The Parkland High School boys volleyball team was glad to see competition return last year after the 2020 season was canceled due to the pandemic. The Trojans won the District 11 Class 3A title and were the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference runner-up last season. They finished with a 21-3 overall record, falling to eventual state champion Central Daupin in the first round of the PIAA playoffs. It was the first district title for the Trojans since 2016.

Parkland looks to be one of the favorites to repeat as district champions and contend for the conference title. Head coach Scott Trumbauer brings back most of his lineup from that 2021 team.

“A core of returners played key roles in the District 11 championship run last year,” said Trumbauer. “We return some really good athletes who can play very physically. We also return, and add, a lot of ball control which will help our offense stay in system more often, which will lead to more efficient play.”

Some of those returnees include seniors Matt Bauer (outside hitter), Lukas Dashukewich (opposite hitter), Alexander Lebo (outside hitter), Adam Pursell (middle hitter), Azhar Sumar (defensive specialist) and junior Chase Robbins (outside hitter/setter).

Along with those experienced players, Trumbauer will also have a few newcomers that will look to make their marks in the program. They include senior Prince Patel (defensive specialist), junior Isaac Uthuppan (setter) and sophomores Brady Hayward (middle hitter), Ahmad Jaffer (defensive specialist), Owen Rodgers (opposite hitter), Luke Smith (middle hitter), Kumayl Soonasra (defensive specialist) and William Stiles (setter).

“We have a lot of youth on the varsity roster this year, but all of the kids are very skilled and ready to contribute,” Trumbauer said. “It will just take some time and reps for some of our guys to get match ready and contribute at a high level.”

Parkland is looking to win the EPC championship this season and capture back-to-back district championships for the first time since 2015-16.

“Like every year, the team is looking to compete for championships,” said Trumbauer. “I believe the EPC will be very deep this year with a number of teams competing for league and district championships. It is not going to be easy getting back to the league and district title matches. Every opponent will be tough, but that will make us stronger.”

Parkland opens its season against Whitehall on Friday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m., at Parkland High School.