The Parkland girls volleyball team faced a rare situation last weekend. The Trojans did not come out on a top of a match.

Hosting the Parkland Invitational, which head coach Mike Krause is known to always schedule elite competition, Parkland was ousted in the semifinals by Bishop Shanahan (ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 3A) by scores of 25-19, 25-16. The Eagles were then beaten by Liberty in the championship match 25-17, 25-16.

But even after facing defeat for the first time in a few years for some of the players, the Trojans did not have time to sit and think about it for long. Just like the top flight competition they faced in their tournament, Parkland will quality competition day in and day out in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, specifically the Skyline Division. All six teams in the division are 4-2 or better.

Monday night at Parkland High School the Trojans squared off against rival Emmaus (5-2), who just four days prior battled in a five-game loss to the aforementioned Liberty Hurricanes.

“It felt really good to get back out on the court and play better tonight,” said senior setter Morgan Sherwin. “Last weekend we started slow in some games and didn’t play the way we’re used to. Coming out and playing fast tonight was really the key. Everything seemed to be working for us tonight, and that was great.”

Parkland was able to use its powerful hitting and take advantage of some errors by the Hornets to take the first of two regular season matches between these two teams by scores of 25-15, 25-14, 25-11.

“It’s a fun rivalry and fun game to be a part of each year,” said Sherwin. “It’s the battle of Cedar Crest Boulevard. We know each other and everyone is friends off of the court, but we all want to win even more on the court. It’s a great atmosphere.”

The Trojans were led up front by senior Sam Graver (20 kills, 7 digs, 10 service points). Grace Steurer (11 kills) also had a big hand in the offensive points at the net. They’re hitting power was fueled by the precision passing of Sherwin, who finished the night with 32 assists, 6 kills, 3 blocks and 8 digs.

Any momentum the Green Hornets may have had from their early five game win streak and five-set loss to Liberty was quickly wiped away as soon as the first ball was hit. Parkland was never really in trouble either of the three games, and led consistently by double-digits.

Megan Shaw tallied 5 aces, 16 service points and 11 digs, and Mia Jago had 5 kills and 4 blocks in the win.

The Trojans (6-0) finish off the week with a home game against East Stroudsburg South Wednesday and travel to Northampton Thursday.

“It’s been fun so far and we’ve been putting together a good season,” said Sherwin. “Everyone has been working hard and adjusting to new positions and playing styles. I was able to learn a lot the last couple of years, and it is really helping me out a lot this year.”