Each division in this year's East Penn Conference volleyball scene appears to be spearheaded by familiar namesEmmaus, Parkland and Liberty.

The Hurricanes are back to their usual form, as they sit at 5-2 overall with the rest of the division consisting of Freedom (3-4), Easton (1-8) and Bethlehem Catholic (0-7) sitting under .500.

"I think our guys understand the position they're in and they should look at themselves as the best team in the division," said head coach Neiad Ammary. "I think Parkland is the best team in the league and we need to continue to raise our standard of practice heading into the second half of the season. They're [Parkland] going to be the team to beat, but Emmaus beat us too, so we still have plenty of work to do."

With Dieruff (1-6) and Emmaus (7-1) on the agenda this week, Ammary and his team will have a chance at redemption against the Hornets when both schools square off on Thursday night at Memorial Gymnasium.

"I think we learned some things the last time we played Emmaus that will help us heading into this one," Ammary said. "I'm pleased with where we're at right now and I expected us to be more competitive than last year, but being able to beat one of these top teams in the league is going to be crucial for us."

Freedom (3-4) has lost three straight matches and the Patriots face an even tougher schedule this week with Parkland (8-0) and Whitehall (5-5) on the docket.

Bethlehem Catholic (0-7) was swept in losses to Northampton and Nazareth last week. The Hawks face Whitehall and Parkland this week as well.