The Emmaus girls volleyball team entered 2014 with high goals and expectations after a successful 2013 campaign, and a large chunk of their rotation returning.

One of those returning players, senior Mackenzie O'Brien, was one of the top athletes in District 11 a year ago. Her 11 kills and 8 digs helped lead the Green Hornets (2-0) over Dieruff last Thursday by scores of 25-7, 25-5, and 25-6 to keep Emmaus undefeated.

"We've been playing really good defense this year," said O'Brien. "Communication has been well and it helps us when the girls know where each other is on the court."

The Green Hornets had a very successful 2013 campaign. They reached the Lehigh Valley Conference playoffs, and had an emotional and dominating 3-0 victory over reigning district champ Parkland in the semifinals, but fell to Southern Lehigh in the final. This year, not only do they want to get back, but they want to bring back a district championship to Emmaus for the first time in over a decade.

"We're thinking a lot about last year and how successful we were, but also how we finished," O'Brien said. "We were proud of how we played, but obviously we want to win districts this year. We've been working really hard and practicing hard to get back to where we were last year."

If last Thursday was any indication, the Green Hornets are up to the challenge.

After taking care of Easton 3-0 in the opener, Emmaus had no problem with Dieruff.

Megan Forstburg and freshman Adelina Rivera-Woolard had 5 kills each. Rebecca Houghton tallied 27 assists and 11 service aces.

"If we keep playing together and communicating and working hard, we will be tough to beat," said O'Brien. "We're doing all of those things well now and just hope to keep it up."