The key to any successful team is consistency. Getting to that high level of play and staying there can lead to many wins.

That's what the Emmaus boys volleyball team is looking for this season.

The Green Hornets graduated three seniors in Travis Mintzer, Quocmy Nyuyen and Eric Wisount, with the first two off to play Division I volleyball.

"Our success will depend on whether the athletes taking over their positions can step up to contribute as consistently as they did, especially Jake Reynolds (this year's setter), since the setter is key to everything," said head coach Deb Schlosser.

Emmaus was the top seed in the District tournament in 2012, and defeated rival Parkland on the last set in the final. This year's Green Hornet team will feature some new faces, but will be led by their strong seniors Gabe Shankweiler, an outside hitter, and Collin Stanton, an opposite hitter.

The key to success for this team will be the play of the newcomers. Whether they were on JV a year ago, or not even involved with the Emmaus team in general, a whole new crop of players will be looked at to make contributions.

"I am hoping to see some underclassman make their mark," said Schlosser. "Ethan Maurer is young, but has great potential. Our defensive specialists Charlie Jerry and Greg Lind could make a big difference once up to speed. All three players are new to varsity and both Charlie and Greg are new to our team. Drew Switzer double rostered last year and has become more consistent, so I hope to see him perform well too."

Schlosser has faith that her young and inexperienced team will gel, but it will take time. If these players want to learn and work hard to hone their skills, the Green Hornets will once again be competing in the District 11 playoffs, hoping to defend their 2012 title.

"My goals and expectations remain the same from year to year," said Schlosser. "I want the athletes to develop and then use up every bit of progress, team cohesiveness, competitiveness and ball control that they possibly can. I want them to still be getting better when we reach the end of the season. If we do these things the wins will come."