The Emmaus boys' lacrosse team watched each of its previous two seasons end with district championships.

When 2015 begins and the Hornets start their chase for that third consecutive district crown, there will be both familiar faces returning and key departures that need to be replaced.

The Hornets (18-5 overall in 2014) believe they are ready for that challenge as the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference schedule opens next week.

"[The goals are the] same as always: EPC title, District 11 title, and hopefully have a chance to make noise in the PIAA state tournament come June," said Emmaus head coach Scott Ketcham. "It would be nice [to earn the three-peat], but teams like Easton and Parkland will be very good this year. We need a lot of work before we can beat those teams."

The Hornets' biggest loss comes on offense, as graduate Nick Tonno has moved on to play at Albright College. He led the Hornets a season ago with 62 goals and added 20 assists.

Midfielder Peter Conway (42 goals and 24 assists) and specialist Nate Kraemer(both first-team league selections last year)have also graduated. Zach Bernhard (now playing at Belmont Abbey College) and Brendan McGeary were also 12th graders in 2014, and junior Mitch Wilson won't be in action this season due to a number of injuries.

Ketcham is hoping the Hornets' depth helps fill those voids across the field.

"[Our strength is] our depth at every position on the field," Ketcham said. "[It is] more of a thanks to our youth programs at [Lower Macungie Youth Association] that give us kids with the necessary skill set to play the game at the higher level that we need."

One the contrary, Emmaus brings back its biggest name on the defensive side of the ball. Last year's Most Valuable Player in the Lehigh Valley Conference, senior Claude Bradshaw allowed just one goal against him in conference games.

"Claude is a special player that can carry a team at points in time in a game," Ketcham said. "He's been on the field since his sophomore year, and that type of experience is almost unheard of."

Patrick Camilli returns as the Hornets' top returning scorer after finishing 2014 with 34 goals and 20 assists. Collin Tucker, who added 28 goals last season, will be pivotal in the Hornets' scoring department as well.

Andrew Davidson and Jake Baker also return looking to make an impression in 2015.

Matt Horton returns in goal for Emmaus after receiving EPC First-Team honors.

"This is Matt's second year starting," Ketcham said. "When you can return an all-conference goalie, you are a very lucky coach. It's been a pleasure to work with him for the past four seasons."

Sophomore attacker Jared Baker, sophomore defender Braedy Labar, sophomore midfielder Tyler Corpora and junior attacker Ed Kelly are newcomers to the team that could have a big impact.

The Hornets were scheduled to host Manheim Township on Tuesday; those results were not available at time of press. Emmaus welcomes Allentown Central Catholic on Friday to open the EPC schedule. Game time is at 6:30 p.m.