It was one game that could have been the difference in last week's showdown between Liberty and Emmaus on the volleyball court, but that game also turned out to be the nail in the coffin for the Hurricanes.

Liberty was swept in three games last week 25-16, 34-32, 25-17, but a defining game two was the decisive bout throughout the match that determined the outcome for both sides.

Battling to a 34-32 defeat was a game that Liberty head coach Neiad Ammary knew would be the difference maker in the clash.

"We were serving the ball well in the second game and when we do that it gives us a better chance to do things on defense," Ammary said. "Then you get some confidence and things get rolling. You can't really replicate that. Then we started the third game with some mistakes and it just became too much to overcome."

The win by the Hornets (9-1, 7-1) was the second this season by Ken Dunkle's crew, who knew the significance of winning a tough second game and the ramifications it would have on the Hornets' ability to close out the match with a sweep.

"I told the guys that if they could get the win [in game two] that would take the wind out of their sails heading into the third game," Dunkle said. "I think it was important that we put together consistent energy throughout the match and it was good for us to get pushed the way we did in game two. Our guys showed some character there."

With the Hornets sitting atop the league with Parkland (10-0, 9-0) for overall supremacy, Dunkle understands the challenge his team will face moving forward in their attempt to dethrone the Trojans from their perch.

"Parkland is a tough team and we're going to have to bring our A-game the next time we play them," he said. "I'm happy with where we're at, but we still have a couple matches left before we can be all tuned up."

The Hornets should have no problems this week as they continue their Bethlehem tour with Bethlehem Catholic (0-9, 0-6) on Tuesday and Thursday's encounter with Freedom (3-7, 3-5).

"I think this team was a little bit more fluid at this point last year," Dunkle said. "But I'm happy with where we're at, but we still have work to do."