While both teams entered Thursday's Eastern Pennsylvania Conference boys volleyball clash without a blemish on their league records, the Hornets knew the task at hand against Parkland would be a tough one.

After dropping the first two games 25-13 and 25-18, respectively, it looked as if Emmaus had found its rhythm. However, every time the Hornets threatened in the third game, Parkland had an answer and eventually won the game 26-24.

Although the Trojans downed Emmaus in straight sets, head coach Ken Dunkle doesn't believe that line is indicative on how his team competed last week.

"As I've said all season, it's the mental part of the game that we have to work on," Dunkle said. "I think the last half of that third set shows that we have the ability to play with them. I don't think that 3-0 for the night is going to reflect that.

"I'm OK with this happening. I think it's a good wakeup call for my guys. Hopefully they focus a little bit more now, and there is a little more dedication. We'll see them again in a couple of weeks."

In that decisive third set, the Hornets tied the score late in the game on three separate occasions.

Down 20-14, Emmaus rallied to score seven of the next eight points to tie the third game up for the first time since it was 4-4. Patrick Bryan's kill tied it up at 21 points apiece. Bryan had six kills and 15 digs in the game.

The Trojans went back ahead 23-21, but the Hornets tied it up at 24-24 moments later.

But every time Emmaus threatened to take its first lead since it was 4-3, an unforced error seemed to halt that momentum.

"It's something that we've been trying to focus on all season because I figured it would be a problem," Dunkle said. "It's that mental focus and mental toughness to know when you can take risks, and when you need to make sure you do something aggressive but safe."

Parkland's Sean Lewis (9 kills) and Andrew Hillman (8 kills) caused the Hornets trouble all evening. Hillman did much of his damage in the first game, and his service ace cemented a 25-13 decision.

After Emmaus got to within 19-16 in the second game, the Trojans ended the set by scoring six of the final eight points. Jake Heyer (7 kills, 8 blocks) was a force on both ends of the net in that pivotal Trojan stretch.

"They've got an all-around great team," Dunkle said. "There really aren't too many positions that they are weak in. They have two phenomenal setters, so they can run a 6-2, which definitely opens up your offense."

Ethan Maurer led Emmaus with seven kills, Greg Lind had 11 digs, and Robert Haag added a team-high 11 assists.

Despite falling to the Trojans (25-22, 25-16) in Saturday's Koller Classic at Central York High School as well, the Hornets won matches against Montour and York Suburban. Their run, however, came to an end in the quarterfinals.

The Hornets travel to Liberty on Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.