The Parkland boys lacrosse team may be under a new regime, but it has still played like its old self all year during the 2019 regular season.

The Trojans have met every obstacle that has come into their path so far this season under first-year head coach Mike Bender, a former Emmaus High School player. That continued last Thursday night.

Leading all game against rival Emmaus, Parkland was forced to show that it could finish in holding off a late rally from its rival en route to taking down Emmaus 9-8 at Parkland High School in Eastern Pennsylvania Conference action.

“I thought that the win was important for us moving forward,” said Bender. “Emmaus is always a great team and well-coached. Anytime you can beat them is huge for your confidence. They came in here ready to play, and we’re fortunate to be able to hold on and get the win here tonight.”

Emmaus (10-2 overall, 7-2 EPC), which has now lost to the crosstown rival Trojans (13-0, 9-0) eight consecutive games, trailed for most of the game. The Hornets had an opportunity, the last one of the game, to tie up the score before the end of regulation. But a last-second chance on their offensive end did not go to plan.

The Trojans remain District 11’s lone remaining unbeaten team.

The Hornets were behind after each quarter, but never by more than two goals. Heading into the final frame, Emmaus trailed 8-6, and then was down 9-7 with about eight minutes remaining before a goal cut the deficit to just one, where the score would remain until the final minute of play.

Trailing 9-8 with 17 seconds to go, Emmaus head coach Desi Gonzalez called a timeout. He dialed up a play that had been working on the Parkland defense most of the night. But when his attackers were trying to work a scoring opportunity, the clock just was not on their side, and they were unable to get a good look at the Trojans net.

“They had a lot of momentum in that fourth quarter,” Bender said. “We needed to stand tall on defense there in the end and we did that.”

Seven different Trojans scored in the win, led by senior Greg Santa Anna, who had a hat trick. Reigning EPC MVP James Cipolla, along with Will Filipovits, Eli Fisher, Zach Poremba, Matt Geroulo and Joe Derenzo all had one goal each in the win.

Santa Anna, Cipolla and Colby Carlson each contributed an assist.

In goal, James McLaughlin finished the night with three saves.

Parkland hosts Easton Thursday at 7 p.m. and then will take on Central Catholic at Muhlenberg College next Tuesday night.