The Parkland High School boys volleyball team was probably tired of seeing Emmaus in 2025.

The Hornets got the better of the Trojans three times, twice during the regular season and once in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Tournament.

Unfortunately for Parkland, the fourth time was not the charm, as the Trojans fell to Emmaus 3-1 by scores of 26-28, 25-17, 18-25, 23-25, in the District 11 3A semifinal last Thursday at Catasauqua High School. The quest for the three-peat came up just short.

Parkland had a late lead slip in the opening set, but bounced back to take the second and even the match.

But Emmaus showed its might and took the final two sets to win the match. Josh Nation had a game-high 20 kills, five digs, two blocks and added two assists, while Nick Bauer had nine kills and 11 digs and Alex Schoch tallied seven kills. Gabe Chase had 46 assists to go along with seven digs.

Parkland finished the year 13-7 overall and 9-3 in the conference, qualifying for the semifinals of both the conference and district tournaments.

“Considering we graduated 13 seniors and only one returning starter, we were anxious about the season,” said Parkland head coach Scott Trumbauer. “The entire roster improved throughout the season. We started off a little slower than we would have liked, but managed to push one of the top teams in the state during the league and district tournament.

“I truly believe this season was a great success. This group had a great trio of senior leaders in Nation, Bauer and Schoch. The underclassmen pushed each other to bring a competitive attitude every day while also adjusting to the faster pace of the varsity level.”

Trumbauer highlighted one of his favorite moments from the 2025 season.

“Watching the team progress from the beginning of the season to the end,” Trumbauer said. “Being up 2-1 on Emmaus before falling 16-14 in the fifth set of the EPC semifinals provided the guys with the confidence they needed heading into the district tournament.”

Parkland will graduate three seniors, including Bauer, Schoch and Nation, leaving a successful legacy for the program.

“This group of seniors was a part of the most successful four-year span in Parkland boys volleyball history,” said Trumbauer. “During their four years, Parkland went 76-17, won three District XI AAA titles, three EPC titles, one PIAA AAA state title, and one PIAA AAA runner-up.”

With a small group of graduates this season, the Trojans will return a group of seasoned players next year.

“While we will miss this year’s seniors, the returning group has a lot of experience and will continue to grow,” Trumbauer said. “The rest of the roster that returns saw significant time on the court this year and will aim to fill the open positions next year.

“Plus, our JV team went undefeated this season with all freshmen and sophomores.”

Nation finished the season with 321 kills, 134 digs, 37 blocks and 17 aces. Bauer recorded 158 digs, 155 kills, 11 blocks and 17 aces. Schoch tallied 64 kills, 43 blocks, 40 digs and 13 assists. Jude Ruisch notched 107 kills, 24 blocks and 24 digs.

Chase ended the season with 606 assists, 128 digs, 31 blocks and 26 kills. Owen Barnett contributed 234 digs and 26 assists. Zamin Soonasra added 128 digs, 17 aces and 15 kills and Ty Brunnabend had 84 assists and 42 digs.