The Emmaus girls tennis team ended its regular season by losing to its rival, but winning plenty of respect even in defeat.

In a 5-2 setback on Sept. 28 and a 6-1 loss to Parkland on Sept. 28 and 30, respectively, the Green Hornets learned what it takes to play top-level competition.

“The two Parkland matches were the best we played all season,” said Emmaus head coach Robert Dragotta. “If you look at the set scores, all three doubles had a chance to win. Also, our singles played them tough.”

Dragotta added that after the matches, Parkland coach Mike Hingston offered a compliment.

“Mike said overall we were the best team they played,” said Dragotta.

Emmaus has received solid production from its singles players - Jocelyn Chow, Misa Hollinger and Mia Columbus - throughout the abbreviated 2020 campaign.

“All three of our singles players are very good players and any one of them can win against the others on any given day,” Dragotta said. “I am very proud of all three girls.”

He added that Hollinger has “improved immensely” and that Columbus “is always good and is our captain.”

Chow is the number eight seed in District 11 singles competition, which was scheduled to start Oct. 5.

“As a junior, the experience she gets will be a steppingstone for next year,” Dragotta said.

The doubles teams have also improved during the year, playing solid tennis. Of particular note has been number two doubles pairing Krissy Heilenman and Riley Stuckey.

“They have grown together and played well against Parkland,” he said.

Number three doubles Teya Gougoustamos and Shelby Carter and number four Indira Tatikola and Julia Marks “are very good teams and weren’t hardly challenged until we played Parkland.”

The week before the Parkland matches, the Hornets dismissed Whitehall in back-to-back matches. Moving forward, Emmaus is the seventh seed in the District 11 team competition and will play Oct. 12.