Leah Brunnabend, Emily Mohr and Jackie Malitski have had a unique senior season leading the Parkland High School girls volleyball team. It has been a year unlike any other with the pandemic, less time together with games and practices, shorter season, etc. But the trio has kept the Trojans at the top of their games, and they were honored last Monday night before the Emmaus match on senior night.

“This senior class of Leah, Emily and Jackie have been guiding this group since quarantine,” said Parkland head coach Mike Krause. “They set up Zoom workouts and when the opportunity came for us to get into the gym, they led the group in the workouts and the training. Their leadership has continued into the competitive season. They lead by example as students, athletes and citizens. They have been excellent role models for this team.”

Parkland defeated Emmaus in straight sets by scores of 25-16, 25-18 and 25-21 in Eastern Pennsylvania Conference action at Parkland High School. It was the eighth straight win for the Trojans (8-0 overall) and just the first conference defeat for the Green Hornets (8-2 overall, 8-1 EPC).

“We played well,” said Krause. “We have been working really hard on our serve and pass area of the game. We felt if we can serve aggressively and pass well, we can run or offense effectively to score points. Our defense allows us to transition into a more aggressive offensive team. We passed very well and our serving (in general) was hitting our targets.”

Brynn Dreisbach finished with 12 kills and nine digs. Sydney Esquieres tallied 10 kills and Malitski recorded 24 assists and three aces. It’s a younger and more inexperienced team this year, but they have the same mindset as every Trojans volleyball team does each year.

“They are driven to get better in all facets of the game when they enter the gym,” Krause said. “They want to transform what they learned into a competitive situation. Our senior leaders have set an example on how to practice and how to apply what they learn in a game situation.”

Parkland and Emmaus wrap up the regular season at Emmaus High School this week before starting district play. Even with his team winning, Krause wants his players’ minds to remain sharp.

“We need to understand the importance of keeping our skills sharp and maintain our fitness,” Krause said. “We have yet to play a fourth set, so we need to make sure we are in shape in case we go four or five sets in a match. They work hard in practice but also have fun in the gym too. I just wish their music selection at practice would include some more 70’s music.”