For the first time since 2015, the Parkland High School girls volleyball team is entering a season as both the defending Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 champions.

The Trojans finished with a 19-6 record last year, winning their ninth district championship in the last 10 years and eighth conference title since 2008. They also earned a spot in the PIAA tournament final four for the eighth time in the last nine seasons.

Three seniors graduated from that squad, including All-Conference members Amber Resendez and Lauren Ceh, along with Cat Farole.

Like every other year in his tenure, head coach Mike Krause will be able to reload with other talented and experienced players this season. It all starts with junior Brynn Dreisbach, a reigning All-State player and MaxPrep’s Preseason pick for Player of the Year. She led the state in kills last year with 515.

Jackie Malitzki is also a returning All-Stater and led Pennsylvania with 1,169 assists in 2019. Leah Brunnabend is a third All-State performer from a year ago and led the state in digs with 646, a single-season record at Parkland.

Other top returnees include outside hitters Scarlett Jago and Sydney Johnston, defensive specialist Emily Mohr, and middle hitters Sydney Esquieres and Elena Pursell.

“The offense is quicker, the floor game of serve receive and defense is more consistent and we have a lot of experience across the court,” said Krause, in his 17th season at the helm, of his team’s strengths this season. “We have a strong nucleus at each level.”

Juniors Emma Stalsitz and Meredith Steirer, sophomore Audrey Boucher and freshman Maggie Smith are some newcomers that will compete for varsity action.

“We hope to be in contention for our division and districts,” Krause said. “The state tournament is something we hope to achieve. With a limited schedule it is going to be a challenge. Consistency in transition from offense to defense (has already improved during practice) is something we need to work on.”

Along with the normal contenders in the conference and district, there are a few other teams that Krause is looking at to have good seasons.

“Central and Emmaus are always strong,” said Krause. “Northampton is on the upswing. Those are the teams we play this year along with Whitehall, Dieruff and Allen.”