The Emmaus High School boys volleyball team has seen some highs and some lows the last few weeks, but mainly highs. The Green Hornets (12-2 EPC) dropped an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference match to first place Northampton two weeks ago, but bounced back to win their next three.

“The past two weeks have been filled with ups and downs,” said head coach Jeff Elsea. “A disappointing loss to Northampton and another hard win against Easton. We have been dealing with sickness and injuries and are just getting back to our full strength. We have shown some of our vulnerabilities and we need to work on them before our matches this week against Nazareth and Parkland.”

Elsea, in his first season at the helm, has seen his team face adversity and has rose to the challenge each time.

“I feel this team is coming together overall,” Elsea said. “They are understanding each other better and the abilities of each player. This in turn allows us to make key plays when it’s needed the most. Utilizing each players strengths to benefit the team is one of our biggest advantages. This team feeds off each other with intensity and that pushes them when they might be down on themselves.”

Elsea has been pleased with a couple of his upperclassmen leaders and some others that have stepped up and contributed on the court the last couple of weeks.

“Ben Maskiell and Noah Parker have really been the role models for the team and help keep everyone focused,” Elsea said. “Jametric Harris is the powerhouse of the group which has always brought our intensity forefront. Lord Henry has been our go to since Johnny Cannone has been injured and has not only risen to the test but has helped us when we needed it the most.”

Emmaus has the last week of the regular season this week before postseason play begins next week with the EPC Tournament. The Green Hornets were at Nazareth this past Monday and finish out the regular season by hosting rival Parkland Wednesday. EPC’s begin Monday with the quarterfinal round.

“I hope the last couple of games we continue to fine tune and get ready for postseason,” said Elsea. “We need to finish strong and not let off the gas. Work on the areas of our game that we continually struggle with.”