The 2016 season had been kind for the Emmaus boys volleyball team. The Hornets started the year flawless, winning their first seven matches of their season.

But last Tuesday night, defending state champion Parkland was in town to hand the Hornets the first loss.

The Trojans used their size and hitting power to overmatch Emmaus last Tuesday night 3-0 by scores of 25-15, 25-18, 25-11 in a battle of Eastern Pennsylvania Conference unbeatens and leaders of their respective divisions. The win moves the Trojans to 8-0 on the season while Emmaus falls to 7-1.

“Parkland is huge,” said head coach Ken Dunkle. “They have big guys that are very athletic and get up to the net and spike and make blocks. Andrew [Hillman’s] jump serve is phenomenal. They’re number one in the state for a reason.”

It was just another match for the Trojans, who have won 15 straight matches since losing their only match of the season to Northeastern at a tournament back on April 2. They came out clicking on all cylinders.

The Green Hornets played with passion, gaining some fire from the big-game atmosphere and their fans. They kept games one and two close, but the height of the Trojans front line players were too much, blocking and spiking the ball with power.

“That’s been an issue with us lately,” said Dunkle. “We played against some good teams lately, over the weekend in the Kohler Classic and then Parkland tonight, and we’ve started slow. We talked about it, and have to get over it.

“I was pleased with the fight that they showed in games one and two. I think in the third game they just exuded so much energy, and let it slip.”

Parkland’s Kyle Stout led the way with seven kills, while Jack Dreisbach added six kills and two blocks. Hillman added three kills, four aces, six blocks and eleven assists.

For Emmaus, Trevor McLean tallied 9 kills. Cameron Parsons contributed 26 assists and Brendan Dunkle had 9 digs.

The Green Hornets bounced back two days later with a sweep of Easton. Emmaus (8-1 overall) faces Liberty Tuesday and Bethlehem Catholic on Thursday before the Quakertown Invitational on Saturday.