RECAP — The 2018 Emmaus girls volleyball team was looking to make history on Thursday night as they were trying to become only the second team in school history to win a District XI Championship.
It had been since 1995 – some 23 years ago – that the last time the Hornets were able to celebrate wearing gold around their necks.
Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait even longer for their district title thanks to the program that has been the gold standard in Lehigh Valley volleyball for what seems like the longest time, rival Parkland.
The Trojans, winners of the last four District XI Championships, became just the second team this season to sweep Emmaus in straight sets as they stunned the Hornets 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 27-25) in the finals of the District XI Class 4A Tournament held at Catasauqua High School.
It was the fifth straight district title for Parkland and the second win for the Trojans over Emmaus, including handing the Hornets their first league loss back on October 8 in four sets (3-1) in a match held at Parkland.
Emmaus fell behind early in the opening set trailing by as much as 12 points (18-6) before putting together a late rally and dropping Set 1 25-17. Parkland then went on to win Set 2 25-19 and then closed out the championship with a 27-25 win in Set 3.
Junior outside hitter Macy Van Den Elzen led the Emmaus attack on offense with a team-high 20 kills, while sophomore Jaya Bhagat added seven kills to go along with four blocks.
Senior setter Caroline Bond dished out 27 assists and had 12 digs, and defensively, junior Kelsie Baus led the team with 14 digs. Freshman Mia Pickering added six digs and junior Maiah Sabol five. The Hornets were without a key member of the team, senior DS/L Rebecca Dalstad who suffered a concussion in practice on Wednesday.
Parkland got strong play from its front line as senior Grace Steurer had a team-high 14 kills, while classmate Adriana Goetz-Morales was not far behind with 12 kills. Senior setter Brooke Kratzer handed out a game-high 30 assists.
With the District XI playoffs now behind them, the Hornets will now focus their attention on the upcoming PIAA State Tournament which gets underway next Tuesday. Emmaus will draw Garnet Valley, the runner-up from District One, in its opening-round match.
Stay here for updates on the site and time of the match and like Emmaus girls volleyball on facebook and follow @Emmaussports.com on twitter for continued updates on the team.
Emmaus – 17 – 19 – 25
Parkland – 25 – 25 – 27