The Parkland High School boys volleyball team had a busy middle of the week last week, competing in back-to-back Eastern Pennsylvania Conference matches.

After placing ninth overall at the Bobcat Invitational at Northeastern High School on Saturday, March 29, the Trojans fell to Emmaus in four sets by scores of 25-22, 14-25, 21-25, 21-25, for their first conference defeat of the season on Tuesday, April 1. They responded by taking down Dieruff in four sets the following night by scores of 25-21, 21-25, 25-15, 25-22.

“So far, the guys are playing well, especially considering we have six brand-new players in the varsity starting lineup,” said Parkland head coach Scott Trumbauer. “We anticipated a brief adjustment period, but they are being tested early with nonleague matches against several state-ranked teams and a very tough tournament. They have responded well, but there is still plenty of room for growth.”

In the match at the Hornets, the Trojans were led by senior outside hitter Josh Nation and his 14 kills, two blocks and one ace. Sophomore libero Owen Barnett anchored the defense with 10 digs.

In the victory over the Huskies, Dieruff played very inspired and scrappy defense, frustrating Parkland all night but in the end, the visiting Trojans came away with the victory.

Trumbauer reflected on some of the early season success and highlights so far early in the season.

“One of the highlights so far has been witnessing the team respond to their loss against Exeter (No. 8 Class 3A team in the state at the time) in a nonleague match, followed by their victory over the same team in the 40-team Bobcat Invitational last weekend, which earned them a spot in the Championship bracket,” Trumbauer said. “Another highlight was watching the team perform exceptionally well during the nonleague match at Emmaus, where they took the first set. Although we lost that match, we gained valuable lessons, particularly in how to rally around each other when senior middle hitter Alex Schoch suffered an ankle injury.”

Parkland, which improved to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in the conference was at Whitehall on Tuesday evening before hosting Easton on Thursday. The Trojans compete in the Koller Classic this Saturday and will take on teams like Red Lion, State College, Cedar Crest and Shaler Area.