The Parkland High School boys volleyball team won its first 12 matches to start the 2021 season, but recently had its first setback, a four-set match in which three of the four games were decided by two points. The Trojans fell to Whitehall on April 26 by scores of 25-18, 26-28, 24-26 and 23-25 in an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference match.

It was the second time the two teams have met this year, the first time coming in the opener for both and also going four sets, but won by Parkland.

“Whitehall played very aggressive and kept the ball in play at clutch times,” said Trojan head coach Scott Trumbauer. “We had some unforced errors, which proved to be too much to overcome, but in a match with three sets decided by two points each, the difference between winning and losing is very slim.”

Following the defeat, the Trojans (13-1 overall, 11-1) won their next match three days later against Freedom in straight sets.

“We all hate that losing feeling and we had a great team discussion the next day to go over the things we need to adjust or remain focused on for the rest of the season,” Trumbauer said. “The guys bounced back and I think they will continue to move forward and play their games.”

After the match with the Patriots last Thursday, the Trojans will have about a 10-day layoff between matches. They are scheduled to play Liberty on the road Saturday and then finish their regular season next week with three matches.

“We are looking forward to getting past a long stretch of no play (practices or games) because of COVID protocol,” said Trumbauer. “We have been in contact with each other throughout this time and remain focused on returning to the court and picking up where we left off after our win at Freedom on Thursday night.”

Trumbauer highlighted some of the positive play of some of his players of late.

“JT Siggins has been playing really well for us,” Trumbauer said. “His efficiency and aggressive play has really been paying off for us. Mason Bergstein has been setting well recently too. When he is up, our team plays up, and vice versa. Ben Robbins has also really stepped up for us lately especially from the service line. He has had two very long runs of service points which lead to him continuing to put the pressure on Whitehall late in the match. His confidence has definitely helped us lately.”