RECAP >> Looking to avenge for its only loss in the regular-season, Emmaus got off to a good start in last night’s Eastern Pennsylvania Conference (EPC) championship game at Allen High School against archrival Parkland as the Hornets seized momentum winning the opening set 26-24.
But that would be the only and last time head coach Jeff Elsea’s team would have the advantage the rest of the night as the Trojans went on to win the next three sets in claiming the EPC title with a 3-1 win over Emmaus (24-26, 25-17, 25-22, 25-22).
For Parkland (17-0 overall) it was their second straight league championship, while the Hornets were searching for their first title since 2021. The victory also marked the second time this season that the Trojans have defeated Emmaus, sweeping the regular-season meeting in straight sets 3-0 back on May 4. Both teams are ranked in the top 10 in the state with Parkland No.5 and Emmaus No.7.
The Trojans were led by on offense by senior outside hitter Chase Robbin who had 32 kills to go along with 17 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Josh Nation added nine kills, while junior setter Will Stiles had an all-around solid game dishing out 48 assists to go along with 12 digs. Junior libero Ahmad Jaffer led the defense with 13 digs.
Emmaus (16-2) was led junior middle hitter Jametric Harris who had a team-best 19 kills to go along with 12 digs, while senior outside hitter Logan Dougherty was next with 13 kills. Defensively, libero Kyle Long led the way 16 digs followed by junior setter Cooper Henseler who had 12 digs and 41 assists.
Prior to last night’s match, the league recognized its all stars. Junior setter Cooper Henseler was named MVP and junior middle hitter Jametric Harris and senior outside hitter Logan Dougherty were named to the 1st Team.
Up next for Emmaus will be the District XI Class 3A playoffs which get underway at 6 p.m. on May 25. The Hornets will be the No.2 seed and host seventh-seeded Dieruff. Emmaus is in search of its first district championship since 2018. Northampton is the defending champ.
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Parkland 3, Emmaus 1
Em – 26-17-22-22
Pa – 24-25-25-25