sweep (25-20, 25-15, 25-23) over the Trojans.
“I’m happy,” said Dunkle, whose team defeated Parkland for the fourth straight time. “We played defensively a lot better than we’ve typically been so that’s always a good thing. We definitely have some things we have to work on but anytime you can sweep Parkland it’s a good day. To be honest I’m a little surprised we came out in three. “
Emmaus improved to 4-0 in the EPC and remained one of only two unbeatens joining Whitehall. The two teams will meet next Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. at Whitehall.
Senior outside hitter Stephen Reynolds led the Hornets with a team-high 12 kills, four aces and four digs. Also having strong games at the net were junior middle hitter Owen Kennedy who had six kills, one ace and two digs, and senior outside hitter Ethan Parvel who had five kills and seven digs.
Defensively, senior libero Harrison Dottery led the way with a team-high 17 digs, while sophomore setter Gannon Defrain dished out a team-best 29 assists.
“We’ve got the talent and we’ve got the pieces,” said Dunkle. “As long as Gannon plays within himself and the seniors are stepping out and helping him out I think it’s there for us. Noah (Szankovics) had a good day on the right side and Gannon set really well and our defense was probably the best I’ve seen all year.”
Parkland, which dropped to 2-1 in the league, was led by sophomore middle hitter JT Siggins who had a team-high seven kills while senior OPP Rylan Nemesh added five and sophomore outside hitter Jordan Lewis four.
Emmaus will be back in action at 6 p.m. on Wednesday when they host Bethlehem Catholic inside the auxiliary gymnasium.
To keep up to date with the team, follow @Emmaussports.com and @EmmausBoysVball on twitter and like Emmaus boys volleyball on facebook.
EPC Standings: EMMAUS 4-0, Whitehall 3-0, Becahi 3-2, Easton 3-2, Freedom 2-1, Liberty 2-1, Parkland 2-1, Northampton 2-2, PM East 1-2, PM West 0-2, Allen 0-3, Nazareth 0-3, Dieruff 0-4