The East Penn Conference volleyball scene this season contains more parody than in recent years with a larger group of teams vying to be included in the upper tier of the conference.

Parkland is usually at the forefront of the conference and district power rankings, but the Trojans (6-2) seem to be a step off this season, especially after losing to Whitehall (7-2) in five games last week. The Zephyrs are always in the mix, but this year’s top teams included an undefeated Emmaus (8-0) squad and a surging Nazareth (8-1) team that outlasted Liberty (6-2) in five games last week and topped Freedom (8-3) in four games two nights later.

Liberty seems to be on the cusp of pushing their way through the four in the conference, as the ‘Canes have dropped both their losses this year to Parkland and Nazareth in five games.

Freedom’s losses have come at the hands of perennial contenders Whitehall and Parkland, as well as last week’s aforementioned defeat to Nazareth.

Liberty will have a chance to see if they can take that next leap this week when they take on Emmaus on Wednesday and then close out the week against Freedom Friday night.

The Pates have an easier slate this week with Allen and Pocono Mountain West on tap before their rivalry showdown.

With only two weeks left in the season, everyone is trying to peak at the right time, while the battle for conference seeding continues.

Bethlehem Catholic (1-7) picked up their first win of the year last week with a victory over Allen in five games.

The Hawks have Northampton and Pocono Mountain West left on the docket this week.