The Parkland High School boys volleyball team really got its money’s worth in its two opening state tournament matches, as both matches went to five sets. In their first round matchup, Parkland defeated District 3’s third-place team, Red Lion, in five sets by scores of 25-16, 25-16, 18-25, 25-27 and 15-6. In the quarterfinal round last Saturday, Parkland took down District 1 champ Pennsbury in five sets by scores of 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 18-25 and 15-12. In the match with Red Lion, it looked as if Parkland would take care of business quickly, winning the first two sets. But the Lions answered and won the next two, forcing a deciding, fifth set. But the Trojans didn’t want their year to come to an end in the opening round and raced out to a 7-1 advantage and took the match. Josh Nation tallied 24 kills, six blocks and 14 digs. Owen Rodgers finished with 17 kills and six blocks. Luke Smith recorded nine kills and 10 blocks. Alex Wilby contributed 11 kills and eight digs. Will Stiles added 51 assists and 12 digs. Brady Hayward had five blocks and Kumayl Soonasra notched 29 digs. Four days later, Parkland was once again taken to the brink of elimination after winning the opening two sets, only to answer when it mattered most and take the final set to advance into the final four. Parkland, which improved its overall record to 20-3, advanced to the semifinal round and final four of states and faced District 3’s one seed, Central York, this past Tuesday night. The Panthers defeated both Unionville and Delaware Valley in the opening two rounds to get to the semis.