One year after capturing its first-ever Bobcat Invitational Tournament, an event that brings together some of the top teams in the state, the Emmaus boys volleyball team found themselves back in the finals this past weekend looking for back-to-back titles.
Unfortunately for the Hornets they weren’t able to defend their title, falling to No.1 ranked Shaler from the Pittsburgh area, but it certainly didn’t take away from what was another impressive run through a rugged 40-team tournament that featured 13 of 20 teams ranked in the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association (PVCA) state poll.
“[It was a] good day for everyone,” said Emmaus first year head coach Jonathan Wilson. “Proud of the way we played the entire tournament.”
The runner-up finish was the second in the last seven years for the Hornets, who also took second place back in 2017.
In pool play, Emmaus went 3-1 opening up the tournament ironically losing to Shaler 30-24 before picking up three straight wins over Red Land 30-25, York Suburban 30-13 and Blue Ridge 30-23.
In the play-in bracket, Emmaus defeated Cochranton 2-0 (15-5/15-10) to advance to the championship round. The Hornets then beat Warwick 2-0 (15-10/16-14), Red Lion 2-1 (13-15/15-8/15-9), Lower Dauphin, the state’s No.4 ranked team, 2-0 (25-21/25-21) before falling to Shaler for the second time in the finals 0-2 (19-25/16-25)
Members of the team include: seniors Jametric Harris, Cooper Henseler, Cael Kratzer and Kyle Long; juniors Lucas Mondin, Jackson and Colin Holden, Brayden Dang, Gabe Dressler, Jude Boyle and Hadi Hirji; and sophomores Ben Skekel and Grayon Answini.
The Hornets will return to league play on Tuesday as they host Nazareth at 6 p.m.
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