It was a strong beginning for the Whitehall girls soccer team as they rolled into October still undefeated, but they couldn’t sustain that magic toward the end of the year as they lost in the semifinals in both leagues and districts.

The Zephyrs came out of the gate rolling, chalking up 12 wins as September closed. They had scored 47 goals during that span and were tops among a strong group of teams in the Skyline Division of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. One of those wins came against Parkland whose dominance in the league had recently been shattered by Emmaus, ending their 70-game EPC winning streak. Whitehall followed with a 3-1 victory over the Trojans and were now securely atop the division as the month ended.

But Nazareth came into the Zephyrs Sports Complex on Oct. 1 and handed them a 1-0 loss. From that point, they went 5-3, with two of those losses coming in the postseason, their playoff fate sealed with a 1-0, overtime loss to Easton in the District XI 4A semifinals. That was the their second overtime postseason defeat as they lost in a shootout to Nazareth in the EPC semifinals.

Head coach Chris Bleam said that the girls had a great season, noting that the postseason was marked by bounces that just didn’t go their way. Earlier in the year they were getting those fortunate bounces en route to those 12 wins without a loss. However, he cautioned everyone as they started stacking up wins, that they could have easily been 0-5 instead of 5-0. The Allentown Central Catholic and Freedom games were won in overtime, and the other three games were competitive as well.

When they got into the postseason, they ran into Caitlyn Lazzarini who turned away a number of excellent chances in the EPC semis, and then couldn’t find that fortunate bounce against Easton in the district semifinals.

“We had a number of good scoring chances, both in regulation and the overtime,” said Bleam about the Red Rover contest. “We just didn’t get the right bounces.”

They lost both those games by a goal, and the district loss ended their season, finishing the year at 17-4.

“The kids should be proud of what they did, for sure,” said Bleam.

They’ll graduate four seniors, all of whom play significant roles for the Zephyrs this season.

That group includes Erica Juliano, a first team EPC all-star selection. Juliano was a four-year starter for the Zephs, three of those playing under Bleam’s tutelage. Bleam said that she emerged as a team leader, her play on the back line, and throughout the field, leading to those postseason accolades.

“She’s just a complete player,” said Bleam.

He said that she’s both a super kid and super player, and regards the senior as the best center back in District 11, a claim affirmed by many of his colleagues in the league.

Bleam said that her departure will leave big shoes to fill, but they have a talented pool of underclassmen ready in the wings.

Kylie Saliby, another first team all-star, also departs. Bleam said that Saliby, who played center/midfield, was a tireless worker on the field. She finished with eight goals and six assists, and was another complete player, according to Bleam.

“She did a fantastic job,” said Bleam.

Saliby, another four-year starter, also handled a lot of their corners, converting a number of them into assists as well as goals.

Hope Millets also graduates. Milletts, a forward, was really outstanding for the Zephs this season. Bleam said that they really needed her to play big for the Zephs this year, and she responded with eight goals. She also provided the winning assist in their overtime victory against Freedom.

Bleam said that Milletts, who was three-year starter for the Zephs, acted as the team’s barometer, noting that when Hope was playing well, the team was playing well.

“She’s just a kid that’s really motivated,” said Bleam. “She’s just a pleasure to be around.”

Finally, Bailey Hess also exits the program. Bleam said that Hess emerged as a starter this year and displayed the most growth of any of their players. Hess scored some key goals this season, including a clincher against Parkland in their first meeting.

“She made a big contribution this year,” said Bleam. “There was a lot of development.”

While those four impacted the game, and their loss will be deeply felt, the Zephyrs have the bulk of their roster returning.

That includes league MVP Kate Bonshak who finished with 25 goals and seven assists. She now has 65 goals heading into her senior season.

They also have Sofia Pittas, a left back, who is a three-year starter, as well as Ella Holmes whose versatility allows her to play all over the field.

They’ll also return Abby Vivian, a two-year starter, along with Ellisar Khalil and Alyssa Marsteller, all of whom logger plenty of varsity minutes this season.

They’ll also have Grace Clary back in goal. Bleam said that Clary’s been improving every year, and will be a provide a big boost to their defense.

Factor in some talented eighth graders ready to move up to varsity, and next year looks bright.

“I think the future is optimistic,” said Bleam.

The Zephyrs had three players earn spots on the EPC all-star teams. Erica Juliano, Kylie Saliby and Kate Bonshak were all elected as first team all-stars, with Bonshak earning the league’s MVP award.