The Emmaus High School boys volleyball postseason ended just like its regular season did, with a defeat to rival Parkland. Even still, the Green Hornets, under a first-year head coach in Jeff Elsea, accomplished many of their goals while being under new leadership. The torch was passed by previous head coach Ken Dunkle, and Emmaus remained one of the top teams in District 11.

The Green Hornets finished the 2022 season with a 14-5 overall record and a 13-3 record in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. They qualified for both the EPC and District 11 3A tournaments.

“I’m proud of the season we had and accomplishing our goals of playing in the postseason tournaments,” said Elsea. “The league was tough this season, with every match being competitive, and we had to bring our best game to each match. To be one of the few teams to qualify for the conference and district tournaments is a great accomplishment.”

The final match against the Trojans in the district semifinals last Tuesday night was decided in straight sets by scores of 25-20, 25-21 and 25-20. It was a stark contrast to the regular season finale between the two teams that went the distance to five sets, with Parkland being able to pull that one off in the end.

“They’re a great team,” Elsea said. “It showed as they are the conference champs. They brought their best stuff in districts and we were just a step behind. I’m proud of our guys’ efforts, but it just wasn’t enough unfortunately.”

Elsea highlighted some of his similar standout performers in this one.

“I thought that some standouts in the match were both our middles Noah Parker and Jametric Harris,” Elsea said. “Both had outstanding games between blocks and kills. Ben Maskiell also had a great game with assists and kills.”

Even with no gold this season to look at after winning the EPC and District 11 crowns last year, there is still a lot to look forward to for Elsea and his Green Hornets program. Emmaus will graduate just two seniors from this year’s roster, both Maskiell and Parker.

“We have a good number of starters that will be returning next year,” said Elsea. “I will have one more season under my wings with this group and we will have some experience back in the lineup that played in postseason matches this year. We should be back in this spot next year.”