At the beginning of the season, Emmaus’ third-year boys volleyball head coach Ken Dunkle knew he had a lot to make up for in production lost from graduation, but the talent was there.

Consistency was the key thing Dunkle wanted to see from his team if it was to accomplish its goals of postseason titles.

If the first four weeks of the season is any indication, the Hornets are heeding the word of their coach and playing consistently.

Emmaus (7-0) has won its first seven matches during Eastern Pennsylvania Conference play, and has not lost a game during those matches. The Hornets also finished in first place at the Easton Invitational, as well as runner-up in the Bobcat Invitational.

“We have had a solid start to the season,” said Dunkle. “This is largely due to having a well-balanced team and a lot of continuity from last year’s team. Everyone is contributing at a high level. Our second half of the season is a little tougher schedule-wise, so it should be a good test for the guys.”

Emmaus finished off a perfect week last week, beating Nazareth and Pocono Mountain West both 3-0.

A nice surprise for Dunkle and the Green Hornets has been the play of first-year volleyball starter and Emmaus soccer star Noah Bacon. The senior has led the team in kills a majority of the games, and his 6-foot-4 frame gives him an advantage at the net.

“Noah has been a big add to our team,” said Dunkle. “He’s athletic, a quick learner, and his soccer experience translates into good footwork on the court.

“We’ve been trying to focus the offense a bit on him just to get him the reps in matches. He has been doing well and given our strength in other positions, we will be working to spread the attack out during the second half of the season.”

With half of the regular season to go, Emmaus, while sitting at the top of the league, can’t look too far ahead. They start a tough week, facing Parkland and Becahi before competing in the Koller Classic at Central York High School on Saturday.

“It sounds a bit cliché, but we have really been trying to keep the guys focused on what they are doing on our side of the net and not worry so much about who is on the other side,” Dunkle said. “If we work hard and put in an effort that we can be proud of, then the rest takes care of itself.”