The Emmaus girls lacrosse team graduated seven key players from last year's team, all of which either started or saw significant playing time.

While the Hornets are trying to fill those holes this season, several players return that were a big part of last season's 11-10 team that won a league playoff game and qualified for the District 11 tournament.

The team graduated three players that combined for 169 points last year in Dakota Walck, Kayla Mack and Sami Abel. This year's team features four seniors, a few experienced juniors and a large group of sophomores and freshmen that will help the varsity team.

"We have a good backbone and good leadership," said Emmaus head coach Nancy DeBellis.

The team's four seniors are Mikelle Wills, Tara Tracchio, Elizabeth Mitchell and Morgyn Hady. Juniors Destanee Watkins, Jenny Fritz, Grace Sullivan and Morgan Schantz all saw time last season and could see increased roles this year.

Walkins, Tracchio, Wills and sophomore Madalyn Dorn will be the core of this team's midfield unit.

Mitchell and Shantz will be part of a defense that DeBellis expects to be quick and athletic this season. Sophomore goal keeper Cristina Carotenuto returns after starting in the net last season.

Kendall Conrad, Sadie Ouelette and Holly Brinkman are part of a class of 13 sophomores, some of which got playing time last season.

Emmaus earned league and district playoff berths last season and hopes to get even further this season.

"The goal is always to get to district and conference championships," sadi DeBellis. "We've been contenders in the past and we still want to be contenders this year. We have a good, strong out of conference schedule. We want to play the best teams. That's how you get better."