The stage wasn’t too big.
The moment wasn’t too big.
And the opponent certainly wasn’t too big.
But the deficit might have been for head coach Jess Olang’s squad.
Facing the state’s No. 3 ranked team in 3A and an unbeaten Bethlehem Catholic squad who was the only team to have swept them in straight sets this season, the Emmaus girls volleyball team had their backs against the wall playing in last night’s Eastern Pennsylvania Conference championship at Liberty High School’s Memorial Gymnasium.
With an 0-2 deficit staring them in the face after dropping the first two sets, the Hornets, who entered the match as a heavy underdog, simply could have packed in and settled for silver medals around their necks.
But they didn’t.
Instead, they battled back and pulled off what could only be described as one of the most incredible comebacks in local high school volleyball history.
They also made some history for themselves, their school and memories that they will carry forward for a lifetime.
What a night!
“All I can say is Emmaus girls’ volleyball knows how to battle,” said an ecstatic Olang, the Hornets second year coach following her team’s heart-stomping, stunning 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Golden Hawks. “These athletes have fought through so much adversity this season. Their mental toughness and athletic mindset have improved just as much as their skill.
“We knew what it would take to beat Becahi and we executed. That task is significantly easier said than done, but our athletes held true to the core of what has made us so strong this year … each other.
Emmaus, facing their former coach Jess Attieh, rallied to win their first league championship in program history and the first title of any kind for the program since winning their only District XI championship in 1995.
The Hornets rallied to win Set 3 (25-23) and Set 4 (25-22) and then clinched the victory in the winner-take-all fifth set, 15-13, setting off a wild celebration on the court.
“Obviously, defense was so key,” said Olang. “All three of our senior defenders had the night of their lives. Our front row block was also vital to setting our defenders up for success. Alyssa Heffner once again had the task of running an effective offense against a big team. She did it stunningly and our hitters stayed so tough. They pulled out shots from every nook and cranny of their tool bag to get the job done.
“I could not be prouder of our athletes, managers and coaching staff. Every single person on that bench has had a tremendous impact. We truly are a unit.”
Senior outside hitter Amanda Rivera led the offense putting away 19 kills and dug up 19. Sophomore outside hitter Fiona Answini was next with 13 kills, seven digs and three blocks, while junior middle block Rosalia Landino had 11 kills, eight digs and six blocks.
Heffner, a senior and first team all EPC selection, had arguably her best effort of the season handing out a career-best 51 assists to go along 15 digs and six kills. Classmate, defensive specialist Corrine Slivka, continued to impress on defense with 26 digs, while another senior and defensive specialist, Sophia Freemont, had 20 and classmate Haley Seidel 17.
Up next for Emmaus will be the District XI Class 4A playoffs. The Hornets will be the No. 1 seed and host Liberty in the quarterfinals on Thursday, October 23. Emmaus will be looking to win its second district title in program history.
Becahi (19-1) will compete in the 3A Tournament.
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Emmaus 3, Becahi 2
Em – 23-24-25-25-15
BC – 25-26-23-22-13
PHOTO GALLERY (Courtesy of Tom Ashelman)