The Parkland High School boys volleyball team squared off with fellow state powerhouse Exeter Township, which was ranked third in Pennsylvania, and the Trojans also had an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference match against Freedom to highlight last week.

The Trojans suffered their first setback of the 2024 regular season in the match with the Eagles, where they fell in straight sets by scores of 23-25, 19-25, 14-25 at home last Wednesday, March 27. Parkland bounced back with a conference victory at Freedom in straight sets by scores of 25-18, 25-18 and 25-14.

Exeter Township gave Parkland its first match loss since the 2022 season. The Eagles held on for a close win in the opening set and then gradually improved on each of the next two sets to earn the victory.

But the Trojans remained unbeaten in conference play, taking down the Patriots in straight sets. Senior opposite hitter Owen Rodgers led the offensive attack with six kills and had two blocks defensively, and junior opposite hitter Josh Nation recorded five kills and three blocks. Senior middle hitter Luke Smith added five kills and two blocks, while senior setter Will Stiles helped to keep the offense flowing with 32 assists.

Parkland, which is 3-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference, hosted Dieruff in a conference match this past Wednesday and played at Southern Lehigh Thursday. The Trojans will compete in the Bobcat Invitational this weekend at Northeastern High School. On Saturday, they will face Dallastown, Ambridge, Northern York and Pennsbury in pool play.

There are currently just four teams in the EPC that are undefeated, including Parkland, Northampton, Emmaus and Nazareth.